101 Trail Guide | 2010

Dagga Three Sisters | Cedarville Scenic

The Dagga Three Sisters Trail and the Cedarville Scenic are situated in in the sandstone veins of the Cedarberg (no, not the Cederberg, that’s in the Western Cape) in the foothills of the Drakensberg.
Added together, the trails offer a great getaway, with equal parts tranquility, adrenalin and history.Whereas the Cedarberg Scenic trail is essentially on farm roads most suited to softroaders, the Dagga Three Sisters Trail is for those who are more adventurous.
Rated 3-5, the Dagga trail is a guided trail that takes you to the Three Sisters, a trio of peaks in the Drakensberg.High ground clearance and low-range are essential, as the trail passes through some rocky gorges that require skill and precise navigation.
The gorges get especially interesting after the rains. But it’s worth it for the views.
Along the trail you can see lots of different bird species and animals, as well as Bushman paintings.
The farm has zebra, blesbok, red hartebeest, common reedbuck and mountain reedbuck.
Upon arrival, travellers are equipped with a map and GPS waypoints. It is recommended that you take recovery equipment.
For those with a little less heart to get down and dirty, there are hiking trails where you can experience the scenery, fauna and flora first-hand.
Cedarberg Guest Farm has facilities that are large enough for conferences, workshops as well as country weddings.

What you need to know

Accommodation:
Fully equipped self-catering facilities are available. There are three rooms in the farmhouse for guests who would prefer a B&B experience (on request), as well as a grassed campsite with full ablutions.

What else:
Horse riding, hunting (ducks), fishing, quad biking and mountain biking.

Contact:
Gerrie Nel
083 262 5464,
039 757 5535;
gerrie@futurenet.co.za,
www.cedarbergguestfarm.co.za

Nearest town: Cedarville (8 km)

Best time to go: All year round

Trail distance: Various options: 80 km

How long will I be driving? 6-8 hours

GPS: S30.42585 E29.02731

Full Review | Geoff Levey (February 2007)

Dagga Three Sisters | Cedarville Scenic

Nearest town Cedarville
Contact Mr Gerrie Nel
Tel 039 757 5535
Cell 083 262 5464
Fax 039 757 5535
E-mail gerrie@futurenet.co.za
Website www.wheretostay.co.za/cedarberg
Best time of year All year round
Maximum vehicles 8
Route distance Various options: 80 km (6-8 hrs) to a few days.
GPS points Turnoff  from R56: S30.38826 E29.02277
Turnoff to farm: S30.42211 E29.00928
Reception: S30.42585 E29.02731

Nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains and in the sandstone veins of the Cedarberg (no, not the Cederberg, that's in the Western Cape), the Cedarville Scenic route offers a new and exciting yet relaxing getaway.

The 4x4 route takes you not only on a journey of tranquility but also one of history, discovered by those who look deep into the past of this beautiful location.

Travellers with an open eye will experience the long forgotten rock art and tradition of the indigenous people of this area.

The farms trails are called the Cedarberg Scenic route.Trails are available on the farm which are suitable for soft-roaders. For the more adventurous, the Cedarville 4x4 Dagga Route is a must. The trail is rated 3-5. High ground clearance and low range is essential because the trail goes through rocky gorges and really gets interesting after the rains.

The Dagga route takes one to the foothills of the “Three Sisters”, a trio of peaks, and traveling down the gorge takes great skill and navigation as this route is rated a 3-5 (depending on the weather conditions).

Travellers are equipped with a map and GPS waypoints, and a guide will accompany the vehicles. Recovery equipment is recommended.

These routes offer the guests the peace and serenity that every “city slicker” longs for and with a watchful eye one can encounter magical moments.

For those with a little less heart to get down and dirty, there are hiking trails available to experience the scenery, fauna and flora close up and first hand. Cedarberg Guest Farm also has facilities for conferences / workshops and country weddings.

The views are stunning and one gets a good look at the 3 sisters, a trio of peaks in the Drakensberg mountains. Along the trail one can see some bushman paintings and lots of different bird species as well as animals. The farm has zebra, Blesbuck, red hartebeest, common reed buck and mountain reedbuck.

WHY I LOVED IT
It is situated in a tranquil location offering a relaxing and get-away-from-it-all experience.

WHERE TO STAY
The accommodation has a 2 Star grading from the Tourism Board of SA.

• Fully equipped self-catering facilities are available. The rooms are very comfortable and tastefully decorated, TV and a “stoep” to sit on having sundowners while the sun sets over the mountains.
• There are 3 rooms available in the farm house for the guests who would rather have B&B (on request).
• Grassed campsites are available with full ablutions close by.

WHAT ELSE
There are various other activities available viz. horseriding, hunting (ducks), fishing, quad biking and mountain biking.
Cedarberg Farm also caters for country weddings and conferences.

SPECIALIST PACKING
Recovery equipment is recommended as it can get muddy after it rains.
Otherwise, hats, sun screen, binocs, food and refreshments.