Algeria Forest Station - Clanwilliam, Western Cape

Algeria Forest Station is the Cederberg office of Cape Nature Conservation which manages the Cederberg Wilderness area. (This area was badly burnt in early 2009 but it is recovering quickly) It is an idyllic spot to camp or even just to visit for the day with shaded picnic spots and a lovely natural swimming spot in the Rondegat River. The caravan park is spotlessly maintained and has some of the best hiking trails. Whether you want to spend an hour or two on a short walk to the waterfall overlooking the park, or hiking for 40 Kms across the Cederberg Mountains which requires an overnight stop, there is something for everyone to get close to Nature. Sparkling clear water flows down the mountain and right through the centre of the park. The campsite does not have power points and there are spotless ablutions which serve two sections of the camp. In the section alongside the river there are lush grassed sites. Across the river past the natural pool formed by a wier that you have to cross, is another section on the upper slopes.

There is a Cape Nature permit fee, payable at the gate, which needs to be paid in order to picnic and hike. Some of the hikes are listed below.

Waterfall Walk
This is a short, moderately steep climb from the forest station up to the Middelberg waterfall. It is a clearly signposted walk which starts at the end of the campsite. When you are almost at the height of the waterfall, the path splits. You take the path on the left to head to the waterfall where there are beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. There is a small pool for a refreshing dip along with secluded ledges for picnics. Allow one hour to get there and 50 minutes to return, for the work and additional time at the waterfall.

Valley Walk
This a gentle walk from the forest station up the valley towards Uitkyk. It is a clearly signposted walk which starts at the end of the campsite. (When the path to the waterfall goes off to the left, you continue straight on to a grove of pine trees.) The walk along the valley is as long as you would like and the return is on the same route back.

Uitkyk walk
This a gentle walk from the forest station up the valley to Uitkyk Forestry house. It is a clearly signposted walk which starts at the end of the campsite. (When the path to the waterfall forks off to the left, you continue straight on to a grove of pine trees.) You walk all the way to Uitkyk (approx 3.5km) and then return along the road to make a circular walk. The circular walk would take approx 2 hours (7km).

How to get there:
Take the central Cederberg road (approximately 30km past Citrusdal), take the low water bridge over the Olifants river and travel up over the pass to the Algeria Forest Station (approximately 25 mins from the turnoff). Visitors staying in Clanwilliam can also take the road past the Clanwilliam Dam and turn left to travel in to Algeria. (50-60 mins in total). Please contact the Algeria Forest Station (+27-27-4822403) in winter & spring before choosing your route as the low water bridge sometimes floods.

For more information contact:
The Algeria Forest Station   Tel: +27-27-4822403
Or
Clanwilliam Tourism Bureau  Tel: +27-27-4822024

Opening Hours:
Weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00
Saturdays from 08:30 to 12:30
Open public holidays 08:30 to 12:30
Closed on Good Friday, Christmas and New Year