Driving along the N1 just 140km out of Cape Town, you'll be bewitched by one of South Africa's great scenic treasures. Visit the Hex River Valley if you're in search of either tranquillity or a challenging activity.

The town owes its name to a love story of sorts, and like most of the good ones it ends tragically.

At the centre of it all is a Disa - a kind of lily - that grows on the treacherous slopes of the Hex River Valley's Matroosberg.

The damsel of the story is known as Eliza Meiring - a fair maiden who had many suitors. Legend has it that she set the impossible task of having her unwanted admirers bring her one of these prized Disa.

One of the young men, whom she secretly fancied, died while trying to retrieve the flower. News of his body being found clutching the flower drove Eliza insane, literally. She had to be locked away in one of the upper rooms of her home.

She eventually forced a window open, but in trying to reach the ground she slipped and died. Unknown to Eliza, she was called “die heks van Exevallei” (the witch of the Exe River Valley). This later morphed into the town's name.

It is said her ghost can be seen in the Hex River Valley when the moon glitters on the first snows of winter.

By rail, bike or foot
Rich in history this town has much to offer the intrepid tourist. But the Hexpas Ecotrek Express has become a bit of a must-do.

This unique trip, with the historic 19th century railway between De Doorns and Matroosberg, allows you to snap up the River Valley's unique and fragile Karoo Succulent "Veld". The duration of the trips vary, choose between a four, five or seven-hour adventure. Pack a picnic to make it more enjoyable or replenish at the Veldskoen Farm Stall. 

Alternatively you could try the Two Tunnel Mountain Bike tour. It's a 13.5km route that allows you to experience the beauty of the area at a different pace. Make a point of heading to Kaffrarian Rifles Monument or the Appaskop view point.

Finally, you cannot get more up close and personal with the Karoo than the Botterboom hiking trail. Not only that, it transports you back to the 1870's to the very beginning of our country's first railroad. It's usually a two-day hike with sleep over facilities, but shorter options are available.

Contact the Hex River Tourism Bureau for more information. Tel: 023 356 2041 

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