About Stadsaal Caves
The Stadtsaal, sometimes spelt Stadsaal, caves are a series of ancient inter-leading caves in the Cederberg Wilderness that hold excellent examples of !Xam (more often called San) rock art, in particular paintings of elephant.
Did you know? The caves are called Stadtsaal (Afrikaans for city hall) possibly for the impressively spacious domed cave, into which lead several small passageways and 'foyers' that easily remind one of a city hall.
The !Xam lived in the Cederberg for over 500 000 years, but stopped painting about 200 years ago, disrupted by European colonialists.
You find the caves in Matjiesriver Nature Reserve on the dirt road to Algeria that veers off the N7, 29 km from Citrusdal, to head up the Kriedouw and the Nieuwoudt passes, roughly 5 km down the road from the Algeria camp site, south east of the Clanwilliam Dam.
The area is understandably protected by Cape Nature and a gate bars the entrance to the caves. But your permit, which you may buy from several venues - including Algeria, Driehoek, Sanddrif, Kromrivier, Nuwerus or Oasis farms - comes with a combination for the lock.
And not all the art in the cave is rock art. Much of it is graffiti from more recent South African history. In fact, some of the walls are almost filled with the names of members of the National Party back in 1948 (rumour has it that they met in the caves).
The caves used to belong on a farm owned by the Wagener family who, together with friends Strauss, Scheepers and Conradie, have left their own mark upon the walls.
It seems that man cannot resist a wall.
The immediate craggy, almost other-wordly landscape is filled with eroded rock formations in burnt orange, amber, reds and yellows. Against the blue of the sky, it is incredible; the stuff of photographs. In the background are the Wolfberg Cracks.
Need to Know
WhereStadsaal Caves, 5km from Algeria campsite, Central Cederberg, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
Permit required. Collect at Algeria Office.
Telephone+27 (0)27 482-2403
OvernightStay in Olifants River Valley Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Cederberg
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Olifants River Valley
Taaibos House
Taaibos House sits next to the Groot River, enjoying a view over the river. Enjoy Cederberg accommodation at Mount Ceder, a great wilderness area...
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is located in an untouched wilderness area near Ceres, renowned for its scenic beauty and dramatic rock formations typ...
Puntjie House
Puntjie House is situated at the end of the Tuinskloof ridge and offers Cederberg accommodation at Mount Ceder. It is a great wilderness area wit...
Sneeuberg @ Cederberg Park
Sneeuberg House on the Kromrivier Farm approximately is surrounded by fynbos and majestic orange rock formations. Splash around in the crystal-cl...
Kareeboom House
Kareeboom House offers Cederberg Accommodation at Mount Ceder and is located at the foot of the surrounding mountains. Nestled in a valley of the...
Blinkberg House
Blinkberg House offers Cederberg accommodation nestled on the slopes of Tuinskloof ridge at Mount Ceder. Mount Ceder which lies within easy reach...
Red Fin Cottage
Red Fin Cottage is a serene getaway in the picturesque Koue Bokkeveld, where tranquility meets the beauty of nature. Featuring a cozy cottage wi...
Donkerkloofkop House
Donkerkloofkop House is a two bedroom self-catering house with is a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, inside and outside braai as w...
Krakadouw House
Krakadouw House at Cederberg Park is a two bedroom self-catering house sleeping four adults and two children. It has a a spacious living area, a ...
Things to do in the area
Cederberg Private Cellar
Cederberg Wines are located on the highest lying vineyards in South Africa and their unique location adds something extra special to their wine.W...
Cederberg Astronomical Observatory
In the early 1980s, a British astronomer named Peter Mack, who was working for the SAAO (South African Astronomical Observatory), visited the Ced...
Maltese Cross Walk
In order to walk to the Maltese Cross in the Cederberg you will need to collect a permit which you can do at the Dwarsdrivier Farm, alternatively...
Cederberg Oasis MTB Route
There is nothing more beautiful than riding until your heart is content in the beautiful Cederberg Wilderness Area. This is an intermediate route...
Algeria Forest Station Short Walks
Start: Algeria Forest Station (Cape Nature's Cederberg office), central CederbergFinish: Algeria Forest StationDuration: variousFitness: moderate...
Sevilla Rock Art Trail
Start: Traveller's Rest farm, CederbergFinish: Traveller's Rest farmDuration: 4 km, roughly 3 hours, 9 different rock art sitesFitness: easy, goo...
Pakhuis Trail
Start: Pakhuis PassFinish: Pakhuis PassDuration: 3 nights, 4 days, 40 kmFitness: moderate to difficult; whilst there is no scrambling involved th...
Middelberg Waterfall Walk
Start: Algeria forest station campsiteFinish: Algeria forest station campsiteDuration: 6 km, roughly 3 hours return (but allow for time at the wa...
Pakhuisberg Day Walk
Start: Kliphuis campsiteFinish: Kliphuis campsiteDuration: 13 kmFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: This is one of the routes mapped on the ne...
Accommodation convenient to Stadsaal Caves
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Olifants River Valley Accommodation