Activities - Alpha Excelsior

Hikes & Trails

The following trails are easily accessible for hiking and rock art viewing:

Waterfall Trail (1 hour round trip) – This trail starts from Alpha Excelsior passing alongside our rooibos tea fields and into our rock “koppie” where there are spectacular rock formations and vistas. Follow the trail and end with a swim in the waterfall. Easy to moderate.
The Sevilla Rock Art Trail (2-3 hours round trip) – Starts from Travellers’ Rest Farm Stall – 5km from Alpha Excelsior. This trail winds along the Brandewyn river and visits 9 sites of rock art paintings left behind by the Khoe-Sān people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. Obtain permits from the farm stall. R40 Adults/children under 12 free of charge.
Heuningvlei Trail (22 – 30km round trip) – This trail follows the donkey cart track from the top of the Pakhuis Pass to the historic village of Heuningvlei. Described as one of the most scenic walks in the Western Cape. Cederberg Wilderness Permit required (available from Kliphuis Campsite). Donkey cart rides can be arranged via the Heuningvlei Tourist office for one way.
Pakhuis Day Hike (13km) – This trail is spectacular with views of the Pakhuis Pass, Faith Peak and Rocklands. Starts and ends at Kliphuis Camp site. Cederberg Wilderness Permit required (available from Kliphuis Campsite).

A-splishing and a-splashing

Take a stroll among the olive groves & vineyards and end with a swim in our beautiful farm dam.

All of our guests are welcome to make use of the facilities at our beautiful farm dam, whether that be swimming, slacklining, kayaking or braaing.

The swimming pool is open 24 hours a day to guests of the cottages and farmhouses.

For a swim on the wilder side – there is an easy to moderate trail to a hidden waterfall about 20 minutes walk from Alpha Excelsior

Activity Queries

Bouldering in Rocklands

The Northern Cederberg with its magnificent sandstone rock formations carved and weathered by the elements over many millennia has become a world renowned bouldering and climbing area.

Whilst there are no boulders on Alpha Excelsior, we are central to most bouldering areas in the valley and the pass, and access to these areas is quick and easy from the farm.

Permits are a must and are available either online (click on the Rocklands logo on our site to take you through to Quicket), or from the office at De Pakhuys, Travellers’ Rest or Kliphuis.

We hire our crash pads per day too – just let us know if you would like to hire when you book.