A Guide to Accommodation, Activities, Restaurants & Businesses in Ceres, South Africa

Ceres, which is said to be named after the Roman goddess of agriculture, is located in the Cape Winelands region of the Western Cape, South Africa.  Only an approximate 90-minute drive from Cape Town, Ceres is a popular weekend getaway for Capetonians. 

As the gateway to the Route 62, Ceres is often the starting point for those taking more of a back-road trip from city to city.  The road through Ceres became the main route to the north when diamonds were discovered in Kimberley in the late 1800’s. These days the route is known as the ‘Forgotten Highway’ and is fast developing as a tourist attraction.  The town is rich in history with many historical buildings to tell its story, however after an earthquake struck in 1969 many of the original buildings were damaged.

Situated in a wonderfully fertile area, Ceres is one of South Africa's top producers of deciduous fruit.  Export quality fresh and dried fruit, fruit juices and natural spring water is produced here.  Famous for not only its snow but its cherries in summer.  Cherry picking is a huge crowd pleaser at Klondyke Farm.

The towns climate is controlled by its altitude with frequent snowfalls at higher ground during winter, but rarely on the valley floor.  Shrouded in white the mountains provide a beautiful backdrop during winter, giving the area its nickname of “Little Switzerland”.

General Information

Ceres offers many scenic mountain passes which provide activities such as 4x4'ing, hiking and mountain biking.  The landscape of fertile valley and rocky outcrops are unique and breath-taking.  The Ceres Valley has some of the best preserved San rock art in the country which can be viewed on guided hiking tours.  The snow gives tourists some exciting activities to take part in, including skiing and snow-boarding.

Some of the activities and attractions on offer are:

• Ceres Transport Riders Museum - original history with displays of wagons, including information on the earthquake
• Klondyke Cherry Farm - cherry picking season starts at the end of November until the end of December each year
• Fruit farm tours - seasonal
• Golfing
• Ceres Zipline Adventures
• 4x4 routes
• Mountain biking
• Hiking
• Birding
• Visit the local wineries
• Horseriding

See the activities directory for more information.

 

Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Ceres

 

• Outdoor Adventures: Lace up your hiking boots and explore picturesque trails suitable for all ages. Cycle through scenic landscapes and enjoy picnics amidst nature's beauty.

 

• Interactive Learning: Engage in hands-on experiences at museums and local farms, fostering curiosity and appreciation for nature's wonders.

 

• Nature's Playground: Discover enchanting parks like Victoria Park and Michell's Pass Picnic Site, perfect for family outings and relaxation.

 

• Child-Friendly Museums: Visit museums tailored for children, offering interactive exhibits and art workshops to spark creativity and exploration.

 

• Exciting Events & Festivals: Join in the Cherry Festival and Christmas Market for festive fun, live music, and traditional crafts.

 

• Nature Exploration: Take nature walks, visit animal sanctuaries, and immerse in wildlife encounters to create lasting memories and foster conservation awareness.

 

• Day Trips Near Ceres: Explore nearby attractions like Wolfkop Nature Reserve and Matroosberg Nature Reserve for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

 

• Child-Safe Entertainment: Enjoy colorful theatre productions and interactive shows designed to ignite imagination and joy for the whole family.

 

• Sports & Recreation Adventures: Engage in sports and recreational activities tailored for children, promoting teamwork, skill development, and active lifestyles.

 

• Rural Living Experiences: Venture to Klondyke Cherry Farm for cherry-picking adventures and agricultural education, creating memorable day trip experiences for families.

 

Ceres is a major business and tourist hub, with many successful business in operation.  For more information please view the Business directory.

Restaurants, coffee shops and farm stalls abound with a list of options to be found under the restaurant directory.  

Accommodation in Ceres

Ceres offers a range of accommodation options ranging from luxury game reserves, a holiday resort, bed and breakfasts, self-catering units, camping and farm cottages.  This coupled with eco-huts and mountain retreats, the town has something to suit all tastes and budgets. 

See the accommodation directory which provides a list of advertisers.

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More information on Ceres is available here