Page 221 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

THE WEST C O AST  219

Rock Formations of the Cederberg

During the Palaeozoic pre-Karoo period several hundred million years ago, the
formations that over time became the Cape Folded Mountains were under water.
Of the sandstones, shales and quartzites of these Cape formations, Table Mountain
sandstone was the most resilient. In the Karoo Period, tectonic forces produced the
crumpled folds of the Cape mountains. Subsequent ero sion wore away the soft rock,
leaving the harder layer. The resulting forma tions can be seen today in the Ceder berg’s
twisted landscape. The original grey-coloured sand stone of the bizarre terrain has
fre quently been stained a rich red by iron oxides.
The Maltese Cross
This unusual rock formation, a
day’s hike from Dwarsrivier Farm
(Sanddrif), con sists partly of
Table Mountain sand stone.
More resistant to erosion, it forms
the upper portion of the cross.

Hiking
Paths made by woodcutters
some 100 years ago now
provide access for hikers.

Softer layers erode faster,
causing a thinner base.
Cederberg Cedar
Some 8,000 trees are planted
annually to ensure the survi val
of this endemic species. The
cedars were once widely used
to make telephone poles.

The scree slope is composed
of fallen debris from above.
Wolfberg Cracks
Lovely views greet hikers Wolfberg Arch
at the Wolfberg Cracks, The majestic Wolfberg
a 75­minute walk from Arch is the Cederberg’s
the Wolfberg Arch. most unique formation.
A favourite with photo­
graphers, it provides a
natural frame for
Bizarre rock memorable images.
sculptures
supported on
brittle pillars.
Cracks are caused by The arch, 30 m (98 ft) high, overlooks
the expansion and a region known as the Tankwa Karoo.
contraction of the rock.
Erosion
Over aeons, wind and water
have carved the Cederberg into
a fairytale landscape. Pin nacles,
arches and fissures resemble the
strange castles of another world,
while the rock outcrops seem
alive with gargoyles and goblins.

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