Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve

We spent the weekend at Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, using it as a base to go cherry picking at Klondyke.

Queen protea (Protea magnifica)

Getting 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/Matroosberg. Follow the dirt road for 4km to the Matroosberg Reserve.
GPS Co-ordinates: 33.33012, 19.61076
Website: www.matroosberg.com
Facebook: Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve

There are a variety of accommodation options, ranging from self-catering cottages to campsites. We stayed in The Ski Hut.

It is apparently a well-known 4×4 destination, but you can do just as well with a mountain bike, a pair of trail shoes, or hiking boots. In winter, the area sees some serious snow, and the South African Ski Club even has a ski-lift here.

We had an awesome potjie, did some light trail running, went swimming in some beautiful rivers, and hiked up the Matroosberg Peak.

It looks like Protea may have been cultivated on the Reserve at some stage; there is certainly a beautiful cluster of Queen Proteas.

Follow them on their Facebook Page for regular snowfall updates!