The Mountain bike scene in South Africa is growing at an amazing rate. South Africa is full of exceptional mountain bike trails in areas that manage to combine gobsmacking scenery with a healthy ride and a good dose of tourist attractions. See some of our top 5 recommended trails they’re suited to all difficulty and technical levels .
Many trails are adapted for families and part time riders.
1. Tygerberg, Cape Town
Tygerberg combines over 120 km of linked trails in and around the Durbanville hills of Cape Town. The system of trails include Majik Forest, Hillcrest, Meerendal, Contermanskloof, and Hoogekraal.
2. Eselfontein MTB Track, Ceres, Western Cape
Considered one of the best single track MTB trails in the country, Eselfontein Farm provides trails that range from 15 to 70 km. Aimed at the hard core cyclist, the trails crisscross the fynbos and private farms of the Koue Bokkeveld.
3. Lebanon Forest, Grabouw, Cape Overberg
These circular forest trails are graded according to colour. The trails are aimed at any experience level, and whilst they might seem intimidating they offer a healthy mix of obstacles. Beginners can cruise, whilst hard core riders get to experience narrow ridges, rocky stretches, weaving single track, and steep climbs.
4. Harkerville Trail, Garden Route
Harkerville Forest lies close to Plettenberg Bay, with a series of four routes of varying difficulty of between 12 to 27 km running through fynbos, plantations and indigenous forest. The forest green route is probably the most popular of the trails.
5. Giba Gorge, KwaZulu-Natal
Giba Gorge, a bike park dedicated to mountain bike trails. Trails are hand-made, divided into various colour-coded routes and set on 250 hectares of red soil with access to beautiful scenery. The trails are considered tough, but a couple take the more ‘average’ rider into consideration, whilst the enduro and downhill need advanced riding skills to complete.
