Sustainable Cedar: A Journey Into the Heart of the Cederberg

Sometimes you cross paths with people whose work just leaves you absolutely inspired.

That’s exactly what happened when I met Dawie - the founder and force behind Sustainable Ceder, an NPC with a simple mission: to save, protect, and repopulate the critically endangered Clanwilliam cedar.

Last week, I was lucky enough to escape the office and head into the Cederberg with Tim, our now former Head of Sustainability. Swapping laptops for the mountain, this kind of trip reminds me how lucky i am to do what i do. During this trip we spent time with Dawie and his family, learning about their initiative firsthand and soaking in the land they’re fighting so passionately to restore.

The famous Cederberg turn-off

What is Sustainable Ceder?

The Clanwilliam cedar (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) once stood proudly across the Cederberg mountains. Today, it stands on the edge - critically endangered after decades of over-harvesting, frequent fires, and environmental pressure. Founded in 2023, Sustainable Ceder aims to change that trajectory.

Their mission, taken directly from their website: To actively re-establish a self-sustaining population of Clanwilliam cedars within their indigenous range, ensuring their survival for generations to come.

See their website here: https://sustainableceder.org/

Driehoek: Where Conservation Meets Community

During our stay, Dawie, his wife, and their two kids welcomed us onto their land -  a special place called Driehoek, a family-friendly nature resort nestled between the mountain peaks. The accommodation they run forms a vital part of Sustainable Ceder’s operations, with its profits helping fuel their cedar-repopulation efforts.

Driehoek is a beautiful oasis with rockpools overlooking the Cederberg mountains. Afternoons were spent cooling off here and chilling under the trees next to the river.

If you're craving a meaningful getaway that directly supports conservation, Driehoek is the perfect escape.

Check them out here: https://cederberg-accommodation.co.za/

Day 1: 

After a four-hour drive (after many wrong turns) Tim and I finally pulled into the farm. Dawie and his family greeted us warmly, and we headed straight down to the river for a much-needed cool-off under the canopy of Ceder trees. After 30 minutes you immediately feel a sense of peace and the slow-life over there.

Tim giving a ‘Shaka’ in our much needed cool-off after the long drive. Just 1 of the many swimming spots Dawie has on his land.

Later that afternoon, Dawie took us on a tour of his world. From historical buildings filled with century-old artefacts to the small patches of farmland scattered across his property, every corner of the property reflected the love and attention with which this family moves through the world. 

‘Old ceder tree seedlings’

A nursery where Dawie begins the ceder life journey. In this nursery, Dawie had over 8000 cedar saplings, accounting for roughly 34% of the entire Clanwilliam Cedar tree population.

Beyond restoring cedars, they also make raw organic honey, produce wine, and care for a whole family of friendly animals roaming free - amongst them some very funny looking Alpacas and two of the cutest dogs I have ever seen, simply living their best life.

As the day drew to a close, we settled in for a proper South African braai with Dawie and his family. Sitting on the grass, we watched the last light wash over the ridges and paint the tips of the ancient ceder trees. The light really hits different in the open landscape of the Cederberg.

Day 2

The next day, started fresh and early - 5am saw us lacing up our shoes and greeting Dawie at the edge of bushes filled with sunbirds and the gentle morning light. Dawie led us straight into the mountains for a three-hour hike that unfolded the land in layers. At the top, tucked into a cave, we sipped coffee and ate rusks while staring out over a view that felt almost unreal - a tapestry of old and new fields, historic buildings and wild vegetation and mountains stretching out in the valley below.

Along the way, every turn came with a new insight. Dawie pointed out cedars that had survived for centuries, standing proud, as well as tiny seedlings planted just days before. I like to believe I am relatively fit, but keeping up with Dawie as he went steaming up the mountain was a harder task than I imagined. Tim and I were constantly worried we had lost the man.

Walking among trees older than many human generations forces something inside of you to pause. We felt immense privilege and responsibility to take action before its too late.

Dawie in his natural habitat

We owe a big thanks to Dawie, his family and the Cederberg for welcoming us with open arms into their special place. Allowing us to learn and help shine a light on important projects like Sustainable Ceder. 

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact this holiday season, a stay at Driehoek is a beautiful way to support their mission. 

Until next time, and hopefully many many Cedar trees later.

Dante Bossi

Marketing Coordinator.