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Are you a mountain biker looking for your next adventure? South Africa’s mountain bike trails offer a unique blend of adrenaline and breathtaking scenery, perfect for an unforgettable road trip. With trails spanning from Cape Town to Johannesburg and easily accessible with car hire, you’re just a drive away from your next exciting ride. Let’s explore some of the best mountain bike trails South Africa has to offer.
POV shot of mountain biking through a forest. Photo: Canva
Cape Town, and the Western Province in general, is a haven for people who love the outdoors. The natural diversity can be explored via the plethora of hiking routes as well as mountain bike trails. Here are three to consider on your next Cape Town adventure:
If you’re a serious mountain biker, make a plan to visit Jonkershoek. The trails here will take you through stunning scenery with mesmerising views of the surrounding mountain range. Just 9 km from Stellenbosch, the nature reserve is a fantastic choice for those visiting the town on holiday.
Mountain bikers can expect technical tracks that need full attention as well as challenging climbs. Once signing in and purchasing a permit at the main gate, you can head to one of the three starting points: Saaltjie, The Point, and Quarry.
According to MTB Routes, beginners should stick to Circle Loop, Up and Over, and The Heads, while the swooping Never-Ending Story, Red Phoenix, and Bosluis are considered moderate. For advanced mountain bikers up for a challenge, you can check out Armageddon, Iron Monkey, Fire Hut, The Valley, and Canary.
Located on the slopes of Table Mountain, Tokai offers a mix of flowing singletrack and technical sections. Adrenaline junkies ready for a thrill will love the downhill trails; every rider will enjoy the scenic routes, spectacular flora, and mesmerising views of the city.
All skill levels are welcome here thanks to the variety of routes on offer. If you’re new to the sport or just looking for an easy ride, opt for the Fairy Garden, Puff Adder, or Lizard trails. There are also trails graded as ‘challenging’ (blue) and ‘difficult’ (black) for more experienced riders.
The Garden Route is one of the best, most famous road trips in South Africa. It’s especially amazing for mountain bikers, with destinations like Harkerville.
Set between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, this coastal region has a variety of trails to take on, from easy and moderate routes that span around 11 km to 13 km to more technical routes with steep inclines and declines spanning 14 km to 22 km. You can download the routes brochure on the SAN Parks website.
No matter which mountain bike trail you choose, the views will astound. Bikers can ride through pristine indigenous forests with coastal views on one side.
Man riding on a mountain biking route through the forest. Photo: Canva
While South Africa’s administrative capital is well-known for its historical and cultural significance, the gardens and nature reserves close to the hub are ideal environments for mountain bikers. Here are two routes to consider, perfect for newbies as well as experienced riders:
The first game sanctuary in Africa, Groenkloof, was established to protect the large herds of animals and oribis from hunters. Now, it’s a well-loved destination for hikers and mountain bikers.
There’s a single track that’s 13.5 km – the climbs, descents, and rocky terrain make it a challenging endeavour best taken on by experienced bikers. The Snakey Downhill is popular; a blueroute, it’s just over 2 km with a 51 m descent.
During your exploration of the reserve, you could pass zebras, blesboks, impalas, kudus, blue wildebeests, red hartebeests, giraffes, sable antelopes, and ostriches. The wildlife are used to people, so you speeding past on your bike won’t be new to them.
Gloenkloof Nature Reserve does charge visitors day tariffs, and there are overnight facilities if you want to extend your stay.
A popular spot for weekend warriors because of its stunning nature trails and picnic spots, Hennops is a fantastic stop for mountain bikers. The mountain bike trails here run from 10 km to 40 km with a mix of flowing singletrack and challenging technical sections.
The single-track, purpose-built mountain bike trail features a variety of terrain, including steep climbs and descents, natural obstacles, and river crossings. Mountain ranges surrounding the track create a gorgeous backdrop. There’s also a fenced game park where you can ride past zebras, impalas, and kudus.
Tip: Go for the mountain bike route, stay for the picnic! The Hennops picnic spot is next to the Hennops River and features swimming pools and braai facilities.
Man on a Mountain Biking Trail. Photo: Canva
Johannesburg is a city well-loved by travellers for its range of incredible restaurants and exciting nightlife establishments. Nature lovers often overlook the city in favour of going further afield to game reserves. However, mountain bikers will love these two options close to the metropolis:
Northern Farm, just an hour outside Jo’burg city centre and 20 minutes from Fourways, offers mountain bikers a sprawling network of trails to explore. The rolling hills, wetlands, and forests are intercepted by basic singletrack and intermediate to advanced routes.
The five well-maintained main trails go from 8 km to 68 km – there are options for every experience level. There are easy trails for families biking together as well as tougher routes with technical challenges to get the heart pumping!
Running through Thaba Eco Park in Johannesburg South, Thaba Trails offers purpose-built trails that cater to all skill levels. The trails wind through incredible flora and you may even see some fauna on your ride – the park is home to wildlife including zebra, jackals, springboks, and blesboks.
The mountain bike trails go from 10 km of moderate intensity to 40 km of high intensity with technical bits. You can make it a family adventure, as there are trails for children eight years and older.
Whether you’re testing your skills across technical trails or simply wanting to enjoy an easier route to appreciate the views, South Africa offers an incredible adventure for every rider.
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