I have visited the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve twice now: once in summer using it as a base to go cherry picking at Klondyke, and once in winter to visit the snow. Two vastly different and amazing experiences!
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 Coordinates: 33.33012, 19.61076
Website: www.matroosberg.com
Facebook: Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve
The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve operates as a nature reserve as well as a commercial farm. You will see horses and sheep as well as fruit orchards as you move about the property.
It is 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. There is a network of quad-bike routes which I assume you could tackle on your MTB as well.
In winter, the area sees some serious snow, and the South African Ski Club even has a ski-lift here. The snow has been known to fall low down on the farm itself, but the peak is regularly covered in snow during winter.
It looks like Proteas may have been cultivated on the Reserve at some stage; there is certainly a beautiful stand of Queen Proteas.
Follow them on their Facebook Page for regular snowfall updates!
Where to stay:
There are a variety of accommodation options, ranging from self-catering cottages to campsites. We stayed in The Ski Hut for the summer visit, and one of the small cabins for our snow trip in winter.
The Private Campsites are sheltered amongst pine trees alongside a river, with each numbered site having the cleverest ablutions: shower and flushing toilet units made out of 5000L JoJo tanks. Each unit also has a kitchen sink, and each site has a concrete picnic bench and table as well as a half-drum braai.
Basic supplies are sold at a small kiosk next to reception and boerewors rolls were available for the manne to enjoy after a tough day of 4 x 4íng. Crates of firewood are for sale.
What to do:
- Hike up the Matroosberg Peak
- Swim in the rock pools
- Go cherry picking at Klondyke Cherry Farm
We had an awesome time at the river and had loads of fun sliding down the rocks into the pool:
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