Hiking in the Matroosberg
The Matroosberg Nature Reserve is found 35km beyond Ceres. This is about a 3 hour drive from Cape Town. The reserve is found on Erfdeel farm and holds 1000 hectares of the most amazing mountains. The highest peak is the Matroosberg peak which reaches 2249m. However there are numerous other peaks in the region making this one of the most astounding places to hike in the Western Cape.
A view from the hiking trail in Matroosberg
The route from the farm to the Matroosberg peak is a 13km. The route is on a well worn trail and rises from a height of 1250m. So the total climb is around 1000m. There and back in one day should take you in the region of 8 to 10 hours. However as camping is permitted in the reserve it is truly wonderful to hike in and camp overnight in the reserve.
A cold summers morning in Matroosberg
At this height it can be severely cold even in the middle of summer so you do need to be prepared. Also be warned that there is a 4×4 trail leading to the peak. So I would avoid the area over public holidays as your peace could well be disturbed by spinning wheels and exhaust fumes. Don’t be dismayed though, if you can only get away over weekends it is possible to avoid the crowds by climbing one of the other peaks.
Climbers are also drawn to the mountains here
