Hex River Mountains

The Hex River Mountains are a rugged mountain range in South Africa’s Western Cape province, forming a high block of peaks and ridges rising above the Hex River Valley. The range includes multiple summits that exceed 2,000 metres in elevation and presents steep, rocky terrain.

The area is used for mountain recreation including hiking and scrambling on established routes and routes on granite ridges. Lower slopes give way to cultivated valley floors with vineyards and fruit farms in the Hex River Valley.

The mountains are a distinctive physiographic feature of the Western Cape and have been shaped by regional uplift and erosion. They form part of the Cape Fold Belt geology and present a marked topographic contrast with surrounding lowlands.

Geographically the range lies inland from the Western Cape coast near towns such as Ceres and De Doorns, with access from valley roads that rise toward mountain passes and trailheads.

• High peaks: Several peaks in the range exceed 2,000 metres, making it one of the higher mountain groups in the Western Cape province.

What to See #

• Matroosberg: Matroosberg peak reaches approximately 2,249 metres and is the highest summit in the Hex River range, with granite and sandstone formations and steep ridgelines.
• Hex River Valley: Hex River Valley lies to the south of the main ridgeline and is known for its vineyards and agricultural land at lower elevations framing the mountain fronts.