Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

River drains the valley. The fertile soils and the heaviest rainfall in the Western Cape createideal conditions for the fruit orchards that are cultivated here.Prince Alfred Hamlet lies at the start of the Gydo Pass that climbs the Skurweberg, offering alovely view of the Ceres valley. The village was founded in the early 1860s and named afterQueen Victoria’s second son, Alfred.ADVENTURE AND SPORT4x4, hiking and biking: Suurpoortjie has several 4x4 routes, hiking trails and mountainbikingtrails.Matroosberg Mountain Drive: This drive is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles and has severalviewpoints from which the stunning surroundings can be seen.ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTEOLOGYSan Rock Art: The Ceres Fynbos Reserve features several examples of San rock art. TheKagga-Kamma Nature Reserve also features some very old San paintings.CUISINECeres Fruit Juices and Ceres Fruit Growers Factory: Ceres Fruit Growers is the largest fruitco-operative in South Africa and has the largest storage complex in the Southern Hemisphere.Book a tour of the facilities, as well as of Du Toit Fruit, where you can see how fruit is driedand kept in cold storage. Ceres Fruit Juices also hosts tours of its facilities.Farm Tours: Guided tours can be organised at various farms to see how fruit is picked,packed and processed.CULTURE / COMMUNITY TOURISMSan village at Kagga-Kamma Nature Reserve: The reserve offers one of the most intriguingcultural experiences in the country. The reserve houses a reconstructed San village wherevisitors may observe the inhabitants practising the ancient skills of their forefathers.FAUNA AND FLORANature Reserves and Game Farms: There are several reserves and farms in the area thatprotect the natural fauna and flora of the region, including Klein Cedarberg Private NatureReserve, Vaalkloof Private Nature Reserve and Matroosberg Reserve.Ceres Fynbos Reserve: The reserve features several examples of San rock art, interestingrockscapes and a profusion of wild flowers and birds that make their home in the fynbos.Kagga-Kamma Nature Reserve: The reserve is home to several species of game and alsohas some extremely old San paintings. Its reconstructed Khoikhoi village aims to preservethe traditional lifestyle of these people and is a popular tourist attraction.Mitchell’s Pass: This is one of the most spectacular stretches of road in the Cape and offersspectacular views of the emerald green countryside.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREToll House: This historical building is a national monument and is situated along the scenicMitchell’s Pass.Transport Riders’ Museum: The museum exhibits a collection of wagons that were used inCeres from 1880 until 1940.24