Route 62 ~ Activities

Take a hike through the orchards and vineyards of Amalienstien and view the everyday activities that make up the lives of the inhabitants on this unique settlement.


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	Mountain Biking Route

Barrydale

Quad Bike Trips

Tradouw Quads
On the Tradouw - Barrydale road
Cell: +27(0)82 055 4096
E-mail: wavdmerwe@kingsley.co.za

Tradouw Quads

Our tours are for sight seers and nature lovers. Experience nature in a unique, healthy and thrilling way.

Registered tour guide. Tours available: mountain drives, karoo veld drives, Tradouw Valley tours, farm tours, sunset tours, design your own trip, and fun drives. Accommodation available. Quads available or bring your own. Reservation advisable to avoid disappointment.

Visit our website: www.tquads.co.za

Bonnievale

Golf

Bonnievale Golf Course

Golfers used to playing on very busy courses are particularly struck by the relaxed and unhurried atmosphere to be found here.(more info)

Fishing

Breede River Bassing

Guided Bass Fishing or Birding trips by boat along one of the most beautiful and tranquil stretches of the Breede River near Bonnievale. Our specially built boat "Padda" is equipped with Fish Finder and Electric Motor, enabling us to sneak up quietly on bass or birds. The boat can take a maximum of 5 guests, and is available exclusively to you on any one trip. (more info)

River Trips

Breede River Goose

JOIN US FOR AN IDYLLIC BREEDE RIVER BOAT TRIP, OFFERING:

Safe swimming from THE RIVER GOOSE or shore (bring your own costumes and towels)
Try your luck at catching The Big One (Bass in abundance).
A bird watchers paradise (our feathered friends only)
Refreshments available - extra.
Less than 30 minutes' drive from Montagu, Ashton, Robertson and Swellendam.
Trip only or Trip and a Braai.
Break away from THE RIVER GOOSE by using our paddle ski or dinghy (supplied on request ) (more info)

4x4 Routes

Hessequas 4x4 trail

The track is only about 13km long and takes the best part of the day to complete. There are dongas, water holes, mud pits, rocky mountain climbs, sand, mounds, river beds and articulation testers escape or alternate routes available for most sections. With experienced 4x4 drivers in your group, you''lle be able to conquer all the sections. Quads welcome by prior arrangement only.

Leopard Trail 4x4 and wine tasting

Leopard Trail is a good all-rounder for those who enjoy the outdoor life. Ideal for groups, family gatherings, clubs and nature lovers. Guided tours against the mountain Slopes of the Langeberg with a breath taking view over the Breede River Valley. (more info)

Calitzdorp

P.O. Box 1
Van Wyksdorp, 6690
Tel: +27(0)28 581-2440
Fax: +27(0)28 581-2464
Cell: +27(0)82 581-2461
E-mail: assegaay@akanihotels.com

Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge

It is a world of ravines, kloofs or gorges, cut deep into the mountains by streams lush with green vegetation en teeming wildlife. No matter what your preference, there is an experience for you at Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge. Eco-Tourism: bird-watching, fynbos viewing, hiking/walking trails, stargazing. Adventure experiences: mountain biking, guided 4X4 trails, horse riding, fishing, clay pigeon shooting. Excursions: Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge will assist you in discovering this magnificent region, we will organise, on your request, various trips to: Cango Caves, Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudtshoorn Hot Air Ballooning, Calitzdorp Wine Production – Boplaas & De Krans, Prince Albert via the Swartberg Pass, Cultural Heritage Tour of Van Wyksdorp, Organic Olive & Chilli Tasting. Other activities include conferencing, weddings, corporate team building, and special/theme parties.

Visit our website: www.assegaay.com

Calitzdorp Spa

Calitzdorp Spa is situated about 19.5km from the small town of Calitzdorp. The Spa is well known for its heeling powers and people come from over the world to come and relax in our warm and pleasant waters. We provide wonderful accommodation in the self-catering chalets and tent and caravan stands are also available. The Spa is also ideal for conferences and consists of a conference center and even a restaurant for those not eager to do the dishes.

