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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.
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) BinocularsExtra 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). Joan's House: 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). 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). 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.
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.
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". 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. 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.
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 use d 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)
For further information contact: Cordré or Cora Smith Tel: 023-3122282 Fax: 023-3123759 e-mail: info@matroosberg.comThis site was last updated on 08 August 2006 For comments on this site or if you want your photos added, please contact the Webmaster. |