Some sections of this gravelled trail are very steep and require considerable fitness, but the pine plantations offer welcome shade, and the spectacular views of the peninsula make the climb worthwhile. Obtain your permit at the gate behind the Tokai Manor House.

De Hoop Network, Western Cape, South Africa

The five short trails in this scenic coastal reserve range from easy to quite challenging. Interesting flora and small game abound and there are beaches to cool down on. Take a mask and the snorkel and explore the fascinating rock pools. Book ahead because the number of visitors is limited.

Harkerville Red Route, Western Cape, South Africa

The 22km-long trail is the most difficult of the Harkerville trio, in that its long, steep, single-track slip paths are a challenge at any time. Even so, the trail is beautiful and scenically varied, cutting through deep forest, plantations and coastal fynbos. Buy your permit at the start of the trail, at Garden of Eden.

Homtini Trail, Western Cape, South Africa This trail is a 19-km circular route with an infamously steep four-kilometre climb and a breathtaking vista ? on a clear day you can see Knysna Heads. There are also twisting single-track descents and a few easy paths which run through the plantations.

Dome Conservancy, Gauteng, South Africa

The rocky hills in this area from the outer rim of the Vredefort Dome, a scar on the edge of the largest meteorite crater in the world. Five trails traverse the dome and follow either rocky single-track paths or farm roads. Book ahead.

The Korannaberg Conservancy Area, Free State, South Africa

There are seven trails in this conservancy area, ranging from a family-style meander to a 60-km ordeal of steep climbs and descents along bumpy cow trails.

The Rietfontein Conservancy Area, Free State, South Africa

Five colour-coded trails, ranging from 10 to 66km, cross this scenic conservancy, providing fun for groups with varying abilities. The challenging six-kilometre cross-country route known as the Bergies Bash is one of the favourites.

Goegap Nature Reserve, Northern Cape, South Africa

There are two trails in this reserve ? one 14km long, the other 20km long. Both offer some steep descents, a few climbs and some quite strenuous sandy sections. Apart from the famed spring flowers, you may see small herds of zebra, springbok or gemsbok.

Sani Pass, South Africa-Lesotho border

It?s a bit of a slog riding up the eight kilometres of steep gravel road that twists and turns up 972m, but coming down is hair-raising: the occasional traffic, mist or thunderstorm, as well as sharp hairpin bends and vertiginous drops, increase the adrenaline factor.

Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland

This hilly reserve is criss-crossed by a network of steep and rocky tracks which take you among the numerous zebra, giraffe, impala and other species of antelope that have found refuge here.