The Ceres Valley is a scenic 90-minute drive from Cape Town. The snowfall here is unpredictable and usually arrives between April and September, with August being the peak of the winter season. That is when you’ll find the mountains covered in snow.
As a precaution, there is a Snow Survival Guide. This guide provides you with all the information needed for safe and easy travel in the Ceres Valley during the snow season.
This special valley is referred to as Little Switzerland and will guarantee you breathtaking views. Locals and visitors will enjoy snow-covered peaks that they can enjoy with friends and family. You can choose from a variety of snow related activities at Matroosberg, the second-highest peak in the province. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, building snowmen, making snow angels and participating in snowball fights. You may need a 4×4 to explore if the snow gets heavy.
This South African valley is known for apples, pears, figs, grapes, pomegranates and cherries in the summer. With plenty of these deciduous fruits on hand, they also make dried fruit and fruit juices.
There are other things to do to keep yourself entertained, even if you don’t go in winter. You can visit the Ceres Zipline, Loxtonia Cider and Klondyke Farm Cottages to pick some cherries.
What to pack for a Ceres winter
Some of the items are obvious like a winter coat, jerseys and cardigans but don’t forget to put in fleece clothing and thermals, warm tops, leggings and winter socks. Whatever you do, don’t forget to pack boots and accessories like beanies, earmuffs, scarves and gloves to keep you warm and toasty.
Where to stay
The Klondyke Cherry Farm is a lovely place to stay and explore the cosy valley of Ceres. They have a few self-catering cottages known as the Duckpond cottages, the Cherry Cottage and the Farmhouse. Each cottage has an inside fireplace and an outside braai. The cottages are fully equipped but there are no televisions. You can also camp on the property.
Pictures: Klondyke Cherry Farm
Address:
Klondyke Cherry Farm
Bo-Swaarmoed
Phone:
087 550 0232
Prices:
Duckpond Cottage
R800 pn for two, R450 pn for 1 person.
A minimum of two nights stay during weekends
Cherry Cottage
R1 400 pn for four.
A minimum of two nights stay during weekends
The Farmhouse
R1 950 pn, minimum 2 nights
A minimum of two nights stay
The Chantilly Guest House is a warm and friendly environment suitable for self catering in a classic Cape Gabled home. You can warm up by the fireplace or enjoy the garden, sparkling pool, fountain and sun loungers. There are B&B facilities available for anyone who wants a touch of luxury.
Picture: The Chantilly Guest House
Address:
18 Alheit Street
Ceres
6835
Phone:
083 441 9532
Prices:
A single suite will cost you, R650 – R800
A double suite will cost you, R800 – R1000
A single B&B will cost you, R650
A double B&B will cost you, R700
Breakfast is available at R75pp
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