History of Ceres
- Province: Western Cape
- Winelands
- Coordinates:33°22′S 19°19′E
- Area:80.7 km2
- Municipality: Witzenberg
Ceres, established in 1854 on a farm owned by Jan Frederik Munnik, is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture. It was granted municipal status in 1864 and is one of the oldest farming districts in South Africa. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it serves as the administrative centre of the Witzenberg Municipality. The railway from Wolseley reached Ceres through Mitchells Pass in 1912.
The climate is usually warm, but winters can be very cold, making it ideal for fruit growing. The area is a major producer of South Africa’s deciduous fruit. In winter, the area and the surrounding Koue Bokkeveld mountains often transform into a snowy wonderland, offering activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Civic leaders in the town have long promoted gardens and tree planting, resulting in many public and private gardens throughout the area.
The postcode for Ceres is 6835 (Streets and Boxes)
Things to see and do in Ceres:
- –Transport Riders Museum
- This is a great birdwatching area
- the Loxtonia Cherry Trail Run in November – 0214620520
- Bainskloof is well known for beautiful hikes with rock pools and stunning fynbos
- Swaarmoed pass
- Â Chrysanthemum show (May) 083-4470309
-  Winkelhaak road  Â
- Theronsberg passÂ
-  Eselfontein MTB Route is one of the best MTB routes in the country, get to Eselfontein Road on Eselfontein Farm there are 15, 35 or 70-kilometre routes to choose from.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Â
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Useful Numbers
- Police: 023 316 8600
- Municipality; 023 316 8194
- Traffic department:023 316 1997
- Home Affairs: 023 315 5021/ 5047
- Fire: (023) 316 1997/8
- Water: (023) 316 1997/8 (24 hours)
- Electricity: (023) 316 1997/8
- Ambulance:Tulbagh-023 230 1326 or 10177
- Post office;023 312 3160
- Library: John Steyn Library-023 316 1288
- Closest hospital;Â General hospital-023 312 3160
- Bella Vista Clinic-023 315 5980
- Pharmacy;023 312 2440
- SPCA: Ceres Veterinary Hospital-023 312 3020
- Schools: Ceres Primary School-023 312 1510
Hoërskool Charlie Hofmeyr-023 312 1194
Gericke Primary School-023 312 1110
Ceres Secondary School- 0233122460
Bella Vista Primary School-023 315 5047
Nduli Primary School- 0218682380
Morrisdale Primary-023 316 5236
Mooi-Uitsig Primary School-023 315 5820
Ceres Lions Pre-Primary School-023 312 2425
Bella Vista High School-061 284 4007
Iingcinga Zethu Sec School-023 312 2337
Fairfield NGK Primary School- 0233155920
Ezelfontein NGK Primary School- 0233161916 - Tourist bureau;023 316 1287/ 023 316 1287
- Museum; 023 312 2045