MATROOSBERG 4X4

WHAT?

A private nature reserve that plays host to one of the Western Cape’s most popular 4x4 trails. The trail itself, also known as Matroosberg, climbs more than 2 200-metres above sea level, making it the highest peak in the Boland area.

After some 30km of mountain-slope trekking, the trail circumnavigates the valley’s final reaches and presents you with an even more imposing cliff face and a sheer-drop plateau on the other side.

WHERE?

The reserve is located 35km from the town of Ceres.

WHY?

Aside from the magnificent scenery, crisp mountain air, and countless clear-water streams, Matroosberg is most famous for its snow-covered slopes in winter. In fact, thanks to its impressive altitude, the mountain reserve is considered to be one of the most likely places you’ll find snow (near Cape Town) when the temperature drops below zero. As a result, the trail offers 4x4 enthusiasts the opportunity to drive a terrain type that’s not commonly found in South Africa.

WHEN?

The trail is open all year round, but (because of the snow) the route is busiest during the winter months, and can become incredibly crowded at weekends and during school holidays. If you can, it would be best to take a day or two off work and visit the snow during the week. However, don’t assume that snow is always available, as each year is different − sometimes you have to drive to the summit of the trail to reach the snow, and on other occasions, it’s at the front door of the reception office.

                                                                                                                                  

HOW?

Although the trail’s rated a grade-3, some sections may top a 4, and in some cases (if things get rained out or eroded), parts of it could hit a 5. Much of that rating will be subject to how well you read the terrain in order to pick the best possible line. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy to do, as the road surface is predominately rock that’s covered with a thin layer of sand; some sections can be seriously slippery. (What may look like a mild cross-axle at first glance, can turn out to be a notable momentum-stopper).

Because of Matroosberg’s popularity in winter, and its tricky narrow track, there’s a cut-off time imposed during high-demand snow periods: in order to have one-way traffic going up the trail, no vehicle is allowed to start the route after 11h00, and no vehicle may return from the summit before 13h00. The trail is also restricted to low-range-capable vehicles with respectable ground clearance. What’s more, it’s wiser not to take a chance if you have worn tyres, or are in any high-riding 4x2 vehicle.

However, aside from the main mountain route, Matroosberg offers several other off-road driving experiences, including a 4x2 trail that heads to rock pools (ideal for swimming), as well as an obstacle course / play pen, and a challenging 4x4 trail that claws its way along a river bed.

DIRECTIONS

From Ceres, follow the R46 East in the direction of Touws River for 11km. Turn right onto the Bo-Swaarmoed road. Follow this road for 19km (up the pass and past the Klondyke Cherry Farm) and turn right towards Erfdeel / Matroosberg. Follow the dirt road for 4km to the Matroosberg Reserve.

GPS

S33 19’ 52.093’’     

E19 36’ 26.61’’

CLOSEST TOWN

Ceres (35km)

RATING

3-5

TIME & DISTANCE

There is approximately 30km of trail, which will take you about 6 hours to complete. Allow for another hour at the summit to enjoy the view.

COST

R250 per vehicle, plus R50 per person entrance fee

ACCOMMODATION

Go to www.matroosberg.com for a variety of accommodation options.

CONTACT

Office: (023) 312 2282 or 073 194 0885

Didi: 082 453 9841

Waldo: 079 502 7382

E-mail: info@matroosberg.com

URL: www.matroosberg.com