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Hike and abseil in the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve situated near Ceres photo by South African Tourism –

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve

Located approximately two hours from Cape Town on the farm Erfdeel, a working fruit, vegetable, and protea farm, the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is 35 kilometres outside of Ceres.

The days are beautiful in the summer, whilst there is almost a guarantee of snow in winter because of the altitude.

The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve operates as a nature reserve as well as a commercial farm. Horses and sheep are present as well as fruit orchards as tourists move about the property.

The location is fun throughout the year for each individual. The hot and the cold season come bearing the scenery for the visitors with the latter being the most liked given by the snowfall that occurs during the cold season.

Here are the top 10 fascinating facts about the reserve.

1. Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is privately owned

Matroosberg is a 175 km and 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town. Ceres is the nearest town, 40 km and about 40 minutes away. It is a privately owned reserve.

2. It is situated at the highest mountain in the Boland

Matroosberg is the highest peak of the Hex River Mountain on the southeast side of the Ceres Valley. photo by Andresdewet –

The Matroosberg Nature Reserve is a private nature reserve that lays claim to a sizeable chunk of the Matroosberg peak itself in the Boland at 2,247 meters above sea level.

Matroosberg Peak is also the highest mountain in the Boland region and because the owners of Matroosberg value Family Life and Adventure, they often refer to Matroosberg as Peak of Life or Peak of Adventure.

3. It covers more than 1000 ha of the mountain area

The reserve covers more than 1000 ha of the mountain area and reaches Matroosberg Peak, which, at the altitude of 2249m, is the highest in the Boland area.

4. Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve has a length of 3.64 kilometres

Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is next to Matroosberg and is located in Cape Winelands District Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa. Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve has a length of 3.64 kilometres. But it is split in separate ways.

5. The Reserve area sees some serious snow in winter

Photo by Erol Ahmed on

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.

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.

Well-known for being beautifully draped in white, whenever snow comes around, Matroosberg is a must-visit destination during these chilly times.

6. Matroosberg Nature Reserve is home to hundreds of birds species

Black-headed heron (Ardea melanocephala) photo by Charles J. Sharp –

There are hundreds of bird species that have made the Matroosberg Private Game Reserve their home, providing avid bird-watchers with plenty for which to look out.

Some of the birds in the location include; Black-headed Heron, African Spoonbill, Egyptian Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Shoveller, Black-shouldered Kite, Steppe Buzzard, Jackal Buzzard, Cape Francolin, Alpine Swift, Ground Woodpecker, Greater Striped Swallow, Mountain Chat, Familiar Chat, Cape Reed Warbler and Cape Turtle Dove etc.

7. Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve gives panoramic views of surrounding mountains

This peak is a rugged gem part of the craggy Hex River ranges in a breathtaking stretch of land that forms part of the reserve.

The ones who are brave and manage to reach the top of this peak, or close, can see forever: a panoramic view over the Warm Bokkeveld, Ceres, Droë Hoek, Koue Bokkeveld and the Ceres Karoo, including rival mountain peaks in the Witzenberg, Cederberg and Du Toitskloof Mountains.

8. The reserve offers an abundance of outdoor activities

Hike and abseil in the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve situated near Ceres photo by South African Tourism –

There are numerous outdoor activities available at the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve for all types of adventurers including:

• Mountain biking: The foothills of the Matroosberg Mountains are traversed via a fairly simple 15 km cross-country loop that spends at least 60% of its time on single-track. On the downhill track, things are different. The route begins at the top of Matroosberg Peak and descends an amazing 1 081 meters in just 11 kilometres! Riders without the appropriate experience shouldn’t attempt the course, which follows a dual-track 4×4 route.
• Hiking: The strenuous climb that begins at 1 250 m above sea level and ascends to Matroosberg at 2 249 m will reward you with breathtaking vistas, but don’t be discouraged—there are also other shorter hikes that pass by some fantastic rock formations and lead to delightful rock pools.
• Farm Tours: Visitors can get an insight into how the farm produces its fruits, vegetables, and proteas by taking a tour of the Erfdeel Farm. You’ll get to know the Smith family’s farming members and their crew while learning about the inner workings of their prosperous endeavours.
• Kloofing: The 12-abseils journey down the extreme kloof begins in the middle of the Groothoek Kloof and concludes two days later in De Doorns, 1.2 km lower than where it began. The only time this is allowed to be done is in the summer (December to February).
• Snow sports: Travel less than two hours from Cape Town to a high-altitude world with uncharted lines, stacked couloirs, and (you won’t believe this) a ski lift. And if “speedy” snowboarding is not your thing, grab your equipment and start ice climbing!
•  Ice climbing: If the weather is favourable, seasoned climbers may attempt to ascend the snowy mountain range. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can test your limits in this extreme sport.
• Self-drive routes: Matroosberg has a fair possibility of having snow during the winter, and after a significant snowfall, the southern slopes are covered in snow for a considerable amount of time. The most well-known of the Matroosberg 4×4 paths climb the mountain and become steeper and more difficult as it goes. You may see the lovely Groothoekkloof Canyon from here. At the top, a 7 km round route that passes amazing rock formations and the infamous “Gutter” is quite difficult.

9. The Matroosberg Nature Reserve has a variety of accommodation options

There are a variety of accommodation options, ranging from self-catering cottages to campsites. 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 people to enjoy after a tough day of 4 x 4íng. Crates of firewood are for sale.

10. The reserve has a 100-year-old stone home for accommodation purposes

There are ten different accommodation options available. The most suited for colder weather is The Goatherds House, a 100-year-old stone home that can accommodate up to 6 people for up to R1300 per night.