Best South Africa Mountain Bike Trails

Best South Africa Mountain Bike Trails MTB Trails > South Africa

50 Trails in South Africa

Rank Trail Name Difficulty Length (mi) City

1. Giba Blue trail Intermediate (2.0) Pinetown #68 in the world

The blue route takes you around the whole of Giba on a beautiful flowing single track. The track includes switchbacks, bridges, routs, rock and drop offs (A and B line always available)

2. Tokai Forest Intermediate (8.0) Constantia, Cape Town

#282 in the world

It is a mixture of fireroads to gain elevation with knarly singletrack down. The very top is technical and scary at points with huge drops crossing the fireroad. At the lower section it has log rides and huge jumps with landing ramps. I think this trail connects to a larger system with silver mine and may link up to Table Mountain.

3. Impala Ranch MTB Trails Intermediate (17.0) Jeffreys Bay

#1,128 in the world

It's not a race.... It's an adventure..... The trails suit intermediate to advanced riders as some sections are quite technical and there is a lot of pedalling but not too much climbing as the focus has been to have long flowing single track descents.

All trails are marked according to IMBA standards with Blue and Red runs.

With large herds of roaming Impala, Springbok, Red Haartebees, Bontebok, Zebra, Kudu, Nguni cattle, Sheep and even a few Ostrich... makes a ride around Impala Ranch different every time.

The trails are designed to show you some of the best features of the farm and the terrain and views change every 500 metres. You'll be taking pictures and marvelling at the scenery...that's for sure!

Plans are underway to triple the trail loop size, develop a few challenging 'Black' runs and many more exciting pump track enhancements are scheduled.

4. Red Barn Intermediate (16.0) Olifantsfontein

#1,178 in the world

Fun and fast for all ages and abilities.

Mostly flat and fast forested single track with plenty of purpose built jumps and berms. Trails suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced are graded green blue and black. The Big Red barn is a good coffee shop and restaurant at the parking area. Also has other tree activities for kids. Trails vary in length up to 50km.

5. Clearwater Trail System Intermediate (10.0) Port Edward

#1,283 in the world

An intergrated network of loop trails varying from easy to difficult/technical. A combination of jeep tracks and purpose built single track with natural obstacles, berms, switchbacks and rises. The longest loop includes and steep, winding descent and of course and climb. Total ascent approx 300m (over 1 mile). The views of the Umtamvuna River Gorge and coastline as well as the forest and grassland areas make for a breathtaking and interesting ride. Stop for a coffee & a bite to eat at the coffee estate on route, pack a picnic or snack on the trail shop refreshments after zip around on the trails.

6. Jonkershoek Intermediate (20.0) Stellenbosch

#1,395 in the world

A network of purpose built single track trails connected by forestry contour paths. Favourite sections include the Canary Path , 3 levels of single track zig zagging down the mountain. Fire Trail on the right hand side of the valley if you face the mountains from the entrance gate has some fast flowing switch backs and awesome small jumps. Eliatti Path is also a nice option if connected with some of the other smaller trails.

7. Giba Green Route Beginner (8.0) Pinetown

#1,802 in the world

Head up the valley through lush green singletrack. You will encounter roots, rocks, drops and a few man made fun jumps along the trails. There are easy lines to take, or go for the more extreme trails off the main route. All well marked and maintained

8. Benoni Country Club MTB Beginner (9.0) Benoni

#1,828 in the world

Imagine an early morning ride through the bush, sweeping through a manicured single-track with bird calls rising above the sound of your bicycle as you round a corner to spot a herd of buck. Imagine no more - Benoni Country Club MTB trails, offers all of this and much more.

Magnificent trails suitable for everyone, from easy winding single-tracks perfect for beginners through to rock gardens, drop offs, bridges and a crazy descent down a big old tree for the experienced enthusiast. The trails are fully incorporated into the Benoni Country Club grounds offering a safe and secure environment for cyclists of all ages and abilities to experience and enjoy.

Three trail difficulties and lengths offer distances from 6km up to 20km with easy bypasses of all technical zones and obstacles should you wish to take the "Peacock Runs".