Media and Public Relations Manager
Cape Nature
106 Adderley Street
Cape Town, 8000
Tel: +27(0)21 483-4728
Fax: +27(0)21 423-0939
Cell: +27(0)82 550-6546
E-mail:Amvnieke@pgwc.gov.za

Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve

6 trails from 20 min - 2 days
Gamka Mountain is an isolated mountain range in the Little Karoo, lying between the Swartberg and Reserve (9 428ha) comprises virtually the entire mountain range and is situated 33 km south-west of Oudtshoorn and 32 km south-east of Calitzdorp. The name Gamka is derived from the Khoekhoen ("Hottentot") word gami, meaning lion.

The Reserve was established in 1974 in order to conserve a local population of endangered Cape mountain zebra and their natural habitat. The terrain is rugged, with mountainous plateaux consist of table Mountain quartzites and shales, and Bokkeveld sandstone and shales.

Visit our website: www.capenature.org.za

Ceres

4x4 Routes

Kliphuiskloof 4X4 Route

This circular route of 70km starts in the Ceres Karoo at the historical farm Elandsvlei, and crosses the the Tra-tra and Doorn Rivers, both of which may flood in winter, at numerous places.The route meets up with the Wupperthal 4x4 routes. The road ascends over stony terrain up to the high veld with a lovely view over the Doorn River Valley and then it descends into the Kliphuiskloof with very steep and slanting sections and short turns up to the Doorn River, where you can have a delightful time with your 4x4 in the white sand, but be careful of the driftsand which can sink your vehicle. There are many camp sites along the route and river.

Location
110km from Ceres on the R355 Ceres - Calvinia Road, turn left at Elandsvlei "Cobusegat" for 8km.

Climate
Hot dry summers, with a mild winter climate. Beautiful wildflowers during August and September.

Animals and Birds
Several bird species like fowls, 2 species of bustards, birds of prey like the blackeagle and many more. Fish eagles and several aquatic birds can also be found, together with grey rhebuck, springbok, duiker, steenbok, klipspringers, jackals, caracals and leopards.

Accommodation
Two fully furnished, self-catering cottages next to the river.

Luiperdskloof 4X4 Routes

The two routes (20km & 24km) with their 5 camping sites are situated on a farm in the Southern Cedarberg. One route takes you close to the highest point of Bokkeveld Sneeukop. These routes should definitely be done over a weekend.

Location
80km from Ceres on the way to the Cedarberg.

4x4 Skills required
From few to very challenging, depending on the rain and snow.

Matroosberg 4X4 Trail

This route in the Hex River Mountains, which climbs from the Erfdeel farm homestead at 1300m to 2240m, is the highest above sea-level in the Western Cape. There are views down the terrifying Groothoek Gorge on one side and down on one of the few skiing areas in South Africa on the other side. This route should be regarded as more of a spectacularly scenic drive than a 4x4 challenge.

Location
35km from Ceres at the foot of the Matroosberg range over Swaarmoed Pass.

4x4 Skills required
There is a little bit of loose gravel at the start of the route, but most novices should be able to handle the trail. However this could become a 5-star route should there be snow - so phone beforehand.
If you do not have your own 4X4 you could always be driven up in a Bedford 5-ton 4x4, which leaves Saturdays @ 10:00 or a VW Syncro ( up to 8 persons - includes picnic - book well in advance).

Accommodation
Bokwagters Hut
Ski Hut (sleeps 20)
Klein Dennebos camping

Merino 4x2 Trail

For those of you without 4x4's. This spectacular 9km trail takes you to the top of the Waboomberg, 1847m above sea-level - in fact, the Ceres 4x4 trail ends just to the north of it.

Location
About 25km North-East of Ceres on the R46.

Accomodation
One cottage next to the main house.
One double bed and one double bunk bed. Ideal for a small family.
Bring only your food and clothes.

Vaalkloof 4X4 Route

Suurpootjie is a 40km circular route and climbs from 670m to 1400m above sea level. You arrive at the foot of the mountain through the Karoo veld. From here the route gains altitude in a southern direction to the top of Bontberg with a plateau ±300 hectares. From this point there is an incredible view of the Ceres Karoo and the Touws River plains.There are two overnight huts and camping facilities.

Location
60km from Ceres in the Ceres Karoo.

4x4 Skills required

Most of the route can be handled by novices, but there are two very steep sections on the way down which need good strong nerves and brakes. There may be quite a bit of loose rock after rare downpours.

