Bordering on the Cederberg Wilderness Area, it forms part of the enchanting Cederberg Conservancy and for the last 12 years we, as a family, have been repeatedly drawn to this tranquil farm.

It never fails to revitalise us at the end of a hectic year of work, school and whatever else life has thrown our way. The contrast from the pace of the city is enormously refreshing and it restores us so completely that as each December approaches, we find ourselves yearning once more for the sights, sounds and smells of this alluring Eden.

The Cederberg Area is situated some 200-kilometres north of Cape Town; and Kromrivier is a further 54 km away, the last farm on a dirt road that stretches approximately 50km from the Algeria/Cederberg turnoff on the N7. Although a very bumpy ride in parts, it remains an accessible road for all cars (not just 4x4's, although they do make the going a lot easier), as it winds its way past Algeria, Sanddrif and Dwarsrivier.

The scenery en route is breathtaking, with lush plains contrasting with stretches of flat, rugged terrain and steep mountain passes flanked by majestic and imposing cliffs.

The farm itself is managed by the hospitable Rinda Niewoudt, a member of the legendary family of the same name that has lived in the area for generations. It offers well-positioned camping sites and self-catering cottages that, whilst fairly rudimentary, are equipped with gas hot plates, fridges and microwaves — a nice opportunity to make use of the convenience of Woolies microwave meals!

Activities include bird watching, horse-riding, rock-climbing, stunning walks, hikes up the Wolfberg Cracks and to the Maltese Cross, visiting the famous Observatory just past the Sanddrif farm, and mountain-biking trails. The turquoise blue Disa Pools boast numerous stunning waterfalls and then there are the dark, deep waters at Maalgat, with the much-talked about 12 metre jump off a high ledge that everyone (except me!) loves to fling themselves off.

Personally, I prefer to sloth about, wallowing lazily in crystal clear ponds in the river near our cottage. After enduring inner city madness, constant connectivity and a year's worth of stress build-up, I'd rather float on my lilo on the farm dam and chill out, reading books, mags and enjoying a fine glass of pinotage or chardonnay from the award-winning Cederberg Cellars at the neighbouring Sanddrif farm.

And be prepared, there is no cellphone or wi-fi coverage there, so update your FaceBook status in the car before you lose signal, say goodbye to your Friends and then pack the technology away!

As most people know, the Cederberg is famous for its Bushman Rock Art and in this particular area, the 1000-year-old ancient San Bushman rock paintings can be found at the unique Stadsaal Caves.

Here the rocks, some of which are rich in ancient marine fossils, make spectacular formations and shapes that stand out like sculptural exhibitions in the middle of nowhere. The surrounding landscapes are rich in diverse fauna such as baboon, leopard, aardvark, klipspringers and more than 100 bird species, whilst the flora varies from fynbos to Karoo succulents and the endangered Clanwilliam Cedar tree, a conifer that tends to grow in rocky areas 1000m above sea level.

The area is definitely a photographer's dream-come-true; the myriad of colours of the early morning sunlight and the burnt orange hues created by the setting sun, are something to be seen to be believed and stored forever on celluloid or as an inspiring screensaver!

Stargazing is another favourite pastime. To look up into the night sky and see the known and yet unnamed constellations, galaxies and loads of shooting stars is an unforgettable experience. Each Saturday, weather-permitting, the amateur astronomers at the Observatory give a wonderfully informative talk and outdoor slide show about the wonders of the universe, and a few years back we were fortunate enough to see Saturn clearly encircled by its rings.

One week at Kromrivier and in the Cederberg feels like three weeks away. It restores body, mind and soul and offers something for everyone. I am already counting the months to our return.

For more info
• Visit www.cederberg.co.za
• Call Kromrivier on 027 482 2807 or email namapip@netactive.co.za