Ceres

Ceres a beautiful town and valley in the Cape Winelands

Years ago Ceres was the gateway to the diamond fields. Today the Ceres museum is home to some of these wagons and also boasts an exhibition on the wildlife species and of the apartheid years in the Ceres district. The old Tolhuis in the Michells Pass was the pay point for drive through travellers to the diamond fields. There are a number of arts and crafts shops in the district and visitors will be treated to some of the local homemade treats, such as jams, chutneys, liqueurs, etc. Ceres is also home to the largest model car collection in South Africa. Art lovers can indulge themselves in local arts or simply have a picture framed.

Hiking Trails in Ceres

• Ceres Peak Hiking Trail
  This route starts near the Pine Forest Resort. It will take you to Ceres Peak and you can return via the same route or via the Koekedouw Dam. Total time 4-6 hours.
• Bergstroom Day walk
  circular route.Situated on a farm in the Koue Bokkeveld.
• Houdenbek Hiking Trail
  The route will take one past a variety of fynbos and fascinating rock formations. Circular route in Koue Bokkeveld Mountains.
• Kunje Hiking Trail ±4 hour walk up the Geelberg mountain in the Koue Bokkeveld
• Matroosberg Hiking Trail
  The trail is ± 13 km up the Matroosberg Mountain. Snow can be reached in winter. Camping is allowed anywhere along the trail.

CERES

(Including Prince Alfred’s Hamlet)

Ceres, named after the Roman goddess of fertility, was founded in 1849 after the complextion of Mitchell’s Pass. Ceres is one of the most important fruit and fruit juice producing regions in South Africa. Situated in a fertile basin and surrounded by mountains, Ceres has sufficient snow in winter for skiing, attracting skiers from all over the country.

Prince Alfred’s Hamlet

Was founded in 1865, and is lovated 9 km north of Ceres and 160 km from Cape Town. The main economic activity in the area is deciduous fruit farming.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tourist Information

The village lies 150 km to the northeast of Cape Town. All access roads reach the valley through mountain passes – the R303 from the Koue Bokkeveld through Gydo pass, the R46 from the south through Mitchell’s Pass, the R46 from Touwsriver and the N1 through Karoo Poort and Theronsberg Pass over the Waboomsberg.

Bordering Towns

Wolseley 15 km, Tulbagh 30 km, Worcester 55 km and Citrusdal 110 km

Altitude

450 m above sea level

Average Temperature

Summer 15°c - 29°c; winter 0°c – 11°c

Average Rainfall

1100 mm per year

Rainfall Months

June, July, August, September

Mountains

Gydo and the Waboomsberge (north)

Skurweberg Mountain range (West)

Hex River Mountain range (South and east)

Rivers

Koekedouw River that feeds the Ceres Dam and the Dwars River that feeds the Ceres Dam and the Dwars River flows through town.

Banks

Absa, Fnb, Standard bank, Boland PKS.

HISTORICAL VIEW

San (Bushmand) Paintings

Boplaas

Historical Homestead, birthplace of the poet Boerneef. Tours by arrangement

The Toll House

Mitchell’s Pass, which was opened in 1848, passes through magnificent scenery and fascinating rock formations. The Toll House was declared a National Monument in 1972, and now serves as a tearoom, coffee shop and restaurant.

Transport Rider’s Museum

Monday – Friday 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:00.

NATURE

Ceres Nature Reserve

An exciting new project where you can go abseiling, hiking and kloofing in the Ceres Mountains.

Scenic Routes

One can drive from the town of Ceres in almost any direction and find spectacular views. The most famous, must be the drive through.

Prince Alfred’s Hamlet to Gydo Pass

Which is the gateway to the Koue Bokkeveld, the Cederberg, Kagga Kamma as well as an alternative route to Citrusdal.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Ceres Festival – May

Harvest Time – November to April

Klondyke Cherry Farm

Pick your own cherries from mid November to the beginning of January.

Accommodation in and around Ceres