Ceres Snapshot
It’s not too difficult to see why Ceres is named after the Roman goddess of fertility – leafy green and with seductive come-hither mountains rising up on all sides. The commercial centre is a fairly messy bustle though, bisected, like just about every other dorp in South Africa, by a main street called Voortrekker – God alone knows where our forefathers thought they were headed. From the town, three scenic mountain passes fan out into the hinterland, where you will discover many wonderful pocket-friendly self-catering getaways. Moving away and about 80km north of Ceres, one enters the Tankwa Karoo, a vast open and rugged landscape, with a strong silent soul that will appeal to those drawn to solitude.
Things To Do
- Undertake one of several possible day-hikes in the surrounding mountains. Some are on private property, others on municipal or State land. As permits are required for most of the walks, Ceres Tourism is your best bet for further info.
- A half-dozen or so 4x4 routes meander in and out of the surrounding mountains, ranging from easy to the ‘better read the small print on that insurance policy’ variety. Again, the tourism office will steer you in the right direction.
- If mountain biking is your thing, the Eselfontein Mountain Bike Trail ranks among the best in the country. Offering a choice of three distances (15km, 30km and 40km), the route is 80% single track and intelligently contoured to the surrounding landscape. A bushcamp and a comfortable self-catering house are available for overnighters.
- From mid-November to mid-January, join the hordes at Klondyke Cherry Farm for a picking and eating frenzy. Join the same crowds in winter for a frolic in the snow.
- Several scenic drives fan out from Ceres. Drive along the picturesque Michells Pass and pull over briefly at the Toll House, a national monument (and what was once a cosy coffee shop). Continue for lunch at The Mill and Oaks, a pleasant spot on the river. The R303 towards Prince Alfred Hamlet, over the Gydo Pass and into the crumbly and beautiful Koue Bokkeveld, is also well worth the drive, as is heading along the R46, a veritable Switzerland. April is harvest time in the Ceres valley and during this period the roads hang heavy with the sweet smell of apples.
- The Transport Riders’ Museum is good for a rainy day, highlighting the important role these dapper men played carting supplies over the mountains.
- Various fruit and veggie factory tours can be arranged for the bored (or open-minded). Contact the tourism office for details.
- View San Bushman paintings, go for a walk and finish off with lunch at the Klein Cederberg Nature Reserve, about 70km north of Ceres.
- Ceres has a couple of okay eateries. Sadly, The Belmont Hotel is no longer, together with its flame-grilled fillets smothered in brandied mushrooms and dollops of cream.
River Edge Accommodation
Ceres, Western Cape
You’ve been living life on the edge lately - late boozy nights, work deadlines, domestic chaos, the general humdrum of life in the fast lane. Maybe what you need is a change of edge to hang ou...
Rate Guide
From R1750 to R3330, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Klondyke Cherry Farm
Ceres, Western Cape
Yep, a real cherry farm in our backyard, in unspoilt mountain country 30km from Ceres. The landscape is alluring and the cottages have good potential, but there is a health warning attached: Klondyk...
Rate Guide
From R600 to R2300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Vredehoek Guestfarm
Ceres, Western Cape
This beautiful working fruit farm is a nature-lovers utopia. Tucked away in a secluded valley, set along the lower slopes of the Mosterhoek Twins near Ceres, there’s a great range of activities ...
Rate Guide
From R750 to R4100, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Suikerbossie Guest Farm
Ceres, Western Cape
Suikerbossie has evolved in massive leaps and bounds since the Captain Getaway and his trusty hound, the Budget Brak, first visited a few years ago. What started out as a rough and ready experience is...
Rate Guide
R165pp - R400pp nightly (group rates apply)
Fairfield Mountain Cottages
Ceres, Western Cape
Fairfield takes the form of three tastefully renovated cottages at the foot the Skurweberge Mountains, on 100 hectares of working fruit farm, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and t...
Rate Guide
From R1160 to R2900, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Karee Kloof Conservancy & Guest Farm
Ceres, Western Cape
Karee Kloof Conservancy has five cottages , 7km from our reception. A breathtakingly beautiful view of the mountains and in close proximity to a natural waterfall witch we welcome you to cool off in a...
Rate Guide
From R2082.5 to R2700, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Houdenbek Farm Cottages
Ceres, Western Cape
This is a picturesque area, nestled in the rugged Skurweberg mountains, lending itself to a hype of outdoor activity or merely the perfect scene and peaceful weekend away. The cottages sits in the sha...
Rate Guide
From R800 to R1810, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Vadersgawe Farm Camp (groups)
Ceres, Western Cape
Situated in the heart of a 180 hectares deciduous fruit export and equine livery farm, we are excited to offer the opportunity to experience our completely private, luxurious waterfront campsite, with...
Rate Guide
From R5900, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland