MATROOSBERG RESERVE

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Mission Statement

God created this beautiful mountain and we must conserve it. But to keep it under lock and key would be pointless.

Our mission is conservation through utilization. We want to give more people the opportunity to walk in nature and experience the creation.

 

Location and Overview

How to get there

What to bring

Accommodation

Activities

Contact Details

 

 LOCATION AND OVERVIEW

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 2249m, is the highest in the Boland. (About 250m higher than Sneeuberg in the Cedarberg.)

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. From Matroosberg Peak you have a wonderful view of the mountains of the Western Cape. Many other mountain peaks can be identified, such as the Witzenberg, Cedarberg and Du Toitskloof mountains
The Groothoekkloof, with its dazzling height and rock cliffs, also presents you with a breathtaking view.


HOW TO GET THERE

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. 

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)

WHAT TO BRING

Binoculars
Extra warm clothing
Hat
Camera
Field guide book (fauna & flora)

During snow time:
Sunglasses & Sunblock
Dry clothes & shoes
Wellingtons (gumboots) & gloves

ACCOMMODATION

 

The  Self Catering Goatherd's House, built about 100 years ago is equipped for six persons, with a hot shower, fridge, stove and a big fireplace (indoor braai).
Bedding, towels and cutlery are supplied (no electricity).

Cost: R900 per weekend; R400 per night mid-week for the unit.  

Joan's House: 
Cost: R700 per weekend (Fri & Sat); R300 per night (Sun - Thur)

The Self Catering Ski Hut sleeps 20 and is equipped with two bathrooms (hot showers, flush toilets), fridge, stove, fireplace. It is situated at the foot of the mountain behind the first row of rocks (no electricity).
Cost: R80 per person; Minimum R400 per night.

The Camp Site is in a pine forest and has bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. It is on the banks of the Spek River and can accommodate up to 14 caravans or tents (no electricity).
Cost: R
50 pppn

ACTIVITIES

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 impressive rock formations and a beautiful panoramic view on the way up. We stop at the viewpoints and at a fresh water spring, where you can see the water coming out of the ground. At the turning point we spend about an hour to give visitors an opportunity to walk along the cliffs.


The trip on a legendary Bedford Army truck takes about 4-6 hours. In high demand periods (mostly after snowfalls) we schedule daily trips. Trips can be arranged for groups of 10 or more and groups of 75 persons can be accommodated. The altitude and mountain climate often cause a sudden drop in temperature, so come prepared with extra warm clothing.
Scheduled trips depart every Saturday at 10:00, weather permitting.

 

Abseiling (Rappel) is done on a variety of slopes, from an easy beginners slope to a long overhang. All equipment and tuition is supplied. 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.
Cost: Abseiling R150 per person
Cost: Groothoek Kloof Adventure - price on request
 

 

Fishermen can enjoy a large, clear-water farm dam stocked with wide mouth bass. Booking is essential as we limit the numbers to 10 fishermen per day. Two trout may be taken home and the rest is "catch and release".
Cost: R50 pppd

TEAM BUILDING, FUNCTIONS, GROUP OUTINGS AND CATERING

For groups we combine the 4x4 Mountain Safari with catering in our picnic area. (Potjiekos, steaks, braai, breakfasts etc.). Activities such as abseiling, hiking, waterskiing and snowboarding can be included. We can accommodate groups from 6 to 75 persons.
Cost: price on request

The 4x4 Trail has an average degree of difficulty and takes you up to 2240m above sea level. The turning point is right at the Matroosberg Peak, the highest point in the Boland.

There is a 7 km circular route at the top of the mountain taking you past spectacular rock formations. This part is more challenging, but as an alternative, an escape route can be followed.

The route takes you right to the snow, and after a good snowfall, the Southern slopes remain snow-clad for quite some time. The presence of snow turns a 4x4 drive during winter into a unique experience and challenge. During high demand snow periods the cut-off time for entry onto the trail is 11:00, in order to have one way traffic going up in the morning.  4x4’s may not turn back before 13:00. This ensures one-way traffic coming down in the afternoon.

Apart from the trail up the mountain, there is a 4x2 trail leading to rock pools for swimming, a challenging 4x4 trail along the river bed and a 4x4 practice area (obstacle course).

Permits can be obtained at the reserve. 4x4 Vehicles will be allowed entry without prior reservation, starting at day-break (should you want to start earlier, arrangements can be made). Allow 6 hours for the drive, as well as at least another hour to enjoy the view from different vantage points. Camping on the route is allowed. The total distance is 30Km.  
Cost: R250 per vehicle

 

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. The trail can be done in 8 to 10 hours. Camping on the mountain is permitted.
Cost: R50 per person per day (including camping) 


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 4x4 trail and descend 1081 vertical meters from the Matroosberg Peak down to the campsite (distance 11Km)
Cost: R50 per person per day

CONTACT DETAILS

For further information contact:

Cordré or Cora Smith
Erfdeel
P O Box 269
CERES
6835

Tel: 023-3122282     Fax: 023-3123759  e-mail: info@matroosberg.com

 

Quad Biking Farm Tour Bird List Proteas Photo Gallery Events & Happenings Interesting Links Brochure Act 2 / 2000

This site was last updated on 08 August 2006

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