Although
this extraordinary mountain range is only a
three-hour drive north of Cape Town, it feels
very far from civilisation. Many people find
solace in this wilderness and spiritual retreats
are often facilitated in these mountains. Its
infinite space and solitude seems to inspire
inner peace and tranquillity.
The
area is abundant in the oldest type of human
art form- rock paintings and engravings - many
of which have never been discovered. It is quite
possible when hiking in the area, to find Bushmen
paintings in caves and on overhangs, which have
remained unseen for thousands of years. The
paintings show handprints, hunting and sleeping
figures, and animals such as elephants that
used to roam the area. It is presumed that Shamans,
in a trance-like state, were the artists.
The
Cederberg has areas of grasslands and rocky
bushland and many rivers coursing through -
some only flow after winter rains, while others
are perennial. On the Bushmans Kloof estate
in the northern Cederberg, are several dams
which bring relief to grazing animals during
the intense summer heat.
In
a deep valley within the Cederberg mountains
is a village that time has almost forgotten.
Wuppertal is a picture postcard whitewashed
village of thatched cottages, which was a Rhenish
Mission Station. It is amazing to think that
as far back as 1830, missionaries found this
isolated spot and taught their flock millinery
skills, shoemaking, joinery and thatching. This
little place is now renowned for its hand-made
‘velskoene’ soft leather shoes,
and tannin-free herbal Rooibos (red bush) tea,
which comes from a reed grown around here. |