As you ascend Michell’s Pass from Tulbagh (R46) and Wolseley (R43 – also linking it to Worcester and the rest of the Breede River Valley) through the Skurweberg and Witzenberg Mountain Folds, you cannot but admire the awe-inspiring natural fynbos and the sheer scale of the mountains surrounding this enchanted valley.
Named after the Roman Goddess of the Harvest, Agriculture and Fertility, the mythical value it carries, is almost tangible. In stark contrast to the rugged ranges and its steep slopes, this hidden Valley of Fruitfulness with her high altitude welcomes you with her arms wide open as you descend deep into her beautiful belly, only to start climbing her curves again on your way north.
The skill with which the mountain passes was built to connect Ceres to neighbouring towns and villages is astounding. En route to Prince Alfred Hamlet and Op-die-Berg, you will find the Witzenberg Pass – a tarred access road that starts at the summit of the Gydo Pass and stretches, much like a veil, towards a dead-end at the head of this long, luscious vale belonging to lady Ceres. The scenery through this neck in the mountains alternates between weathered sandstone formations and green orchards. In summer the mountains completely shelter Ceres from the not-so-subtle southeaster wind, but during the icy cold winters it is covered in snow. In the opposite direction, the Theronsberg Pass connects Ceres to Touws River.
As the largest town in the Witzenberg local municipality, Ceres is the area’s administrative centre and has all the necessary amenities. Tourists are spoilt for choice with outstanding accommodation and activities. Peaches, nectarines, apples, apricots, pears and cherries form part of a variety of the finest deciduous fruit (fresh and dried), as well as fruit juices and natural spring water produced by this strong farming community. The Dwars River flows on the western side of the valley – excellent for trout fishing where it pools and forms rapids. The district extends into the Karoo and Koue Bokkeveld, popular for its game farms and bird watching.
