KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Distance: It’s about 5 km to the Wolfberg Cracks and back (3 – 4 hours). The Wolfberg Arch is another 3,7 km further (7,5 km return). You can walk to the arch and back in a day – set aside at least eight hours. How to get there? Drive north along the N7. When you’re 28 km north of Citrusdal, take the turn-off to CapeNature’s Algeria campsite. Continue along this dirt road for 46 km to Dwarsrivier Farm and Sanddrif Holiday Resort.

Best time to hike? Year-round. Even when it’s blistering hot in summer, it will be cool in the cracks. Start early so you can walk in the shade up the steep hill to the cracks. Pack a hat and sunscreen.

Where do I park my car? There is a parking area at the trailhead. You’ll get a code for the entrance gate. Accommodation? Sanddrif Holiday Resort is close to the Wolfberg Cracks. There are 40 camping stands next to the Matjies River – rates from R320 per night for four people; R80 per extra person; max eight people. Self-catering cottages from R1 360 per night for four people;

R340 per extra person; each unit sleeps 4 – 8 people.

How fit do I need to be? Fairly fit. The first 1,8 km section is steep but not too challenging. In the wide crack, there are some rocks that will require upper body strength to climb over. If you’re claustrophobic, rather skip the narrow crack and walk through the wide crack. Water? There’s no water along the route. Carry at least two litres of water per adult if you do the day hike, and three litres per adult if you’re staying overnight.

Cost: Day permit for Wolfberg Cracks: R70 per adult; R40 per child under 14. Day permit for Wolfberg Cracks and Arch: R100 per adult; R60 per child. You can get these permits at Sanddrif.

To overnight at the arch, you also need an overnight permit (R140 per adult) and have to pay a conservation fee (R60 per adult) at the CapeNature office at Algeria or online at capenature.co.za Contact: Sanddrif 027 482 2825; sanddrif.co.za; CapeNature

087 087 8250; capenature.co.za