Middleberg Waterfall | Cederberg South Africa

Hiking Middleberg Waterfall - Cederberg South Africa Hiking Middleberg Waterfall

Cederberg South Africa

Overview

RATING: Easy Hiking
SEASON: Any, hot in the summer
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
Dassie hanging out along the hike.

Dassie hanging out along the hike.

Middleberg Waterfall was my introduction to hiking in the Cederberg area and I think makes a good intro to the area. The hiking is steep and hot in summer months, but the waterfall destination makes a great cooling off spot. If visiting in the summer, start early! The views and waterfall make this a prime destination and good family hike if everyone can make the steep hike.

The trail starts from Algeria Campground and visitor center. This is an excellent campground, and a good spot to start your visit in the Cederberg area and get information on current conditions.

Note: Some hikes and hut trips in the area require permits. Be sure to inquire at the visitor center to make sure you have any necessary permits. No permit was needed for Middleberg Waterfall on our visit.
Big views across the valley.

Big views across the valley.

Getting There

Reaching Algeria Campsite starts from the N7. From Clanwilliam go west to the N7 and travel south about 25 km. Turn left onto the road signed for Algeria and follow it about 18 km to the Algeria Campsite and Visitor Center.

Waterval sign

Waterval sign

Route

From the campground follow the road (crossing the stream) to the highest campsite where the road is closed and the trail begins. Just after leaving the campground, the road splits. Go right, crossing a small stream on some concrete pipes. Right after this crossing, the trail reaches a signed junction. Go left here toward Middleberg Falls.

The trail begins a long gradual ascent up the hillside. About 30-40 minutes from the trailhead another junction is reached. Go right here. Left goes down to the stream. The trail begins a series of steep zig-zags before reaching a final signed junction. Go left a short distance down to the falls proper.

Return the same way, or go right at the junction that is at the bottom of the zig-zags. That trail crosses the stream, then descends back to the campground on the other side of the drainage from the approach trail.


Maps

Printable Maps:

Trailhead Parking (Bathroom)

34H 317544mE 6416425mN

S32° 22' 27" E19° 03' 38"

Trail

34H 317843mE 6416452mN

S32° 22' 27" E19° 03' 50"

Cross Stream

34H 317894mE 6416510mN

S32° 22' 25" E19° 03' 52"

Junction - Left

34H 317922mE 6416492mN

S32° 22' 25" E19° 03' 53"

Junction - Right

34H 318411mE 6417454mN

S32° 21' 54" E19° 04' 12"

Final Junction - Left

34H 318604mE 6417630mN

S32° 21' 49" E19° 04' 19"

Falls

34H 318600mE 6417834mN

S32° 21' 42" E19° 04' 19"

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