Africa’s first bike hotel, Trail’s End Bike Hotel, has 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.
“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,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa.
Alongside the Elgin Valley, here are Flight Centre’s Travel Experts’ top destinations for mountain bikers – perfect if an active and exhilarating getaway is on the cards and you’re looking to reinvent the wheel and travel somewhere new.
- Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
- Where? Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- What to expect:
- 45km of single-track trails.
- Trails are colour-coded and graded using the IMBA system.
- A purpose-built BMX track with 5m and 8m start hills is available for BMX riding and racing.
- Bike rentals available on site.
- Highlight: The park’s extensive network of trails, which includes some of the best permanent dirt jumps in South Africa.
- Nearby accommodations: Cybele Lodge, Branley Lodge, and Rivendell Bed & Breakfast.
- Table Mountain National Park
- Where? Cape Town, South Africa.
- What to expect:
- 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.
- Riders need an annual My Activity Permit Level 3 – or you can purchase a day pass for specific areas like Tokai.
- Highlight: The Panorama Loop – Silvermine trail. This trail is famous for its gorgeous scenery, with a 4.7-star rating on AllTrails. It’s 7.1km long with an elevation gain of 301m.
- Nearby accommodations: Hoerikwaggo Tented Camps, Overseers Cottage, and Olifantsbos Guest House.
- Karkloof Country Club
- Where? Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- What to expect:
- World-class trail network (consistently ranked as the best in South Africa), spanning over 400km of mapped single and double track trails, logging roads, and forest paths.
- The trails are renowned for their flow, which is a result of the trail-building expertise of local resident Hylton Turvey.
- Highlight: The annual Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival, which includes the SA MTB Marathon Championships.
- Nearby accommodations: Belvidere Country Estate, Gartmore Guest Farm, and Halliwell Country Inn.
- Harkerville Mountain Bike Trails
- Where? Harkerville Forest (between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay), South Africa.
- What to expect:
- 4 main routes, colour-coded according to difficulty and length. The shortest route is the Yellow Route at 13km, while the longest route – the Red Route – is 22km.
- Sections of the routes are shared with hiking trails, which are signposted. Cyclists should be cautious in these areas.
- You’ll need to obtain a permit from the Thesen Island Office or the Garden of Eden.
- Highlight: The Red Route has a reputation for being the most exhilarating and scenic, traversing deep indigenous forest, fynbos, and offers coastal views.
- Nearby accommodations: Masescha Country Estate, Coral Tree Cottages, Knysna Elephant Park Lodge.
- Van Gaalen River Trail
- Where? Skeerpoort Valley, Hartbeespoort, North West, South Africa.
- What to expect:
- 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.
- Highlight: The trail promises amazing views, including several bridges and long reed tunnels.
- Nearby accommodations: Greenwillows Guesthouse, Mill Lane Farmhouse, and Sky Lodge.
- Eselfontein Farm Trails
- Where? Ceres, Western Cape, South Africa.
- What to expect:
- The main trail is approximately 70km – 80% of which features purpose-built single-track paths.
- These trails are exceptionally rugged, posing a challenge for experienced riders, from steep climbs to adrenalin-inducing descents.
- Highlight: The main trail’s “Death Drop” (a steep ascent followed by a heart-stopping descent) and “Blair Witch Forest” (winding trails that weave through dense vegetation) sections.
- Nearby accommodations: Eselfontein Guesthouse, Eselfontein Eco Huts, Fairfield Cottages.
- Goegap Nature Reserve
- Where? Springbok, Northern Cape, South Africa.
- What to expect:
- Features 35km of trails primarily designed for 4×4 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.
- Highlight: 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.
- Nearby accommodations: Camping and Huts at Goegap Nature Reserve, The Olive Tree Guest House, and Kleinplasie.
Another worthy biking experience, according to Turner, is to head off on a cycling safari in Botswana.
“While South Africa is packed with trails and incredible scenery, it’s worthwhile venturing beyond our borders for more diversity. Botswana is famous for its cycling safaris, allowing travellers to explore the bush from a new perspective and get even closer to wildlife. These safaris typically involve cycling for 3-5 hours per day, covering distances of 20-50km, with armed local experts cycling alongside for guidance and peace of mind.”
Inspired to pedal your way to enchanting new adventures? Ready, set, ride!
