GENERAL INFORMATION

The Koue Bokkeveld is a mountainous area situated on a plateau, 1050m above sealevel and can be reached on the R303 from Ceres via the Gydo Pass and from the N7 via Citrusdal.

This is a fruit (apple and pear) and vegetable producing area. The beautiful scenery and descriptive names like Katbakkies, Houdenbek and Skitterykloof have inspired the writing of many poems and books. The area has a rich history and some of the oldest farms in South Africa are situated here.

The Koue Bokkeveld area experiences extremes in temperature. You can expect cold winters with snowfall and short hot summers. The snowfall during winter is the biggest tourist attraction of the area. Sneeukop is the highest peak in the Koue Bokkeveld and it is often covered with snow, as well as Tafelberg (Table Mountains smaller version) on the neighbouring farm.

Prepare to visit the area for at least three full days, to make sure you have experienced everything the Koue Bokkeveld has to offer.

Come and experience some rock climbing:
7 Sport routes from grade 16 to 22. 5 routes open, all on one wall and about 400m from cottages.

Mountain Biking:
32 km circle route with 7km Jeep track and 14km technical single track.

SCENIC DRIVES AND VIEWS

Our district consists of three diverse areas and each has its own unique charm and landscapes. Magnificent mountains surround the valley. Scenic mountain passes are the only gateways to the Ceres valley.

The two roads from Tulbagh /Wolseley (R46) and Worcester (R43), meet at Michell’s Pass. Coming round the last bend, towards Ceres, the Ceres valley opens up before you. The first pass was built by Andrew Geddes Bain and completed in 1848.

Parts of the old pass are still visible at certain points.

Driving through the Ceres valley on the R303, north of Prince Alfred’s Hamlet, follow the road up the Gydo Pass. At the top viewpoint, the colourful shades of the orchards, fields and dams surrounded by rugged mountains, offers a picture perfect panorama.

The road linking the Koue Bokkeveld with the Ceres Karoo will take you through the Katbakkies Pass and Skitterykloof. The two passes gave the farmers from the Koue Bokkeveld access to the Ceres Karoo. The bumpy road and steep gradients gave rise to the names of Katbakkies and Skitterykloof.

A large part of this route is gravel road.

BIRD WATCHING IN THE AREA

Species

South African Shelduck, Karoo Korhaan, Northern Black Korhaan, Cape Spurfowl, Grey-winged Francolin, Ludwig's Bustard, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Ground Woodpecker, Large-billed Lark, Karoo Lark, Tractrac Chat, Ant-eating Chat, Mountain Wheatear, Karoo Chat, Sickle-winged Chat, Karoo Prinia, Layard's Tit-Babbler, Grey Tit, Karoo Eremomela, Rufous-eared Warbler, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Namaqua Warbler, Karoo Scrub-Robin, Fairy Flycatcher, Pririt Batis, Grey-backed Cisticola, Pale-winged Starling, White-throated Canary, Black-headed Canary, Lark-like Bunting

The perfect Habitat

Plant life consist of wabome, proteas and different types of fynbos. Animal life: "klipspringers", grey rhebok, baboons en dassies(hyrax)

We at Houdenbek Farm Cottages invite you to come and experience nature at its best

TOWNS SURROUNDING HOUDENBEK FARM COTTAGES

Op die Berg:

Op die Berg is a small rural town situated approximately 15km from Houdenbek Farm Cottages. The town consist of churches, school, supermarket, restaurant and a very beautiful hiking trail(Kruis Trail).

Ceres:

Ceres, known as South Africa's own "Little Switzerland" is situated 60km from Houdenbek Farm Cottages. Ceres is home to some of South Africa's finest fruit farms. In the heart of the Witzenberg area, in the midst of the Cape Winelands, lays the beautiful town of Ceres. Ceres is named after the Roman goddess of fruitfulness and is the centre of the most important decidiuos fruit producing areas in the Western Cape, South Africa. This quaint town is surrounded by magnificent mountains, with breath-taking passes as its only gateways.

Ceres is a well-known destination for its fresh fruit, fruit juices and mineral water. The valley produces the finest deciduous fruit in South Africa. Today there are more pear trees in this fertile region than other Cape fruit regions together. The region dominates in the export of peaches. Apples, plums, grapes, potatoes, onions and wheat are also produced.

Citrusdal:

The Koue Bokkeveld is accessed by the Gydo pass or Middeldeur pass from the Citrusdal side. Citrusdal is situated about 100km from the Houdenbek establishment. These scenic routes are a must see to all tourists. The town, also known as "The gateway to the Cederberg" already gained its familiarity from the export of its oranges, soft fruit and its true country hospitality.

Cape Town:

Situated about 2 - 3 hours drive from Houdenbek Farm Cottages and can be access via the Du Toitskloof tunnel, Nuwekloof pass or the Bainskloof pass.