Benoni Country Club offers unrivalled facilities including changing rooms and showers, choices of food and beverages and the opportunity to sit back and relax on the terrace after your ride, soaking up the beautiful views over forest and fairway.

Flat, windy, 3 grades and offers a Spring Night series event.

9. Wolwespruit Bike Park Beginner (13.0) Pretoria

#1,859 in the world

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced loops available. Entry fee required.

Wolwespruit MTB park also has 3 great special features; one of the largest pump tracks around, a skills clinic area and a jump line for those who need a double dose of adrenaline. All of them designed with the aim to increase rider skill level, confidence and provide hours of fun.

The trails make full use of the park's topography and offers thrilling drops, jumps, river crossings and lots of uphill! It is a perfect place to practices skills and get fit at the same time. The park is fully fenced and provides a safe environment to enjoy the outdoors right in the heart of Pretoria east. At the moment the park has 23 km of MTB single track with about 300m of climbing to be done, 10 km of running trails which can also be used for walking as well. Dogs are welcome to join riders, runners and walkers.

10. Over the Moon night race Beginner (13.0) Johannesburg

#1,966 in the world

Undulating tight twisting single track through trees and open grassland. Not very very technical and no major climbs. Restaurant at trail head.

11. B Spot Easiest (2.0) Cape Town

#2,004 in the world

Perfect trails for beginners to advanced riders.

12. Boschendal Intermediate (15.0) Stellenbosch

#3,340 in the world

Black Route = 16km and 600 odd m of climbing. However my Strava measured from Boschendal Wine Farm parking lot 25.5km and 740m of climbing. From the parking lot to the start of the trail is probably 2km one way.

Majority jeep track on the climbs, 3 main climbs between and 3 main single track descents. Descents are definitely worth the climbs, flowy and scenic with a couple of features thrown in. Personally I wouldn't ride in summer as almost the whole trail is out in the open (only the first descent is under tree cover). there are two or 3 stream crossing where you can fill up your water bottles and cool down a little. All in all, worth the ride... and the Burgers at the restaurant after is a must

13. Northern Farms Intermediate (35.0) Diepsloot

#3,450 in the world

Mix of Jeeptrack and Singletrack.

Johannesburgs most popular MTB trails venue that is used as a working dairy farm. 20km out of town. Suits both novices and young families to advanced riders. Great variety of single track through forested sections mixed with some jeep track. Trails graded at different ability levels (green,red&black etc) Gradients don't exceed about 6%. Distances vary from 15 to 55km. Coffee shop and bike wash at the parking area. Also popular with bird watchers.

14. Dragon peaks Beginner (25.0) Cathkin Park

#3,411 in the world

Tough climbing, beautiful flowing single track and some awesome superfast downhills

Purpose built MTB tracks, link jeep tracks on the 1000 acre estate of Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort. The spectacular Cathkin Peak, Sterkhorn and Champagne Castle is in the backdrop. We started constructing trails in January 2012 and construction is ongoing.

Five loops of 4km; 7km; 1.7km; 1.2km and 1.2km respectively, have been built, colour coded, marked and mapped. A steep pumping climb up a jeep track will surely test your fitness level. Down hills are mainly single tracks. Features e.g. sharp cut backs, berms, wooden bridges and wooden curbs are built on the trail to test your skills and make the ride more interesting.

15. Hazeldean (19.0) Pretoria

#3,450 in the world

The trails are well designed such that everyone can enjoy them from beginners to pros. There are up to 50 km of well-designed single track to be enjoyed. We have a number of laid out Routes of varying distances. Just select your Route in the Discover tab on the App and go ride. Flat, fast.

16. Garden Route Trail Park Advanced (15.0) Knysna

#3,700 in the world

Great riding network outside of Knysna. You can rent bikes onsite if needed, or obviously bring your own. Lots of work has gone into making a great singletrack network, with trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Some trails are fast and flowy singletrack with big views (Mountain Mania), others are tighter singletrack trails through trees with fun little root drops (Jungle Fever). Overall a great riding area with a bunch of options, pump track included. There's coffee and pastries for sale onsite as well.

17. Pilansberg national park Beginner (30.0) Sun city

#3,755 in the world

Mostly rocky and steep up hill with fast down hills. Serious African bush.

