What to do in Ceres Mountain Fynbos Nature Reserve

Ceres, named after the Greek goddess of agriculture, is located a mere 1 and half hour drive from Cape Town and is famous for being one of the most fertile lands in all South Africa.

Years ago, this region served as the north-eastern gateway to Michell’s Pass, an old wagon route that connected Cape Town with Johannesburg. Today, the Ceres Valley is well-known for its deciduous fruit, spring waters, and fruit juices. Filled with charming and unique landscapes, the region is mainly accessible by scenic mountain passes.

Ceres benefits of a Mediterranean weather thanks to its altitude. During winter, it is normal to have snow and minimum average temperatures of 2 C. Residents from Cape Town flock to Ceres during winter to have fun in the snow! Although you can expect a cold winter, during summer the region’s location causes a warm dry weather.

The region has three important reserves, the mostly unknown Ceres Mountain Fynbos Nature Reserve, the Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, and the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve. Inverdoorn is a 10 000 ha game reserve that is home to buffaloes, white rhinos, giraffes, zebras and a large variety of antelopes that you can safely see during a game drive. Getting able to get close and personal with these amazing beasts is a once in a lifetime experience!

The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is almost 1000 ha of whimsical mountains. Its highest point is Matroosberg Peak, with 2247m that during the cold winter gets covered in snow. The spot becomes perfect for touring on a 4x4 vehicle.

The geographical characteristics of the region also offer excellent hiking options. Parting from Prince Alfred's Hamlet in the Skurweberg Mountains, you will be able to enjoy the fynbos covered fields on a 2 to 4 hour trail. Another popular option is reaching the summit of the the Matroosberg Mountains.

Probably the best way to soak in all the beauty of the region is to pedal it. Around Eselfontein, 4 different biking trails can be done. These routes allow bikers to ride downhill through beautiful forest landscapes. Trails like Death Drop, Red Bull Hill and Dead Man Walking offer adrenaline rushes for the brave and bold.

The icing on the cake is a zip slide excursion surrounded by the rocky Skurweberg Mountains which form a perfect backdrop to a fun, adrenaline-filled adventure. The zip-lines total a length of 1.4 km in 8 different slides!

The Switzerland of South Africa lies on a fertile valley that offers farm-like landscapes for all adventures seeking a different kind of experience!