Route 62 ~ Ceres

Ceres

Accommodation / Activities / Attractions

The north-western part of Route 62 forms a link with the West Coast and the Cedarberg, as well as providing an alternative route to Cape Town, 150km to the south-west. The towns of Ceres, Tulbagh, Wolseley and Prince Alfred's Hamlet are found here.

Ceres, named after the Roman goddess of fruitfulness is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded by magnificent mountains. Ceres is the centre of a vast decidious fruit producing region and lives up to its name in every way. The Ceres district is as large as the rest of the Breede River Valley put together. The Breede River originates here and there is a wide variety of fauna and flora. It is ideal for the nature lover and is a south-easterly wind free haven.

The different regions are the fertile valley which includes Ceres and the village of Prince Alfred's Hamlet; the mountainous plateau where some of the most beautiful fruit and vegetable farms in South Africa are found; the Ceres Karoo which has its own special ambience and where one will find game farms, bird watching and unique geological features.

Activities include visits in season to fruit farms to see the packing of fresh fruit and the drying of fruit; hikes and walks amongst magnificent rock formations and mountain fynbos; cherry picking in season; the viewing of San rock paintings; a variety of 4x4 routes; Bedford truck rides to the top of the highest mountain peak in the Western Cape; birdwatching and visits to game farms. The village of Ceres has various gift and craft shops as well as a museum which commemorates the days when Ceres was the last bastion of civilisation before fortune hunters made their way to seek their fortunes at the newly discovered gold and diamond fields in the interior.

A wide variety of accommodation is also to be found in this beautiful area, ranging from self catering chalets and cottages in the town and on farms to Bed & Breakfasts, Guest houses, hotels and game and nature reserves.

Accommodation

Chantilly Guest House

A charming Cape Dutch House in a quiet residential area. Beautiful private garden and swimming pool - Sleeps 4 (self-catering). The garden suite with fireplace sleeps 2 (self-catering).

P.O.Box 82
Prince Alfred's Hamlet, 6840
Tel: +27(0)82 494 4960
Fax: +27(0)23 313 3251
Cell: +27(0)82 494 4960
E-mail: info@edenvue.com

Edenvue Chalets

Three fully-equipped, self-catering wooden chalets on a farm just outside the picturesque Prince Alfred's Hamlet are the perfect breakaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Beautiful views over the surrounding farms of the Ceres and Prince Alfred's Hamlet area await you on the balcony.Each chalet has an inside fireplace, one bedroom, a kitchen /living area, bathroom, balcony, car port and braai area. The chalets can accommodate four people - one double bed and two bunker beds. Bedding and towels can be supplied. No formal activities are presented, but the farm is yours to roam on freely by foot or mountain bike. Fishing in the farm dams is allowed on a catch and release basis.

Visit our website: www.edenvue.com

Fairfield Cottages

Two self-catering houses at the foot of the Skurweberg Mountains. Hiking, fishing, cycling

Inverdoorn Game Reserve

Seven luxurious bungalows and two guesthouses (4-star accommodation). Traditional French Cuisine. Discover more than 20 species of animals, including lion and cheetah and over 165 species of birds. 4x4 Safaris. Conference room.

Tel: +27(0)21 872 4343
Fax: +27(0)21 872 4524
Cell: +27(0)83 635 2123
E-mail: info@kaggakamma.co.za
Skype: heindewaal

Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve

Kagga Kamma is located in an untouched wilderness area south of the Cederberg mountains near Ceres. The reserve is well known for its scenic beauty and dramatic rock formations and has a rich cultural heritage with hundreds of rock paintings of up to 6000 years old. Expert guides give an in-depth interpretation of these paintings.

Guided excursions take you on game and nature drives and guests can also experience the Southern night skies by powerful telescope. Enjoy a sundowner with spectacular views from the Ceres-Karoo escarpment. Guided quad bike rides take you to areas of the reserve not otherwise accessible while enjoying the fun and excitement of riding your own bike.