18. Buffalo Expert (21.0) Pretoria

#3,859 in the world

Loops of 7, 16, 23, 27 and 40km. Easy to intermediate.

19. Dir Burger MTB Challenge 50km route (31.0) Stellenbosch

#4,318 in the world

The famed MTB race wheels through more than 50 farms in the Stellenbosch area, with six scenic routes to choose from to cater for riders of all ages and levels of experience. The distances include a short 15-km ride for children and novices, a 30-km route for beginners, a 42-km race for fit riders, a 50-km option for intermediate cyclists, a 60-km challenge for advanced riders and a 75-km invitation race for the country’s top cyclists. Do not be fooled by distances though; the 50-km route is actually easier than the 42-km option.

20. Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge Beginner (28.0) Muldersdrift

#4,396 in the world

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge is situated in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind. The routes wind through and over the hills and valleys surrounding Lake Heritage. Share the trails with over 300 heads of game, including Impala, Springbok, Wildebeest, Blesbok and more!

Blue Route: The trail includes Single track, Jeep track and Bermed corners. The route has easy ''escape routes'' back to the lodge. This trail is perfect for beginner riders to hone their skills and perfect bike control.

Yellow Route: Extra river frontage, multiple forests and rocky sections await the riders. The route features a lot of singletrack and will take longer than an average route to complete as there are long climbs and technical decents. The route winds away from the lake in the direction of Beyers Naude Drive before heading back down to the new "Spookhuis" section. A long climb awaits you before making your way back to the lodge.

Red Route: The red route is our most technical route and is only for advanced riders. Riders cross the bridge at the Lake Heritage dam wall and is immediately greeted by a sharp climb up a concrete jeep track. The route features technical climbs, decents, switchbacks and tight forest sections. PLEASE NOTE: Advanced riders only. No one will be allowed to cut or veer off track. Any persons caught doing this will be asked to leave the Red route immediately.

Other activities at the lodge include: Game drives, boat cruises, guided walks, restaurant and bar facilities.

21. Eden; G Spot; Blue Gums (Paradyskloof) Intermediate (8.0) Stellenbosch

#4,757 in the world

Start through the forest in Eden, have a choice of single track or jeep track for the climb up to top road. Top road crosses above G-Spot to Blue Gums. G-Spot is a network of single track with jumps and flow sections. Blue Gums is a loose gravel single track downhill to Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch. You can climb back up through G-Spot to cross back over to Eden, this has a network of downhill type single track back to your car.

22. Meerendal Mountain Bike Trail Advanced (12.0) Durbanville, Cape Town

#4,544 in the world

This trail is great for beginners and more advanced riders. With a number of distances and single track loops to choose from you can choose according to your skill level. With the new pump track and home to the prologue of the ABSA Cape Epic race.

23. Maseru Urban 20k (13.0) Maseru

#4,866 in the world

Lots of single track, minimal village (although this is an “urban” ride), dirt road, jeep track, tar road. Quite technical in spots, but maybe only 200 feet of unrideable trail. Some beautiful views of the city, village, mountains, and the Caledon River.

A note on mountain biking in Lesotho:

In general, Basotho people are quite friendly. However, it is not advisable to ride alone from a security stand point. We know of at least one person who’s bike was stolen while he was riding alone. We’ve never heard of anybody having a problem while riding in a group.

A lot of these paths are quite heavily traveled by pedestrians so be on the lookout. Saying “hello” (pronounced “Du-me-la”) in Sesotho will go a long way in initiating friendliness. Early morning rides seem to work best on avoiding the heaviest foot traffic.

24. 45K Roundabout (45.0) Magaliesburg

#4,923 in the world

Nice circuitous route with three SERIOUS climbs and some gnarly downhill sections with about 20K of single track.This route has cycling lanes so it is quite safe.

25. Rhodes Memorial (5.0) Cape Town

#4,289 in the world

Starting from Rhodes Memorial parking area, the jeep track starts with a reasonably steep incline onto Plum Pudding which tests the legs early. Then over the top down on to the other side to start the climb to the Blockhouse. Take in the views over the whole of Cape Town!

