Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve

About Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve

The beautiful Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve lies on the eastern edge of the Cederberg Mountains, managed as part of the greater Cederberg conservation area, roughly three hours from Cape Town and 35 kilometres beyond Algeria.

Did you know? The Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve is home to an array of animal species and also showcase some of South Africa’s gorgeous, indigenous fynbos.

This arid part of the world that falls in a transitional zone between the fynbos and succulent Karoo vegetation types, has a beauty all of its own, its 12 000 hectares home to the rather unique Stadsaal (city hall) rock formations, housed in the Stadsaal Caves, where wind and rain have shaped rock into some of the most amazing multi-coloured rock sculptures. There are also examples of San Rock art that include the well known elephant rock painting.

Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve and the Cedarberg Wilderness Reserve are considered officially part of the Wilderness. Summers here can get incredibly hot, whilst winters are cold with snow often falling in the higher parts of the Cederberg.

The Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve sits astride both arid to semi-arid zones, home to some incredible examples of fynbos, but also supporting mountain renosterveld, particularly the daisy family, because of the fine-grained clay soils found here.

The main reason for heading out into the Wilderness is the incredible beauty and solitude of the wild. Hiking and rock climbing are major draw cards to the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve where one can overnight in rustic accommodation.

Matjiesrivier is also central to both a 16 kilometre mountain bike trail, and a two-day 4x4 route that includes the Wolfberg Arch as part of its route. Both of these cross the reserve at various points and have to make bookings ahead of the time.