Luxury accommodation are nestled between unbelievable sandstone formations and resembles bushman “caves” and rondavels, all with en-suite bathrooms. In the open-air boma guests can enjoy sumptuous South African cuisine, including venison dishes, and an excellent selection of local wines.

Member of SATSA, ASA and Cape Country Routes.

Visit our website: www.kaggakamma.co.za

Klondyke Cherry Farm

2 Self catering cottagesand a farmhouse, all equipped with 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)

P.O.Box 269
Ceres, 6835
Tel: +27(0)23 312-2282
Fax: +27(0)23 312-3759
E-mail: cordre@matroosberg.com

Matroosberg

The Matroosberg Reserve is situated on the farm Erfdeel, 35 km from Ceres. The reserve covers more than 1000 ha of mountain area, and reaches the Matroosberg Peak, which at the altitude of 2249 m, is the highest in the Boland. During the winter months, Matroosberg is often covered with snow. After a good snowfall, the Southern slopes remain snow-clad for quite some time and you can drive to the snow. This area is also well known for its private ski-slope.From the mountain road (access only by 4x4) a beautiful panoramic view over the Warm Bokkeveld, Ceres, Droë Hoek, Koue Bokkeveld and the Ceres Karoo can be enjoyed. Matroosberg consist of a self catering house, a self catering ski hut that sleeps 20 and a camp site.

Visit our website: www.matroosberg.com

Village Guest House

Centrally situated B&B. 7 En-Suite rooms with separate entrances. Fully licensed. A-la-carte restaurant and home cooking. Intimate bar. Sparkling pool with bar facilities. Ample off-street parking.

Wild Olive Farm Cottages

Situated on a working farm offering fully equipped self-catering cottages and a camping site, all with spectacular mountain views. Spend your time walking through our vineyard and olive groves, bird-watching or swimming, fishing and canoeing on our dams. The farm is ideally situated close to the historical town of Tulbagh with it's restaurants, wine cellars & olive estates. Breakfast hampers available by prior arrangement.

Activities	back to top
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 Trial 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 Trial 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)

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.


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): Bass in farm dam. Accommodation: 1 Cottage and 1 farm 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 (30km from Ceres) Bass in farm dam Fly fishing for trout ar Lakenvlei Dam for members of the Cape Piscatorial Society

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

Attractions

P.O.Box 269
Ceres, 6835
Tel: +27(0)23 312-2282
Fax: +27(0)23 312-3759
E-mail: cordre@matroosberg.com

Matroosberg

Our mission is conservation through utilization. We want to give more people the opportunity to walk in nature and experience the creation. The 4x4 Mountain/Snow Safari follows the same route as the 4x4’s, starting at 1250m above sea level and turning at a height of 2240m, with a beautiful panoramic view on the way up. The trip on a legendary Bedford Army truck takes about 4-6 hours. In high demand periods we schedule daily trips, Abseiling (Rappel) is done on a variety of slopes; -fishermen can enjoy a large, clear-water farm dam stocked with brown trout.

Visit our website: www.matroosberg.com

Vaalkloof Nature Reserve

For thousands of years before the first European colonists arrived, the San (Bushmen) hunter-gatherers and their ancestors lived in the Ceres Karoo. They left behind stone tools used for knives and leather processing, the bones of the animals they hunted with bows and arrows, grindstones for preparing vegetables and bored stones, that women used to wight their digging sticks. But it is their rock paintings that most eloquently express their presence. Rock paintings of the San and the Koi were discovered towards the end of 1998. One unique example is a fine lined painting of the extinct Cape Kwagga. Now you can experience how the San people lived thousands of years ago.

A true escape into nature at down to earth prices and within close proximity to Ceres. Experience the ultimate Karoo adventure! (self catering & camping)

70km from Ceres in Ceres Karoo

Visit our website: Vaalkloof Nature Reserve

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