Then it's down and up a short climb to Tafelberg. Turn off the tar road and onto the jeep track at Dead Man's Tree and then be prepared for some steep downhill sections. Follow the road to the right and then climb back up Rhodes Memorial.

There is no single track on this route but plenty of elevation.

Best mountain biking views

26. Delheim (8.0) Simonsberg Conservatory

#5,005 in the world

Large network of trails through the forest. Fun green and blue rated singletrack that are perfect to introduce beginners to the sport and give intermediate riders the confidence to go faster on trails. The ‘never say never ending again’ trail has to be one of the most iconic trails in the Cape!

27. Hoogekraal Mountain Bike Trail Intermediate (12.0) Cape Town

#5,140 in the world

Quick, climbing and technical make this trail fun and exciting. Spot the wildlife as you go along and if you dare, tackle the Cape Cobra technical downhill section.

Short but technical little course that will test your skills going up as well as coming down. 2 routes available depending on the skill and fitness levels.

28. Huddle Park Golf & Recreation Intermediate (8.0) Johannesburg

#5,362 in the world

Good route with multiple sub routes of varying difficulty some quite technical

Good fun; largely single track. The trails include a variety of jump lines in the forest section that is more specific for advanced riders riding with speed, intermediate can also ride them slower with caution. We have marked out set distances to make it easier for the riders, beginners and families who use our trails.

After getting to know the trails at Huddle, riders can make up their own loops as there are plenty of different options.

Some section can be double looped to get to a new section.

29. Dunkheld Estate Beginner (25.0) Dullstroom

#5,923 in the world

Well maintained, fast with game view points and dams

A variety of at-least three trails to choose from including the forest trail, the river trail and a mountain trail. All trails start at the same place thus it is possible to do them all consecutively as one big trail in effect. The forest trail comprises of smooth well maintained singletrack where the mountain trail is mostly jeep track. The river trail was still under construction when I was there and thus I have not had the opportunity to ride it yet. I would definitely recommend that you ride all three these trails if you were to find yourself in Dullstroom. Costs I believe was R50 per day, but I stand corrected on this as well as the respective trail names and other details, though I believe this still gives you a good idea of Dunkeld estate trails.

30. Contermanskloof (10.0) Durbanville, Cape Town

#5,511 in the world

Rolling hills, steep valleys and incredibly green landscapes sprinkled with beautiful trails - You'd be forgiven if you thought you were in the England when riding Contermanskloof in the Winter! In complete contrast to the end of Summer, the trails are grippy and the surroundings have a 'soft' feel to them. While most of the Contermanskloof MTB Map trails have beautiful flow and an intermediate IMBA rating, some of the steepest and gnarliest rock gardens in the Cape are also found here. The riding experience is made all the better with a great coffee shop (with Contermanskloof MTB Map) and friendly bike store.

31. Lebanon Red trail (27.0) Grabouw

#5,650 in the world

The trail offers a unique riding experience that combines rolling orchards, forested pine slopes and mountainous fynbos with breathe taking views. The experienced and energetic can head up into plantation clad hills to hone their technical skills. This can be done by testing their co-ordination and skill on narrow bridges, roots, rocky stretches and weaving single track. There is loads of opportunity to practice steep climbs, line picking, weight transfer and switchbacks.

32. Hilcrest (5.0) Cape Town

#7,420 in the world

Big climbs and Rocky some sections. Hillcrest Farm is one of the trails that form a part the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club’s plan to have 120km of mountain-bike trails in the Durbanville Hills. Although it is only 7.6km long, with a 260m ascent, the trail serves as a hub to the outlying trails of Contermanskloof, Majik Forest and Meerendal. Starting at the parking area, the trail winds around the top of an old granite quarry before heading up through fruit orchards. Higher up, the trail takes you into vineyards along the slopes, before topping out 2.3km into the ride.

33. Harkerville Red Route (14.0) Knysna

#5,768 in the world

Mix of doubletrack, singletrack and logging roads. Very technical with many rocks and routes. Follows coastline of Indian Ocean for a portion with great views.

