According to Sabie Experience, mountain biking has seen a surge in interest over the last decade and has become one of the most popular sports around.
The combination of better trails, improved bike technology, the thrill of riding and the sense of adventure it evokes are all part of the reason why more and more people are getting hooked.
Recently, Africa’s first bike hotel, Trail’s End Bike Hotel, opened its doors in the beautiful Elgin Valley near Cape Town, making its way to the top of every mountain biker’s “stay-and-play” travel wish list.
According to Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, considering the region’s scenic trails, the hotel is ideal for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers alike.
“Its design was inspired by the iconic lodges in the Swiss Alps, allowing visitors to cosy up and enjoy warm hospitality in one of just 16 rooms.
It also houses the only bicycle museum in Africa, featuring historic bikes and stories like Sol Plaatje’s journey and Riaan Manser’s African cycling adventure,” she said.
If you’re an adventurous biker looking to explore top destinations specially designed for you, here are Flight Centre’s Travel Experts’ picks perfect if an active and exhilarating getaway.
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Hidden in the Giba Valley alongside the N3 freeway, just outside Pinetown, lies Giba Gorge Adventure Park. Here you will find a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with something suitable for all abilities and ages.
Mountain bikers can enjoy 45km of single-track trails at the mountain bike park. Some of the trails are colour-coded and graded using the IMBA system and there’s also a purpose-built BMX track with 5m and 8m start hills is available for BMX riding and racing.
Bike rentals are also available on site and the park’s extensive network of trails, which includes some of the best permanent dirt jumps in South Africa.
You can stay at Cybele Lodge, Branley Lodge and Rivendell Bed & Breakfast.
Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) stretches 70km from Signal Hill and Table Mountain in the north to Cape Point in the south and includes a Marine Protected Area and many of the beaches around the Peninsula.
It has an extensive trail network, stretching from the Western Seaboard, via Signal Hill and Table Mountain, to Newlands Forest and Constantia Nek.
Trails include exposed single tracks, rock gardens, and gentle jeep tracks through indigenous forests.
To access the park, riders need an annual My Activity Permit Level 3 – or you can purchase a day pass for specific areas like Tokai.
You can stay at Hoerikwaggo Tented Camps, Overseers Cottage or Olifantsbos Guest House.
Harkerville Mountain Bike Trails, Garden Route Western Cape
The Harkerville Cycle Routes are situated in the Harkerville forest between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. There are four routes catering for the beginner to the more advanced mountain biker.
The shortest route is the Yellow Route at 13km, while the longest route, the Red Route is 22km. Bikers need to obtain a permit from the Thesen Island Office or the Garden of Eden.
The Red Route has a reputation for being the most exhilarating and scenic, traversing deep indigenous forest, fynbos, and offers coastal views.
You can stay at Masescha Country Estate, Coral Tree Cottages, or Knysna Elephant Park Lodge.
Van Gaalen River Trail, North West
The Van Gaalen trails cross over 30 private farms with over 80km of single-track throughout the Skeerpoort Valley in Hartebeespoort. The farm offers opportunities for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and birding.
The manicured routes are well prepared and maintained which attract many athletes to the area. The trail is part of a larger network that spans over 80km of single-track trails across 30 private farms, making it one of the country’s most extensive mountain biking areas.
Riders are required to wear helmets and protective eyewear, and must adhere to specific rules, such as yielding to horses and staying on marked paths.
You’ll need to buy a day permit at the Trail/Farm Shop when you arrive.
You can stay at Greenwillows Guesthouse, Mill Lane Farmhouse, and Sky Lodge.
Goegap Nature Reserve, Northern Cape
The Goegap Nature Reserve is a semi-desert nature reserve in Northern Cape, South Africa and lies around 8 km east of Springbok.
The area was once used to graze livestock and was proclaimed in 1966 as a reserve then fenced in 1969 and wildlife introduced shortly afterwards.
For riders, the reserve features 35km of trails primarily designed for 4x4 vehicles but that make for excellent mountain biking routes.
The routes include climbs and steep ascents, particularly to higher points like Carolusberg, the highest peak in the reserve.
The reserve’s terrain stands out, it’s a desert-like landscape, interspersed with flora such as kokerbome (giant aloes) and halfmens trees.
The perfect spot to appreciate the biodiversity of the Succulent-Karoo Biome. You can camp or stay at the huts at Goegap Nature Reserve or Olive Tree Guest House and Kleinplasie.