Mountain biking also referred to as MTB, is one of the most exciting sports in the world. Among the reasons why many are hooked up to this sport is that is good for the health, it helps improve self-esteem and it is a good way to socialize with other people. South Africa has a number of exciting and challenging mtb trails that draws bikers not only from the country but also from all over the world. The annual mountain bike stage race held in the Western Cape attracts elite professional mountain bikers from around the world. Here are the most popular MTB trails in South Africa:
Tokai, Cape Town
Tokai offers Cape Town’s finest year-round mtb trails. The trails offer views of Constantia Valley and Table Mountain. The trails are all built according to International Mountain Biking Association standards and are color-coded according to their grading.Tokai’s trails are rough and tough with lots of massive roots that require every bit of concentration. The park has many route options from novice to experienced mountain bikers.
Karkloof MTB Trails, KwaZulu-Natal
Karkloof MTB Trails is a world-class trail network and regarded as one of the most popular mtb trails in South Africa. It has a good mix of natural and handmade mtb trails to keep things interesting. The trail network is accessible year-round and offers a mixture of terrain which are 7km – 37km various color-coded routes. The best thing about Karkloof is that it offers picturesque views and adrenaline-filled features.
Tygerberg Trails, Western Cape
Tygerberg Trails is managed by the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club. It is an integrated network of trails spanning over 120km in the Durbanville Mountains. These mtb trails range from easy to extreme with single-track, jeep track, and farmland terrains. The system of trails includes Majik Forest, Hillcrest, Meerendal, Contermanskloof, and Hoogekraal which operate a day permit system and offer a range of trails ranging from 5km to 18km. Tygerberg network, Bloemendal, the Corridor, Nitida to Hillcrest and Hillcrest are accessible only by members.
Northern Farm MTB Trails, Gauteng
Northern Farm MTB Trails is in the 2500-hectare Northern Farm Nature Reserve. It offers trails which range from easy to intermediate making it a friendly destination for beginners. The trails are open only over weekends and public holidays and have four color-coded route options which are designed to suit specific riders.
Giba Gorge MTB Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Giba Gorge is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most popular mtb trails. Giba Gorge offers a variety of technical challenges ranging from intermediate to extreme, including rocks, roots, drops and tight switchbacks, up and downhill. The trails are divided into various color-coded routes such as blue, green, purple, enduro and downhill. The park allows riders to flow ride one trail to another through the link-ups of the trail network. Giba Gorge also features a world-class combo BMX track which offers some of the best permanent dirt jumps in the country.
Goegap MTB Trails, Northern Cape
Goegap MTB Trails offer a fascinating pedal exploration with its rugged and steep desert-like terrain littered with rocks, boulders, and giant aloes. It is a 35km network of jeep-tracks, semi-desert, and gravel roads through the Goegap Nature Reserve. The trails make for During the months of August to October is the best time to visit Goegap MTB Trails.
Eselfontein Farm MTB Track, Western Cape
Eselfontein Farm MTB Track offers intermediate to advanced 65kms of mountain biking bliss. The trail is interesting to ride because of the obstacles with seemingly-endless climbs and radical descents. It offers the best mix of high elevations, river crossings, and panoramic views which makes it one of the most popular single track MTB trails in South Africa. Riding Eselfontein requires technical ability, high fitness levels with good handling skills because it was made for hard-core mountain bikers.
Impala Ranch MTB Trails, Eastern Cape
Impala Ranch is a 1000-hectare pristine farmland which was turned into mountain biking trails by the Marais family. The trails offer intermediate to advance single-track with trademark wooden bridges and breath-taking scenery.