24 kilometres in length and can take between 3 to 5 hours to ride. This route is much tougher than the other routes and can be difficult for the not-so-fit rider. probably the most scenically diverse mountain-bike route in the country, its two outstanding features are the long stretches of off-road track, which follow old slip-paths through the forest and a section of track through the coastal fynbos near the cliff-line. Together these total over ten kilometres.

34. Howick to Karkloof Easy (29.0) Howick

#6,104 in the world

For Skinny wheel One-a-be mountain bikes with views of the karkloof falls,very easy ride i recommend it to all first timers. A whole lot of everything. This route has been carefully put together so that riders can have a single track riding experience second to none. It incorporates flowing grassland single track with steep switchback climbing and eye watering descents down the likes of isiKhova and Bruisers. Toped off with a gentle meander along the Karkloof River whilst you warm down you definitely won’t be disappointed.

35. 30km and 45km loops (28.0) Howick

#6,123 in the world

Voted South Africa's best trail network in 2014 for good reason. The riding is a sublime mix of singletrack, rocky, flowy and pine forest terrain. Hylton Turvey the trail builder is the best in the country and Karkloof is a result of his passion!

36. Knysna Oyster Fest 50 (31.0) Knysna

#6,579 in the world

A bit of tar in the beginning, lots of fire road and some single track towards the last third.

MTB Events consist of two premier races – the 80 km race for elite riders and the ‘half marathon’ 50 km event for experienced MTB cyclists – and the two family events - the 30 km and Family Fun 15 km rides for adults and children aged 8-16 years.

37. Red Route (22.0) Grabouw

#6,783 in the world

Loads of cool bridges, berms and singletrack, this trail heads through forest on mostly single track with a climb that is worth the views from the top. Aimed at seasoned riders.

38. BielieMielie Fiets (50.0) Reitz

#6,219 in the world

Annual Race which is at the end of the BielieMielie festival in race and is used by many to prepare for Joberg2capetown

39. Napier Patat Festival (36.0) Napier

#5,674 in the world

fire roads, very rocky jeep tracks, some ok climbs and well carved singletrack

40. Wolesley 50km Race (34.0) Breede River DC

#6,942 in the world

very, very wet, non technical

41. Maseru Urban 12k (8.0) Maseru

#6,783 in the world

Approximately a 1 hour ride, great for a before or after work workout in Maseru downtown. This trail has a little of everything - very little tar, dirt roads, foot paths, and single tracks. The return is along the beautiful Caledon River.

Follow Pioneer Road up the hill on the right in the dirt (away from Pioneer Mall) through Lower Thetsane. Then at the top of the hill go right and by Mr. Matekane's house (huge house on the side of the hill) and around to Thetsane industrial area. At Blue Ribbon bakery go right on the tar for a few hundred meters. Turn right and cross a pedestrian bridge, then continue straight up the hill to the tar road and turn right. Go right at Beautiful Gate sign. Stay right of Beautiful Gate grounds. Go through the huge hole in the fence next to the water. Then follow the single track along the Caledon River back toward Maseru. Pick up the foot path/single track just outside of the water treatment plant. After passing under the trees go right up the hill and join the last kilometre or so back to parking.

Enjoy!

42. Karkloof to Howick and back (34.0) Howick

#4,675 in the world

This Rout incorporates most of the marked 20 mile rout from the club only we added some of the Howick trails to up the distance.

43. Maseru North (13.0) Maseru

#5,215 in the world

One of many places to ride for the trees and single tracks that await on top...its just a bear to get there! Plan on a little ‘hike and ride’ when riding here.

Lots of trees (a rare thing in Lesotho!), single track, jeep track, huge rock formations, lots of climbing, lots of descents, technical rock sections. Oh yeah, and quiet, no people, beautiful views…

The Route:

The only sure way up is the dirt road on the north east side. That involves some tar road riding if you park where we recommend. For the more adventurous, there is a nice climb to the west/northwest. Once to the village between the two hills, you’ll need to hike the rest of the way to the trail above. It is very rocky and technical here and will require some walking also.

Once on the top there are trails all over the place….most we have not yet ridden. However, some of the best single track/jeep track we’ve ridden in Lesotho thus far can be found up here. Enjoy!

