Things to do near
Hex River Valley
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Four By Four Trails
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De Doorns (14.6 km from Hex River Valley) The Hex River 4x4 Trail is 75 km in total and takes about two days to complete. If this is slightly too long for your taste, then you can tackle one of the three routes that make up this trail.
It is located about 35 km from De Doorns but is also nearby Touws River and Montagu. The first track is the Karoo Trail of 35 km. It is a circular drive through veld and shrub with a grading of 3. The second trail is the Fynbos Trail and is slightly more difficult than the first with a distance of 30 km. The last trail, the J Trail, is what makes this route so precarious. It has a difficulty grading of 5 and was closed to the public until 2008. The route is the shortest of the three at 10 km, but most definitely not the easiest.
The Karoo Trail takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, the Fynbos Trail takes 2 to 4 hours to complete and the J Trail takes 5 to 6 hours to complete. Please call for further information.
Four By Four Trails
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Ceres (16.1 km from Hex River Valley) The Matroosberg 4x4 Trail is a self-drive trail graded between 2 and 5 and of average difficulty. There are escape routes for the more difficult areas of the trail. The trail rises to 2240 m above sea level at the Matroosberg Peak turnaround point and stretches for 30 km; six hours. This is the highest point in the Boland. The circular turnaround point is the most difficult of the trail taking you past remarkable rock formations; there is an escape route.
During winter the Matroosberg 4x4 Trail takes you over snow-covered slopes. This is a fantastic experience but more difficult than your summer drive. During the snow months there is a entry cut-off time so everyone makes it back during the daylight.
There is also a 4x2 trail heading to rock pools, a challenging 4x4 trail following the river bed and a 4x4 practice area.
Permits can be bought at the reserve and charged per vehicle and per person. Accommodation can be organised at Ceres Matroosberg Reserve
Four By Four Trails
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Worcester (19.9 km from Hex River Valley) Damon 4x4 Trail is located 10 km from Worcester and named after a notorious sheep thief of the area. The trail is 13 km long with a difficulty grading of 2 to 3. It takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete. A maximum of 10 vehicles can utilize this trail at once. The trail runs between the hills of Hangkloof and Boskloof. The best period to enjoy this trail is between July and October when the succulents and aloe are in bloom. Please contact for further information.
Dams Vleis
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Worcester (38.5 km from Hex River Valley) Widely considered the prime smallmouth bass fishing venue in South Africa, Brandvlei / Kwaggaskloof Dam is highly sought after by bass fishing enthusiasts.
Brandvlei, also known as Kwaggaskloof Dam, are actually two dams; when the water level is high enough the wall that separates the two are submerged. While not immediately apparent, there are various underwater features that makes this water a great home for bass. Boats are nearly essential and you'll need to read the water well. Bank fishing is possible and can be rewarding.
The complete list of fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, carp, cape witfish, bluegill and gilcristela. Before your trip, watch out for sudden weather changes as the wind can be very unpleasant, and check if they're any water sport events happening, as this can really hamper your fishing activity.
Dams Vleis
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Worcester (40.1 km from Hex River Valley) Part of the Brandvlei Dam, Kwaggaskloof Dam (also spelled Quaggaskloof), is used for long distance swimming as well as water skiing, jet skiing and speed boats.
The dam features a club house, launch pad and the setting has stunning views. It's a popular spot for fishing carp, whitefish, bluegills, bigmouth and smallmouth black bass.
Quaggaskloof Water-ski Club is 15km from Worcester. Open weekends and public holidays.
Hiking Trail
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Robertson (41.1 km from Hex River Valley) Arangieskop Hiking Trail is a tough trek up and down the Langeberg Mountain range in Dassieshoek Nature Reserve. The first day starts with a vigorous 9.5 km climb and is followed by an equally challenging 11 km decent the following day.
The cosy stone hut built into the rock face is a great refuge after the challenging first day. Apart from knockout views over Koo Valley, this gem of an overnight hut is equipped with an indoor fireplace, Aga stove, flushing loos, solar lights, and even a donkey boiler for hot showers.
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Tough
Distance: 20.5 km
Warning: Winter conditions can be extreme with occasional snowfalls making the downward route hazardous.
Popular Attractions
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Ceres (42.6 km from Hex River Valley) Go zip sliding away above the Ceres Valley on a unique mountain adventure.
This new ‘foefie’ slide experience is situated in the lovely mountains surrounding the Ceres Valley. It’s only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town, the perfect breakaway from frenetic city life.
