De Doorns

The Hex River Valley, only 22 km long and 4 km wide, accounts for 65 % of the country’s total grape production. Wedged in between the Hex River Mountains to the north and the Kwadouwsberg (Quado or Quadu) to the south, the whole valley turns into a wonderworld of autumn colours during early winter, making this valley one of the most photographed places in South Africa. Some of the major attractions in the valley include the historic buildings and homesteads. The Hex River Mountains which run along the entire length of the valley, are dominated by the Matroosberg Peak or ‘Sailor Mountain’ named after the shepherd, Klaas Matroos, who lived there. Some people believe the peak to the named after a rock resembling a sailor or ‘matroos’ standing on the bow of a ship, which can be seen from a particular angle in the Valley. The village of De Doorns, situated 55 km northeast of Worcester, is the principal centre of the Hex River Valley.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

55 km northeast of Worcester

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The Legend of the Heks (witch)

Courted by many young men and unable to pick to suitable husband, the beautiful Eliza Meiring eventually promised to marry the one man that would pick her a disa flower from the surrounding Hex River Mountains. The admirer who captured her heart lost his footing while picking the disa, and fell to his death. Completely out of her mind with grief, she spent a long, lonely period in the attic of the farm Clovelly. One fateful moonlit night, she jumped to her death through the attic window. The ‘witch’ of the Hex River Valley still mourns for her long-lost love, especially when the moon lights up the surrounding mountains.

ATTRACTIONS

De Doorns Co-op (Wine Cellar)

Herb Garden

More than 50 different herbs are grown here. Fresh herbs and seedlings on sale

Hex Valley Down Products

Custom made quality down products manufactured from geese down, including sleeping bags, duvets and pillows.

Sonskyn Rose Garden and Nursery

The nursery at the Sonskyn Rose Garden cultivates over 150 000 rose trees annually.

ACTIVITIES

4x4 Guided Tours

A luxury 4x4 tour. The 4x4 vehicle, as well as food and drinks are included for those who want to experience the scenic views without worrying about the driving

Hex River 4x4 Trail

The Hex River 4x4 Trail, set a weekend getaway for off-road enthusiasts in the Cape Town area. The trail is a comfortable one-and-a half hour’s drive from the city centre. Visitors from the north, traveling on the N1, can gain access to the route at De Doorns. The trail, following an old ox wagon route to the north, traverses the rocky Karoo hills overlooking the vines and Matroosberg Mountains of the Hex River Valley. Lovers of unusual plants, fossil hunters, raptor spotters and solitude seekers will all enjoy this route. Game spotters should keep an eye open for steenbok, duiker, fallow deer, dassies, baboons, black eagle, klipspringer and the elusive leopard. Organized events are also a feature of this trail. Individuals without a 4x4 vehicle can also be accommodated.

The Karoo Route (35 km) – Route 1

The trail takes one over a rocky mountain pass which opens onto a hill, 1300 m above sea level, overlooking the green and fertile Hex River Valley to the northwest and the semi-desert Karoo plains to the southwest. The character of the bush here is typical Karoo with succulent plants such as the botterboom, all well adapted to a life of low rainfall. Trees look like baobab bonsai. The Matroosberg Mountains, which are frequently covered with snow in winter, turn the area into a little Switzerland. In September Namaqualand daisies adorn the mountain slopes completion there is an option to join Routes 2 and 3 or escape to the N1.

The Fynbos Route (40 km) – Route 2 and 3

The vegetation changes from typical Karoo bushes to Cape fynbos. It is also along this route that one will find what the locals call Monkey Face’ (Table Mountain Sandstone Formations) shapes and faces of animals beautifully sculptured out of the rocks and the rare Magnifica vita protea. This is a real 4x4 challenge, one of the toughest in South Africa. On completion you can leave the trail to rejoin the N1.

Difficulty and Experience

The trail is rough in places with some particularly steep descents and ascents. For the less experienced the most difficult sections can be bypassed. There is a cell phone signal available on the trail if assistance is required.

Recommended Time of Year

At the height of summer temperatures soar well into the thirties and in winter the area can become bitterly cold. Best times are between Febraury and May, and September and November. Should snow fall, some sections of the trail are closed. However, the scenic splendour is hard to beat.

Minimum Time Required

The entire trail can be completed in a day and a half. If you drive part of the route in one day, no pre-booking is required: collect keys and permit from Hex River Valley Tourism at De Doorns during office hours, and after hours at the sentrale Garage. The cost is calculated per vehicle, not per person.

4x4 Guided Daytrips

Individuals who do not own a 4x4 vehicle have the opportunity to experience the Hex River Valley 4x4 trail on a guided tour. An experienced driver will accompany you. Food and drinks are included. The tours start and ends in De Doorns.

Accommodation

Mountain View Lodges

Thatched self catering units accommodate four adults and two children. Basic necessities such as bedding, cutlery, crockery, hot plate and fridge are provided. Chalets are equipped with hot showers and flush toilets. Kliphuis Accommodation and Conference Centre self catering accommodation for 6 people. All basic necessities are provided including fridge and freezer, bedding and kitchen utensils. This facility can also be used as a Conference Centre for approximately 30 people. Catering and bar facilities are also available. Kraalhuis self catering with four beds, no electricity and only lamps and candles are provided. Campsite for five individuals, with basics such as hot water, ablutions and a braai lapa. De Hoop Hut it sleeps 16 and apart from bedding, everything is provided. Amarula Campsite is a large campsite with reed-constructed ablution facilities (hot showers and toilets) and a large reed-encircled lapa, ideal for a big group.

Mountain Biking / Cycling Hex River Trail

Moderate grading

Rock Climbing