Climate
Hot and dry in the summer. Cold winter nights and warm pleasant winter days.

Animals
Black eagles, Grey Rhebok, Klipspringers, Duikers, Steenbuck and Lynx.

Vegetation
Typical Karoo plants on the plains and fynbos in the mountains.

San Paintings
New paintings - 5-6000 years old have recently been discovered. Please phone the owner about guided tours.

Accommodation
Two self-catering huts with 12 beds in each hut, two huts with 6 beds and a camping site with a toilet and warm shower.

Warmbokkeveld 4X4

The route covers 25km of mountainous terrain on the slopes of the Waboomsberg. It is situated in an area which is rich in indigenous fauna and flora. The route offers a choice of easy and extremely challenging 4x4 sections and takes you along mud roads and rocky areas from an altitude of 580m above sea level to a height of 1420m. There is an optional obstacle course where you can ascend a series of rock steps in a mountain stream.
Camping on the route is allowed.

Location
15km outside Ceres on the Touws River road.

4x4 Skills required
From few to very challenging, especially after rain. There are easier by-passes at the challenging parts.

Accommodation
Self-catering cottage - sleeps 8 (1 double bed, 1 single, 2 double bunks, 1 sleeper couch) - take only bedding, food and dop. The cottage can be reached by 2x4 bakkie. Camping is allowed on the trail (no facilities)

Fishing

Mount Ceder (Cederberg, 95km from Ceres):
Clanwilliam Yellow fish and Bass in Groot River. Accommodation: Self catering cottages. Restaurant.

Eselfontein Farm (12km from Ceres):
Fly fishing in the source of the Breede River. Accommodation: Lapa Groups of up to 12.

Fairfield Dam (5km from Ceres):
Bass, trout, carp in farm dam. Accommodation: 2 Self-Catering Cottages.

Bergstroom Farm Cottage (Koue Bokkeveld, 60km from Ceres):
Bass in farm dam. Accommodation: 1 Cottage and 1farm house self-catering.

The River Siding at Oustasie farm (9km from Ceres):
Fly fishing in the Breede River. Accommodation: Self-catering rondawel.

Rhodene Farm (Prince Alfred’s Hamlet, 7km from Ceres):
Bass in farm dam. Accommodation: 2 Cottages Self-Catering.

Klondyke Cherry Farm

2 Self catering cottages, both equipped crockery and kitchen items, microwave, bedding and towels, inside fireplace and an outside braai with firewood. Electricity connection for caravans & camping facilities. ± 30 km from Ceres.
Bass fishing in farm dam, 4x4 routes, daytrips, cherry picking and lots more. (more info)

Edenvue Cottages (14km from Ceres)
Bass in farm dam. Accommodation in 3 cottages.

Hiking Trials

Bergstroom

Day walk, circular route.Situated on a farm in the Koue Bokkeveld.

Ceres Peak Hike

This route starts near the Pine Forest Resort. It will take you to Ceres Peak and you can return via the same route or via the Koekedouw Dam. Total time 4-6 hours. Reasonable fitness required.

Christie Prins Hiking Trail

The hiking trail is located North West of Prince Alfred's Hamlet in the Skurweberg Mountains, starting and ending on a farm, 4km outside Prince Alfred’s Hamlet. Total time 2-3hours.

Houdenbek Hiking Trail

The route will take one past a variety of fynbos and fascinating rock formations. Circular route in Koue Bokkeveld Mountains.

Kunje Hiking Trail

± 4 hour walk up the Geelberg mountain in the Koue Bokkeveld

Matroosberg Hiking Trail

The trail is ± 13 km up the Matroosberg Mountain. Snow can be reached in winter. Camping is allowed anywhere along the trail.

Toll House Trail

The Toll House tearoom is situated 1 km from where the trail joins Michell’s Pass and offers an excellent mid-way refreshment point.
This 8 km trail takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Vaalkloof Hiking Trail

2/3 day hikes, offering spectacular views, exceptional rock formations, gorges and passageways. Moderate to difficult.

Witels Kloof

This popular kloof can be accessed from Michell's Pass. The Municipal land reaches up to the second obligatory swim. After that the land belongs to UCT and permission to proceed will have to be obtained from them. This hike should only be done mid-December - end-February. Rain can make the kloof very dangerous.

De Rust

Fishing