Exploring Matroosberg and Anysberg Through Stunning Photos

Soaring high above the breathtaking Klein and Great Karoo landscapes at 10,000 meters, you can spot a network of gravel roads, each leading to a different destination. But where do they really go? Some fade into the mountain ranges, while others wind their way through twisty passes, ultimately taking you to uncharted territories. Inspired by these aerial snapshots, I embarked on an adventure, traveling section by section from Agulhas to the Kunene River, exclusively on gravel routes. The first leg of my journey commenced at the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, where we unloaded our trusty vehicle and settled down for a serene night of camping beneath the star-speckled sky. Nestled among pine trees, the campsite provided all the necessary amenities of a cozy home away from home – picturesque vistas, a clean water source, and convenient bathroom facilities.

I see a beautiful ridge behind Matroosberg, just begging to be conquered!

This reserve is located on a real working farm, making it a popular destination for snow enthusiasts in the winter. You’ll be thrilled to know that there’s an exciting 4×4 route available for day visitors, which will take you up the mountain. And if you’re more interested in exploring the lower slopes, don’t worry! There are plenty of paths winding through the fynbos for you to discover.

Imagine a peaceful working farm, where you can stay in simple but comfortable accommodations. The air is clean, and the surroundings are calm and quiet.

As I drove from Matroosberg to Touws River, the road was almost empty. The only excitement I encountered was what seemed like army exercises. I watched as heavily equipped soldiers struggled to climb in and out of intimidating vehicles, breathing heavily. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures of the action – I value my camera too much.

Touws River passed by quickly, and then I came across a pan where springboks pranced around energetically. In the distance, wildebeests stood perfectly still, gazing calmly.

When I think about the hot, dry pan outside Touws River, I can’t help but be amazed by the incredible forces of nature at work. It’s like the earth is a giant jigsaw puzzle, with the crust shifting and moving in all sorts of directions.

As I made my way to our night stop in the Anysberg Nature Reserve, about 60 kilometers away, I couldn’t help but marvel at the rocky surroundings. The rocks seemed to tell a story of their own, shaped by the powerful movements of the earth’s crust.

The Anysberg Nature Reserve is a truly unique place. It’s a sanctuary for wildlife, with a diverse range of plants and animals calling it home. The reserve is a haven for nature lovers like you and me, providing a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.

Exploring the reserve is an adventure like no other. You can hike through rugged terrain, discovering hidden valleys and stunning vistas along the way. Or, if you prefer, you can simply sit back and soak in the beauty of the untouched wilderness.

But the Anysberg Nature Reserve is more than just a place of natural beauty. It’s also a place of conservation and education, working to protect the delicate balance of our ecosystem. By visiting the reserve, you’re not only treating yourself to a memorable experience, but also supporting the important work being done to ensure the survival of our planet.

So, the next time you’re looking for a getaway that’s both awe-inspiring and meaningful, consider a trip to the Anysberg Nature Reserve. It’s a place where the power of nature is on full display, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of our world.

Imagine all the rocks scattered along this path, some of them moved by someone who saw their potential. I can’t help but wonder about the people who once lived here, and the stories and dramas that unfolded in this very spot. Maybe they had to leave because of a drought or the appealing lights of the city, or perhaps their livestock fell prey to disease. It’s fascinating to think about why they would abandon such a sturdy structure.

Once upon a time, in a land not too far away, there stood a sturdy old structure. It used to be a bustling shop, with customers coming and going. But now, it stands empty, with no roof to shield it from the elements.

Long ago, a railway connected two towns: Touws River and Ladismith. This forgotten building I’m looking at was probably a stop along the way, where travelers would take a break and maybe pick up some supplies.

It’s interesting how things change over time. People move on, seeking better opportunities and leaving behind what they no longer need. This dilapidated building is a silent testament to that.

Things are different now, people have changed. The old ways don’t work anymore.

When I arrived in Vrede, the heart of Anysberg reserve, I was greeted by a sight that surprised me. There were more horses than humans around. They strolled around freely, sniffing out places where they could find food. It seemed like they were used to being spoiled with snacks by the riders on the Tapfontein route. These horses happily grazed on the flat lawn in front of the cottages without causing any damage to the roots. If I were someone who loved horse riding and playing bowls, I would consider this place to be paradise.

One day, while I was at the corral, something truly amazing happened. I had this moment where I was captivated by the wonders of wildlife. It’s incredible how nature can leave you in awe and make you question everything. Like, seriously, how did we end up here? Who is the mastermind behind all of this? It’s mind-boggling to think about how everything in the world is so intricately designed and put together.

And then, the big questions started popping into my head. Who created God? I mean, someone had to create everything, right? It’s kind of hard to wrap my head around it. And if the universe was created by the big bang, what was there before? Like, what came next to the big bang before it exploded and created everything we know?

But you know what? Sometimes, it’s okay to just let go of all those questions and embrace the beauty that’s right in front of us. Take a look at this photo of a dragonfly, for example. It’s absolutely breathtaking, right? And that’s all that matters in that moment. We don’t have to know all the answers or understand every little detail. Sometimes, we just need to be present and appreciate the incredible things around us.

So, next time you’re out in nature, I encourage you to let go of all the questions and concerns. Just take a deep breath, marvel at the wonders before you, and enjoy the pure magic of it all. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Do you ever wonder where people get their ideas for designing things? Well, I was thinking about that when I saw the Alouette helicopter. It made me think of a dragonfly! It’s incredible how nature can inspire us.

Have you ever tasted water from different places? I have, and I can tell you that the water in the reserve tastes really pure. It’s much better than the water in some other parts of the Klein Karoo. I think it’s because there’s a lot of water here that nourishes the plants. Even though it looks arid, there’s plenty of greenery for the animals to graze on.

I’m standing in awe as I watch a magnificent red haartebeest cautiously observing its surroundings. There’s something captivating about its elegant presence, as if time had frozen for a brief moment. It’s as though the haartebeest knows something that I don’t, and it’s humbling to realize that nature holds secrets beyond our comprehension.

Being in the wild, every moment is unpredictable and thrilling. I find myself captivated by the gemsbok, also known as oryx, as they suddenly emerge from the bushes. Their swift movements and the thunderous sound of their hooves hitting the ground fill the air with excitement. We stand in awe, fully aware of the privilege to witness such a spectacle.

Without the luxury of a secure vehicle, we fully embrace the concept of constant vigilance. We understand the importance of staying present, keeping our senses sharp, and appreciating every second of this rare adventure.

Have you ever wondered what causes a fight, an accident, or stunted growth? I’m fascinated by sunsets, and the Chameleon cottage is truly captivating. When you step inside, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing show in the kitchen. This charming cottage has a rustic, farmhouse feel, complete with a purring gas fridge, soft lighting from a solar-powered battery, and a gas cooker. But what makes this cottage truly special is that it operates completely “off the grid.”

I stayed at the Chameleon cottage during my trip to Eve. It was a cozy and comfortable place to relax after a long day of exploring. The cottage had everything I needed, from a comfy bed to a fully equipped kitchen. The highlight of my stay was the beautiful view of the surrounding nature.

We had an amazing journey from Heidelberg back to Matroosberg, and we recorded it all on video for others to enjoy. There will be more exciting stories to come, so stay tuned.