There’s something about the Cederberg that gets under your skin. Here, the elements of nature aren’t just a backdrop; they breathe life into the experience, shaping every moment. The earth, ancient and wise, stretches out in ochre-hued rock formations and fynbos-covered valleys. The air, crisp and scented with wild herbs, fills your lungs as you mountain bike through untouched wilderness. The fire of the sun ignites the sky in a blaze of gold at sunset, only to be echoed later in the flickering flames of the boma. And the water, cool and restorative, offers a welcome retreat in the heat of the day, whether in the lodge’s pools or a refreshing sip of locally sourced rooibos tea.

Like all Simbavati properties, Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge embodies the philosophy of Africalm – a deep sense of presence where body, mind, and spirit align. Each lodge in the collection shares this ethos, yet each remains distinct, shaped by the landscape it calls home. And here, in this vast, rugged terrain of the Cederberg Mountains, it’s the elements that define the experience. An experience I know firsthand; a place where nature doesn’t just surround you, but draws you in.

From the first moment I arrived, I understood how this connection to the elements is not just felt but built into the very fabric of the lodge, crafted by architect and interior designer Nina Erasmus. Inspired by the raw beauty of the surroundings, she created a space where the boundaries between indoors and out dissolve. With 11 spacious rooms and suites, and a central lodge with a restaurant, bar and living space, each follows this philosophy. Earthy tones and natural textures mirror the rocky terrain, while expansive glass doors pull the wilderness inside. The fire-warmed lounge, with its ‘sink-into-me’ furniture and coffee table books about the region, became my perfect retreat. And the views – endless mountains that shift in light – were as much a part of the experience as the lodge itself.

Earth’s Heartbeat: A Landscape Carved by Time

The Cederberg landscape is ancient, its history written in ochre-streaked rock formations and the whispers of wind over time-sculpted outcrops. The lodge itself stands on one of the oldest farmlands in the region, now a testament to resilience and vision after a fire destroyed the family home in 2013. Rather than rebuilding, the family transformed tragedy into an opportunity, founding Simbavati Cederberg Ridge to share the area’s history with others. The ongoing restoration of the land to its natural state, where fynbos flourish and wildlife thrive, is central to the lodge’s vision. A guided hike through the reserve revealed the quiet resilience of this land – fragrant buchu underfoot, sandstone formations, and klipspringer tracks weaving through the rocks.

Beyond the trails, earth’s gifts extend to the plethora of activities on offer. Whilst we opted for a morning guided hike, others traded boots for baskets, exploring the lodge’s citrus and grape farm, learning the rhythms of harvest before tasting sun-ripened fruit straight from the source. A short drive away, a rooibos farm tour offered another glimpse into the land’s bounty – this humble tea, now globally sought after, thriving in the region’s harsh yet generous conditions.

For those with more time to spend here, there is the option to venture further and spend the whole day hiking in the beauty of the Cederberg with these incredible guides, exploring the rock art formations, where San paintings, some thousands of years old, tell stories of survival, spirituality, and connection to the land.

The lodge’s team curates each guest’s stay to match their interests, whether an active adventure or a slower-paced immersion in nature. Their deep knowledge and passion ensure that every experience is tailored and that every guest’s time spent here is a reflection of the land’s gifts and its rich heritage.

And while the landscape provides, the lodge gives back. In a quiet corner of the farm, a preschool stands as a testament to community care. Once a government-funded school that closed due to lack of resources, it was revived by the lodge’s owners to educate the children of farm workers. Today, thanks to guest-generated revenue, it has expanded to welcome children from the wider community, providing a foundation for a brighter future and reflecting the lodge’s commitment not only to restoring the land but to supporting the people who call it home.

Breathing the Wild: The Invigorating Air of the Cederberg

The Cederberg air is different – charged with the scent of wild herbs and the thrill of endless space. I felt it most on our morning hike, where the sky stretched boundlessly above us and the silence was broken only by the crunch of our footsteps. It was the kind of air that made you feel awake, present, alive.

The most magical moment, though, came at night. One evening, all the lights at the lodge were turned off for a stargazing experience. In the absence of light pollution, the Milky Way spilt across the sky in breathtaking clarity. As our guide traced constellations and myths, I lay back, breathing in the cool night air, feeling weightless – a tiny part of something infinite.

Igniting Connection: Where Fire Meets Stories and Sunsets

Evenings at Cederberg Ridge begin with fire – first in the sky, as the sun sinks behind the mountains in a blaze of crimson and gold, and then in the boma, where flickering flames cast a warm glow over pre-dinner drinks. There’s something about the flickering flames that invites conversation, connection, and relaxation. Sitting around the fire with fellow guests, I felt the warmth not just from the flames, but from the shared experience – the laughter, the stories, and reflections on the adventures we’d had that day. The atmosphere was intimate as if the fire itself was a portal to stories as old as the mountains surrounding us.

And it is in these evenings that I felt the true essence of Cederberg Ridge: the beauty of simplicity. The flames serve as a reminder of the peace and power of nature, igniting not only the physical warmth but a connection to the land itself.

Water’s Embrace: Sunset Swims and Liquid Tranquility

In the heat of the Cederberg sun, water is a welcome reprieve. The lodge’s two pools offer the perfect spot to soak it all in, but my favourite moment came at sunset. Slipping into the cool, still water, sipping on a glass of beautiful wine, and watching the sky transform above me, I felt something more than just relaxation – I felt stillness, presence, a kind of peace that seeps into your bones.

Even the meals at Cederberg Ridge reflect a deep respect for water and the land. The kitchen embraces the natural surroundings of the Cederberg, infusing the dishes with the essence of the land. From ‘Berg to Plate’, the food incorporates fresh farmed produce from the area, local flavours, and unique cooking techniques. Each meal tells a story of the land’s bounty, from the seasonal ingredients to the innovative ways they are prepared.

I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on homemade goodness. Each morning, we were treated to freshly baked breads, croissants, and Danish pastries that melted in our mouths, and each evening a special treat was left on our pillows as we prepared to sink into an oasis of comfort. And whilst I particularly loved the African spice-infused aubergine steak for dinner one evening, served with black lentils and homegrown citrus to flavour the labneh, it was the chocolate mousse with Amarula gelato and fresh gooseberries that left the longest impression. There’s something so special about food crafted with love and a true connection to the land.

Where the Elements Align: A Symphony of Nature’s Gifts

At Simbavati Cederberg Ridge, the elements shape more than just the landscape—they shape the experience itself. Days unfold to the rhythm of nature, where the scent of fynbos lingers in the air, the crunch of earth echoes underfoot, and golden light dances across the mountains. Here, luxury is about presence, stillness, and the simple pleasures that make a journey unforgettable.

What I love most about this place is how it changes with the seasons. In spring (Sep–Nov), the wildflowers bloom in vibrant displays; summer (Dec–Feb) offers stargazing under clear skies; autumn (March) brings cooler temperatures and lush green landscapes perfect for cultural exploration; and winter (Jun–Aug) wraps you in the cosiness of fireside comfort. No matter the season, Simbavati Cederberg Ridge feels like home – quiet, magical, and full of life.

As we drove away, in the warmth of the South African summer, the dust rising in our wake, I found myself already longing for the quiet magic of a place where nature doesn’t just surround you; it welcomes you home.

W: Simbavati Lodges
T: +27 87 151 4520
E: Reservations

Written by Emma Blunt For Luxuria Lifestyle International