Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, Ceres
The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is two hours from Cape Town and 35km from Ceres on a working fruit, vegetable and protea farm. The reserve covers more than 1000 ha of mountain area, and reaches the Matroosberg Peak, which, at the altitude of 2249m, is the highest in the Boland area.
Besides being a beautiful place, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy.
Farm Tours: The farm tour covers all the activities that go into making this farm successful. Meet the farming members of the Smith family and their staff.
4×4 Trails: The main 4×4 Trail has an average degree of difficulty and takes you up to 2240m above sea level. Beautiful views, high peaks, snow clad slopes or spectacular rock formations are all on offer. There is also a 4×2 trail leading to rock pools for swimming; a challenging 4×4 trail along the river bed and a 4×4 practice area (obstacle course). Day visitors welcome. Allow 6 hours for the drive, as well as at least another hour to enjoy the view from different vantage points.
Quad Biking: We only allow utility quads (in case you want to bring your own). Our mission is conservation through utilization and we use quads to explore nature. On a quad you can feel and smell much more than from inside a vehicle. Tread Lightly.
Snow Boarding: Bring your own snowboard during the winter months, and come and enjoy the amazing slopes of Matroosberg. You can also become a member of the South Africa Ski-Club if you would like to use the ski lift.
Ice Climbing: Although we do not always have the perfect conditions for ice climbing, some of our experienced guests have had an amazing time practicing this sport. If you have the gear and the know-how, you are more than welcome to come and try.
Fishing: Fishermen can enjoy a large, clear-water farm dam, stocked with wide mouth bass. Booking is essential as we limit the numbers to 10 anglers per day. Rods and bait are not supplied, so you must bring your own.
Abseiling: We abseil on slopes, varying in difficulty, from beginner to experienced, and provide equipment and tuition. For the ultimate abseiling and kloofing experience, you can take a guided two-day adventure through the Groothoek Kloof. It includes pool jumps and 15 abseils with some going straight down waterfalls.
Kloofing: The Matroosberg Kloofing trip is an extreme 2-day hike. There are 12 abseiling points on this route, which you will have to descend, 1.2km in total height, over the 2 days, and you will often be abseiling in waterfalls. This extreme trip starts in the heart of the Groothoek Kloof and ends in De Doorns. Two trained mountaineers accompany every group doing this extreme kloofing. As you will be wet for most of the second day, we can only do this activity during our high summer months – December to February. Booking in advance is very important. Eight is the maximum group size accepted.
Mountain Biking: Mountain Biking can be done on all the trails in the reserve, as well as on all farm roads. For the ultimate downhill experience, you can try the 4×4 trail and descend 1081 vertical meters from the Matroosberg Peak down to the campsite (distance 11Km). If you do not have space to bring your own, you can rent a bike from receptions from as little as R50 per day.
Hiking: The Hiking Trail starts at 1250m above sea level and takes you up to the Matroosberg Peak at 2249m. It is a clear trail that has been used by the Ski Club since 1929. This trail can be done in 8 to 10 hours. There are also some other, easier trails, that will take you past amazing rock formations and rock pools.
Horse Riding: Do you want to bring your horse along for the weekend? Please arrange it with Didi on 082 453 9841.
Target Shooting: We use a .22 long rifle during the target shooting at Matroosberg. Bookings for target shooting are essential – we need about a week’s notice to get enough ammunition. You can book by phoning Didi direct on 082 453 9841
Paint Ball: We do have a forest area where we allow paintball. We prefer to shoot paintballs with ‘ketties’, so it’s a good idea to wear protective gear!
Accommodation: There is a range of accommodation options available on the farm.
Essential items for your trip: • Binoculars • Extra warm clothing for sudden temperature drops • Hat • Camera • Field guide book (fauna & flora) • No open fires in mountain: When snowing: • Sunglasses & Sunblock • Dry clothes & shoes • Wellingtons (gumboots) & gloves • Skottelbraai does not work in winter in the mountain
Directions to Matroosberg: From Ceres, follow the R46 East in the direction of Touws River. 11km from Ceres turn right onto the Bo-Swaarmoed road. Follow this road for 19km (up the pass and past the Klondyke Cherry farm) and turn right to Erfdeel/Matroosberg. Follow the dirt road for 4km to the Matroosberg Reserve. Driving time and distance: From Ceres – 30 minutes, 35km. From Cape Town (Airport) – 2 hours, 164km (via Bainskloof) GPS Co-ordinates: 33.33012 -19.61076
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00-17:00 Friday: 8.00-21.00 Saturday to Sunday: 8.00-16.00 Telkom: 023 312 2282 Duty Officer: 073 194 0885 Didi: 082 453 9841 Waldo: 079 502 7382 E-mail: Website.
| More info on the town of Ceres | More info on the Breede Valley area |
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