Are you ready to explore charming Ceres? Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the town is the entryway to Route 62 and the Cederberg area. This destination is famous for producing the most deciduous fruit in South Africa. Ceres is also renowned for its fruit juices, natural spring water, and fresh and dried fruits. But do you know what else this town has to offer? Do you know about all the things to do in Ceres?
Despite its size, this location provides a stop-over to many attractions in and around the Cederberg area. There’s the beautiful Ceres valley, the Tanqua Karoo National Park plains, the Koue Bokkeveld, and much more. Read on to find out about the great activities that await you.
Planning to visit Ceres? Check out the pages below:
Best 8 Things to Do in Ceres
1. Ceres Zipslide Adventures
Ceres Zipslide Adventures is a must-do activity for families in Ceres. The Zipslide Tour takes place above the incredible rock formations of the Koekedouw River, providing the perfect backdrop for a safe, fun, and adrenaline-filled adventure. Children as young as three can participate every day of the year. Ceres Zipslide Adventures offer a lot of family fun, excellent for work sessions or teambuilding, and a fantastic birthday or bachelor party.
Opening times: Weekdays from 09h00 to 15h00, and weekends from 08h00 to 15h00
Cost: R500 per person
Address: 1 Voortrekker Street, Ceres
Also Read: Explore Johannesburg Zoo
2. Tremor Coffee Bar
This stylish coffee shop serving excellent coffee, pastries, and a light menu comes next on our list of things to do in Ceres. Tremor Coffee Bar is a must-see for coffee lovers passing through Ceres. The upstairs is a light, airy space with more art and books to borrow, and it’s beautifully decorated in a contemporary style. On the side, a deli sells more enticing treats.
Opening times: The coffee bar is open from Tuesday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00 and Saturday from 08h00 to 13h00.
Address: 28A Voortrekker Street, Ceres
3. Waverley Hills Wines & Restaurant
Waverly Hills is renowned for its organic wines, which are incredibly smooth with robust fynbos character and soft ripe tannins. Number 3 on our guide to things to do in Ceres also produces high-quality organic olive oil. Whenever possible, Waverly’s restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients sourced from local producers and organic products. Because of this, the restaurant provides excellent quality food in a relaxed country setting.
Opening times: Wine tasting is from Monday to Saturday from 10h00 to 16h00 and on Sunday from 11h00 to 15h00. The restaurant is open on Wednesday from 10h00 to 22h00, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 10h00 to 16h00, and Saturday from 09h00 to 17h00.
Cost: Wine tasting – R60 for 5 wines (there are no fees if you buy 6 or more bottles of wine, this applies to each person).
Menu: Waverly Hills Wines & Restaurant Menu
Address: Off the R46 between Tulbagh and Ceres, Wolseley
4. Koue Bokkeveld Mountain Catchment Area
Step away from the rush of city life into another world. Enjoy the tranquillity and gorgeous landscapes in the Koue Bokkeveld Mountain Catchment Area (with no Wi-Fi and no cell tower signals, you’ll be away from everything). Indulge in camping adventures as you explore the wilderness’ beautiful and vast open spaces.
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Free unless you book accommodation nearby (prices vary).
Address: 4A Staff Crescent, Ceres
5. Klondyke Cherry Farm
Next on our list of things to do in Ceres is this cherry farm, offering various activities. This pet-friendly farm lets you pick your cherries between November and December. Camp lovers can take advantage of an open campsite. If you want alternative accommodation instead, choose from three self-catering cottages.
Opening times: Cherry picking takes place daily from 08h30 to 16h15.
Cost: To be confirmed
Address: Klondyke Cherry Farm, Ceres
6. Homegrown Bakery Café & Market
Hidden behind the tennis courts is the charming Homegrown Bakery Café & Market, one of the delightful markets in Cape Town. This neighbourhood bakery and restaurant serves freshly baked goods every day. You can eat breakfast or lunch here or shop for health products and gifts. Among the tasty items on the menu are various croissants and pastries. Homegrown also has a children’s playground and can be rented out for events.
Opening times: The café and market are open from Tuesday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00 and Saturday from 09h00 to 13h00.
Address: Victoria Park Sports Grounds, Phillip Street, Ceres
7. Loxtonia Cider
Loxtonia makes cider with apples hand-picked from the Ceres Valley. This cider mill freshly presses and naturally ferments apples to make high-quality cider. Loxtonia Cider’s “Orchard to Bottle” philosophy results in a premium, natural cider with no preservatives or artificial additives. This award-winning establishment also offers a tasting room, delicious treats, and a shop where you can purchase one or more of their ciders.
Opening times: The tasting room is open from Monday to Saturday from 10h00 to 16h00 (it would be best to book ahead of time).
Cost: Prices vary
Menu: Loxtonia Cider Tasting Menu
Address: Ezelfontein Road, Ceres
8. Hillbilly Farm
Number 8 on our guide to things to do in Ceres blends the farming experience with the rugged wilderness. First, meet the farm residents, such as geese, cows, goats, and chickens. Then, out in nature, you may spot several creatures, including dassies, baboons, mongooses, and more. Next, shop for various items like homemade windmills, a variety of chillies and chilli sauces, as well as an array of Nguni hides and other fashion items. Hillbilly’s farm stall also features a menu to enjoy lunch under the trees. Are you looking for an adrenaline rush too? The farm also features laser tag.
