Cederberg boulders

The fynbos biome includes much that is unique in small parts of its diverse range. Rock and the direction or gradient of a slope affect the reach of sunlight and shade during the day and through the seasons, impacting plant growth. Rain and soil patterns contribute to unusual microclimates favouring particular vegetation mixes in mosaic fashion.

Some such unusual spots are small but repeated often in the countryside, while others are rare, enhancing hiker motivation for discoveries big and small from taking different routes in subsequent visits to particular veld.

Tall rocks appearing strewn in the Cederberg Mountains contribute to forming niches, nooks and crannies where surprise or at least sudden change awaits. A short rest in the shade of a newly met rock yields discoveries of plant and animal novelties that make memories for the day, the trip or the life.

Always good to be careful not to harm or disturb any of them, as if a bemused or displeased face, albeit cast in rock, is watching you. This isn’t always or fully possible, for the hiker is part of the living scene, impacting the environment according to his or her nature.