“Elsa, do you want to build a snow man?” – Frozen

 

Driving excitedly towards Ceres, we were certain that we would be able to play in the snow this time around. Yes, our first attempt at trying to reach the snow was an epic fail.

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I’ve always had this obsession with playing with snow, perhaps because I was born in the scorching Kimberley. I came close enough to playing with snow in 2018 when I visited Dublin, but who wants to travel across the world just for snow?

I’m sure you’ve seen, what feels like, everyone going to Matroosberg Reserve and capturing the most beautiful images in the snow – definitely making you a little jelly, lol. It definitely had my feet itching for another adventure… to build a snowman.

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But here’s what people are not telling you:

Do’s for Matroosberg (thought I’d stick to positive words 😅 and leave out the dont’s) 

1. Stay updated on Matroosberg Reserve’s Facebook Page

To avoid disappointments, stay updated in the comments section of what’s happening at the Reserve. They give updates on whether the trails for 4×4 or 4×2 vehicles are open for the day, as well as whether enough snow has fallen – its the most interactive Facebook Page! They also have a Whatsapp Updates line – +27 82 453 9841 for snow updates.

2. Pack a picnic basket

There are options in Ceres to buy food, but you really don’t want to be spending time in the town while the queue at the reserve gets longer. The wait in the queue can be up to 4 hours! Mine was luckily only 1 hour long.

3. Get there early

The queue gets really long because everyone is trying to get in. The queue is different for weekdays vs weekends. Both are long, however, weekends can be up to 4 hours long. Not only that, the Reserve stops allowing people to enter after 11 am on weekends (I’m not too sure if the same rule applies for week days).

4. Dress warmly

Suffer for beauty really isn’t applicable here. Remember, you can look leka in winter-wear too! Make sure you wear thick socks and warm shoes, preferable water-proof. If you don’t have gloves, the snow really isn’s that cold – but it is best to have a pair.

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5. Hike/Walk in or Drive up?

The views are definitely better when you drive in, however, you might get stuck or damage your 4×2 or 4×4. The hike in also gives you an amazing experience, plus you save R200/R250.

6. Weekend Getaways

If you’re planning a baecation or weekend getaway, PLAN, PLAN & PLAN. And if you think you’ve planned enough, plan a little more. The surrounding accommodation gets booked out really quickly, so be sure to book in advanced, or else you’ll end up an hours drive away from the reserve. For more on a weekend getaway, check out Helderbabe’s Youtube video: SNOW IN SOUTH AFRICA | Weekend away to the snow in Ceres | South African Youtuber | VLOG

Location: Matroosberg Reserve, Ceres

When: July & August

How much: R65 entrance, R200 for 4×2 and R250 4×4

For more information, visit Matroosberg Reserve

Watch my Instagram for videos from the adventure 🙂

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