Opening times: Thursday to Monday from 10h00 to 17h00
Menu: Hillbilly Farm Stall Menu
Address: Corner of R43 and Wolwekloof Road, Wolseley, Ceres
More Things to Do Outside of Ceres
9. Babylonstoren
First up, explore the wealth that Babylonstoren offers. This location is more than a wine farm. The award-winning establishment, dating back to 1692, includes a chic hotel, a luscious garden, three restaurants and a juicery, a contemporary wine-tasting centre, a tranquil spa, a boathouse, dirt trails, and more.
Opening times: The restaurant, garden, spa, and tasting centre times vary, between 08h00 and 21h00, with breaks between breakfast, lunch and supper at Babel. A bakery hosts evening events.
Cost: Prices vary. Day visitors – R80 per adult, and children under 18 enter for free.
Address: Klapmuts – Simondium Road, Simondium
If you want to know about this wine farm, you should check out this in-depth guide about Babylonstoren!
10. Earthquake Museum and Tourism Bureau
When running short of the top things to do in Ceres, check what’s in the surrounding areas. The Earthquake Museum is a well-known attraction in Tulbagh, where visitors can learn more about the 1969 earthquake that shook the town. 51 years later, the museum’s exhibitions and educational programmes honour residents while highlighting the pre-industrialised Tulbagh setting and the redevelopment of the iconic Church Street. You can learn about the town’s history by looking at newspaper articles, nostalgic pictures, and detailed illustrations of how the earthquake affected people’s lives and its impact on the region.
Opening times: Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00, and Saturday to Sunday from 10h00 to 14h00
Cost: Contact the museum.
Address: 4 Church Street, Tulbagh
11. Matroosberg Nature Reserve
Thrill seekers, adventurers, and birdwatchers can all indulge at this private nature reserve, 35 kilometres outside of Ceres. The Matroosberg Nature Reserve is home to over 100 different bird species. The nature reserve also includes much of the Matroosberg peak, the highest mountain in the Boland region. Because of the terrain, Matroosberg Nature Reserve is ideal for outdoor activities, including 4×4 trails, quad biking, snowboarding, ice climbing (in winter), fishing, mountain biking, abseiling, and more. In addition, the nature reserve connects with the Erfdeel farm, where you can also experience farm tours.
Opening times: 24 hours, although the office hours are from Monday to Thursday, 08h00 to 17h00, Friday from 08h00 to 21h00, and Saturday to Sunday from 08h00 to 16h00.
Cost: Prices vary.
Address: Bo Swaarmoed Road, Karoo, Matroosberg
12. Du Toitskloof Wines
The Du Toitskloof Wine Cellar sits at the entrance to the beautiful Mountain Pass, not far from the town of Rawsonville. This locale on our list of things to do in Ceres produces wines that have helped to make it a well-known brand in the Breede River Valley. In addition, Du Toitskloof has gained popularity in South Africa and worldwide. When not tasting one of the wine cellar’s award-winning wines, enjoy them with a meal at the venue’s restaurant.
Opening times: Wine tasting is from Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00 and from Saturday to Sunday from 09h00 – 16h00 (this applies to public holidays as well). 24 December from 09h00 to 14h00. The venue is closed for wine tasting on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Ou Meul Bakery and Cafe is open from Monday to Saturday from 08h00 to 17h00 and Sunday from 08h00 to 16h00.
Cost: Prices vary.
Address: R101 Old N1 Road, Rawsonville
13. Petervale Guest Farm
Petervale Guest Farm is at the foot of the Skurweberg Mountains. Because of their responsible, organic farming practices and respect for nature, Petervale has an abundance of wildlife, including birds, deer, and fish. Each self-catering cottage is fully equipped and furnished, with indoor fireplaces, a patio with a wood-fired hot tub, and braai facilities. In addition, campsites are available in the Ceres Valley. The farm also offers a petting zoo, fishing, watersports, and hiking and mountain biking trails.
Opening times: Daily from 08h00 to 17h00.
Cost: Prices vary concerning cottages and campsites.
Address: Cascade Road, Prince Alfred Hamlet
14. Morgenster Estate
Up next with things to do in Ceres is a wine estate that has been in business for over 300 years. Morgenster Estate produces award-winning Bordeaux-style wines, Italian cultivars, and extra virgin olive oil near the foot of the Helderberg mountain in Somerset West. Visit Morgenter’s modern tasting room, which perches on the edge of a dam with views of mountains and wetlands. Visitors to this picturesque setting can sample a wide selection of wine and olive oil tastings.
Opening times: Daily from 09h00 to 17h00. Morgenster Estate is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Cost: Prices vary.
Address: Vergelegen Avenue, Somerset West
15. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Finally, find the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve. Untouched by manmade development and nestled among the area’s craggy rock outcrops, the last item on our list of things to do in Ceres provides guests with the ideal escape. Guests indulging in the accommodation on offer enjoy spectacular scenery and complete calm, South African cuisine and captivating tours and activities.
Opening times: Saturday to Thursday from 07h30 to 18h30, and Friday from 07h30 to 21h00
Cost: Prices vary.
Address: R303, Koue Bokkeveld, Cederberg
Picture: @loxtonia_cider / Instagram
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