A note on mountain biking in Lesotho:

In general, Basotho people are quite friendly. However, it is not advisable to ride alone from a security stand point. We know of at least one person who’s bike was stolen while he was riding alone. We’ve never heard of anybody having a problem while riding in a group.

A lot of these paths are quite heavily traveled by pedestrians so be on the lookout. Saying “hello” (pronounced “Du-me-la”) in Sesotho will go a long way in initiating friendliness. Early morning rides seem to work best on avoiding the heaviest foot traffic.

44. Kliprivier Network Intermediate (25.0) Johannesburg South

#8,421 in the world

Mixture of single track, Jeep track, Rocky hills.

Thaba Trails Mountain Bike Park offers one of the best trail networks for mountain biking and trail running in Gauteng. The trails are well marked, with colour coded loops for different skill levels.

Real Trails for Real Fanatics

45. Paradyskloof Intermediate (7.0) Stellenbosch

#8,535 in the world

Single track network trails varying from moderate to difficult free riding down hill trails. Eden is the area above Paradyskloof and this pine plantation is home to a maze of single tracks. This trail is perfect for some serious mountain biking and awesome downhill opportunities.

There are two starting points to the route, parking at the Paradyskloof Plantation.

On your bike

The Paradyskloof pine plantation consists of a maze of tracks and trails, ideal for single and downhill track riding. The tracks continue on to the northern side where it links up with the Coetzenburg areas, this gives you the opportunity to extend your ride based on how much time you have available. If you move towards the Dalsig side of Eden there are some brilliant downhill opportunities at G-Spot to finish of your ride in the plantation. G-Spot consist of awesome jumps and tight turns to get the adrenaline flowing. You can choose your own routes and riding time can be anything between 1-3 hours.

46. Helderberg Trails Beginner (8.0) Somerset West

#8,624 in the world

Helderberg Trails is set on a private farm within the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains (half-way between Somerset West and Stellenbosch), Helderberg Trails prides themselves on providing a trail destination suited to every type of rider, no matter age, skill level, type of bike, or level of fitness.

The Helderberg Farm Trail offers superb views over False Bay, Table Mountain and the Stellenbosch vineyards. This in itself should be enough to motivate you to ascend the moderate climbs and zoom the downhills and flat sections.

Andrew Neethling, a World Class professional mountain biker has honed his skills on this very mountain.

There are four individual loops: a 4km GREEN Loop (70m ascent) for Beginners; a 6km BLUE Loop (150m ascent) for up to Intermediate; the 14km RED Loop (500m ascent) for more experienced riders; and finally the 17km BLACK Loop (700m ascent) for the truly committed MTB crowd.

Know that you are starting from the foot of this imposing mountain, but the climbing comes with an exceptional pay-off.

47. Rietvlei Farm Beginner (7.0) Johannesburg South

#8,803 in the world

Mountainbike Park

Short trail with 3 different difficulty ratings. Good for training technical riding and the areas in the trees are great.

48. Karkloof 30km Intermediate (27.0) Howick

#9,324 in the world

Mostly single track, technical rock gardens with fast flowing single track.

49. Sugar Rush Park Beginner (19.0) Ballito

#9,390 in the world

Excellent trail. Farm road and single track. Lists of good climbs. Well maintained.

50. Green Route (5.0) Durban #12,337 in the world

Lush green trail. All single track. Well marked and maintained.

Mountain biking South Africa

Know of a new mountain bike trail in South Africa? Please share your trail info. About the best trails Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in South Africa using our unique trail ranking algorithm. The best bike trails are rated by weighing the following ranking factors: average trail rating, number of members who have ridden the MTB trail, and the number of members who want to ride the MTB trail. Disagree with our list of the top mountain bike trails in South Africa? Find and review your favourite South Africa bike trails. Constantly updated. View the best mountain bike trails in the world, or select another location. Don't miss these trail networks

• Thaba Trails

• Jonkershoek

• Paradyskloof

Popular places to mountain bike in South Africa

• Cape Town

• Johannesburg

• Stellenbosch

• Pretoria

• Howick

• Maseru

• Knysna

• Durbanville, Cape Town

• Dullstroom

• Johannesburg South