The Ceres Zip Slide Tour is the longest tour in Africa, offering eight slides, totalling a length of 1.4 km!
Amazing rock formations and a river form a stunning backdrop to a fun-adrenaline-filled adventure. Participants are kitted up in full body harnesses with state-of-the-art equipment. Accompanied by two fully-trained guides, they then depart on silent, battery operated carts up into the mountain.
A short walk to the departure point at the first slide reveals the breath-taking view of the town of Ceres and the Ceres Valley. This is where the fun begins!
Slides vary in length between 110 – 290 m. The highest point above the ground is 40 m. You’ve got to try it!
Tours depart every half hour; the last departure is at 17:00.
Rate: R400 per person. Price includes beverages during and after the tour.
The Ceres Zip Slide operates in most weather conditions.
Children from three years can participate.
Open daily 08:00 – 17:00.
079 245 0354
info@ceresadventures.co.za
Golf Courses
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Robertson (44 km from Hex River Valley) Surrounded by the rolling Langeberg mountains in the Breede River Valley and bordered by vineyards and orchards, the new 18 hole Robertson Golf Course on the Silwerstrand Estate opened for play in April 2009. It is the only 18 hole golf course in the beautiful ‘Valley of Wine and Roses’. Described as a fun leisurely course, it is extremely golfer friendly with comfortable walks from tee to green. It has a great mix of long and short holes, with course designer Danie Obermeyer’s signature “rivet faced” bunkers providing punishment for the wayward shot!The tenth (par 4) and 12th (par 5) are expected to be the toughest holes, especially if the North Westerly wind is blowing, whilst the 18th (a par 5) is a rewarding finishing hole.
Wine Estates
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Wolseley (47.2 km from Hex River Valley) Waverley Hills is an organic wine farm, located on the R43 between Tulbagh and Ceres in the Wolseley area.
Beautiful views, lush gardens, and an excellent restaurant makes this estate a great stop over or a good choice as a day visit. Indulge yourself at this stunning lunch venue or simply enjoy a bottle of wine in the lovely garden.
Wine Estates
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Robertson (50 km from Hex River Valley) Located in the mountain setting of the Robertson Valley, Springfield Wine Estate prides itself in it's natural and down-to-earth philosophy of wine making.
Tasting and sales occur on Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 16:00. Guided tours are also offered on request and by prior arrangement.
Wine Estates
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Robertson (53.5 km from Hex River Valley) Internationally renowned for exceptional quality and great value wines, Rietvallei is one of the oldest wine farms in Robertson.
The family-owned estate has been in the hands of the Burger Family since 1864. Today the fifth and sixth generations of the Burger family, Johnny and his son Kobus, are actively running the estate.
Tasting hours and sales:
Monday to Friday 08:30 – 17:00
Saturday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 14:00
+27 (0) 23 626 3596
www.rietvallei.co.za
GPS: 33°49'36"S 19°58'39"E
Wine Estates
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Robertson (53.8 km from Hex River Valley) Bon Courage is headed by André Bruwer and his son Jacques; together with a formidable team they produce a selection of superb wines.
Visitors are welcome to the historic tasting room to try out the estate's wines which range from whites, reds, dessert wines, and cap classiques. Enjoy a delicious lunch, a glass of wine or a cup of coffee at Café Maude – a place for rest and relaxation under an old African pepper tree.
Animal Parks
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McGregor (55.8 km from Hex River Valley) The Donkey Sanctuary will warm your heart. The Sanctuary provides a home for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys. Here they can live out their lives with respect and dignity, surrounded by their own kind in a protective and natural environment. You can even adopt one of the donkeys. Facilities include a restaurant, farm stall and kids playground.
Popular Attractions
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Tulbagh (56.9 km from Hex River Valley) Horse About Trails offer wonderful horse riding opportunities in the scenic Witzenberg Valley between Tulbagh, Wolseley and Ceres.
Join them for a revitalizing horseback adventure through fynbos, vineyards and working farms. Suitable for all levels and abilities, trails range from supervised pony rides for little ones to half day and full day trails. The spectacular sunset and moonlight trail rides are not to be missed.
Picnics can be arranged and various horse riding trail options include tastings of local wines, award-winning olive oils and even chocolate tastings.
Popular Attractions
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Ashton (57.3 km from Hex River Valley) Come join Farmerredbeard for a lovely time enjoying some great farm-related activities in a beautiful farm setting.
Activities include a hands-on harvest, beekeeping and tractor rides. A great location for end-of-year functions and children activities.