Whether you’re a weekend cruiser, an adrenaline junkie, or a parent looking for a scenic spin with the kids, South Africa has a trail with your name on it. With its mix of mountains, valleys, coastlines and bushveld, the country is a two-wheeled paradise.
Local MTB parks and remote wilderness routes offer a chance to reconnect with nature, challenge your body, and discover new corners of the country — one pedal stroke at a time.
Beginner-friendly trails
Picture/Giba Gorge
Giba Gorge MTB Park – KwaZulu-Natal
Just 25 minutes from Durban, Giba Gorge is an excellent introduction to off-road riding. The Blue Trail offers gentle climbs, shady forest paths and rewarding views of waterfalls — all without intense technical features. There’s also a kids’ pump track, a skills area to practise basics, and a café that’s as popular with locals as the trails themselves.
Bottelary Hills Conservancy Trails – Stellenbosch
Picture/Visit Stellenbosch
Flowing through fynbos and vineyards, these trails are perfect for riders wanting a scenic outing with gentle terrain. The shorter green and blue routes avoid the steeper ridgelines and are ideal for beginners or casual riders. Along the way, you’ll spot farm dams, spring wildflowers and distant mountain views — not to mention a few wine estates perfect for post-ride tastings.
Intermediate trails
Picture/Michael Cerveny via News24
Jonkershoek Trails – Stellenbosch
Set in a mountain amphitheatre, Jonkershoek’s trails are well-built and offer a great next step for progressing riders. Forest switchbacks and bermed descents like Red Phoenix offer speed with manageable technical sections, while still letting you test your skills. The natural beauty here — towering pines, waterfalls, and crisp mountain air — is reason enough to return.
Sabie – Mpumalanga
Picture/Nelspruit Lodge
Sabie is one of South Africa’s original MTB hotspots, offering everything from forestry roads to adventurous singletrack. The 30 km intermediate loop blends manageable climbs with long, flowy descents through indigenous forests. Expect river crossings, wildlife sightings, and the ever-present scent of pine. It’s a great place to build stamina while soaking in Lowveld scenery.
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Advanced & technical rides
Picture/Cape Adventures blog
Tokai Forest – Cape Town
Tokai is legendary among Cape Town’s mountain bikers. Recently rebuilt and upgraded, its advanced trails like Vasbyt and DH2 deliver high-speed berms, rock gardens, and rooty chutes that’ll challenge your reflexes and bike handling. Tokai has three trails: Green (easy), Blue (challenging), and Black (difficult). The climb to the top is worth it—not just for the adrenaline-pumping descent, but for the panoramic views over False Bay.
Karkloof Trails – KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Picture/SA Venues
This trail system is a playground for serious riders. The black-rated trails are filled with off-camber roots, slick rock sections, and jump lines—but it’s all set within lush mistbelt forest, making every ride feel like a journey. The Sappi Karkloof Classic Festival is a highlight on the annual calendar, drawing competitive and leisure riders and trail runners alike.
Multi-day adventure routes
Picture/Shift Media Co via Dryland.co.za
The Garden Route Giro
The Garden Route Giro is a six-day gravel stage race that takes riders across some of the most scenic and varied terrain in the Western Cape. Starting in Mossel Bay, the route winds through coastal forests, mountain passes, farmlands, river valleys, and stretches of Karoo landscape before looping back to the ocean. With 684 kilometres of gravel riding, it’s a tough but rewarding challenge for experienced cyclists looking to push their limits while taking in the natural beauty of the region.
Garden Route Trail Park to Knysna Forest
Picture/Rooms For Africa
Tucked between George and Knysna at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, the Garden Route Trail Park is a favourite for riders of all levels. It’s 20 km of purpose-built singletrack includes flowing turns, berms, rollers, and river crossings, all set against lush forest and mountain scenery. Whether you’re after a relaxed ride or something more technical, the routes are well-marked and varied. On-site facilities include a pump track, BMX track, showers, a picnic area, and the Trail Café—making it easy to spend the whole day here.
Tips for trail readiness
- Trail access: Some routes require a permit or day pass—check websites before heading out.
- Weather watch: Trails in mountain or coastal areas can change quickly—pack for all conditions.
- Support locals: Many trails are community- or conservancy-run—your ride helps fund local development and conservation.
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