1) Tokai Forest, South Peninsula
Where:
Eastern slopes of Table Mountain above Tokai.
Why ride it?:
To enjoy an exhilarating downhill rush through a single-track paradise.
Distance:
Various route options, but a total ride of around 25km (around two hours in the saddle).
Route description:
Crank off from the Tokai Arboretum along a hard gravel climb winding up towards Sentech Tower above Elephant’s Eye. Approximately nine kilometres into the ride you have the option of continuing left to the tower along a steep tarmac section or turning right onto a track corkscrewing down the slopes. This will take you back onto a jeep track, but keep bearing left along singletrack sections bombing through the fragrant pine plantations. If it’s your first time, ride it with someone who knows the route or you’re sure to get a bit lost.
Maps & Markings:
Get a map with your permit. Route markers are white bicycles on green.
Grading:
Technical sections, rocky terrain and a stiff climb — rated intermediate to difficult.
Access:
Buy a permit from the small office on your right before you reach the Manor House.
Contact: MTO Forestry (SAFCOL) on (021) 712 7471 or email info@mtoecotourism.co.za.

2) Eslfontein Farm, Ceres
Where:
20 minutes from Ceres in the Breede River valley.
Why ride it?:
Some downhills to die for, plus more than 30km of sweet singletrack.
Distance:
Circular route with options ranging from 10–45km (two to four hours ride for the full route).
Route description:
Bomb along one of SA’s top trails on this private farm outside Ceres, enjoying an exhilarating ride through wheat fields, fynbos and along river beds. Expect to work hard though with cracking climbs along the majestic Skurwe and Hex River Mountain slopes.
Maps & Markings:
Maps included with permit from Erika’s Cafe. Route is well-marked.
Grading:
Short options easy; full route difficult, with technical terrain and tough climbs.
Access:
R20 entry fee payable at Erika’s Café, Ceres. Contact Deon Malherbe on (023) 312 2278 or email eselfontein@worldonline.co.za.

3) Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, Heidelberg
Where:
Langeberg Mountains, 22km northwest of Heidelberg.
Why ride it?:
Everything from forest to fynbos, with downhills to test your character.
Distance:
58km (three to five hours in the saddle).
Route description:
Various trail options within Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve and the surrounding conservancy, mainly along a network of gravel roads. Sections of jeep – and single-track whip you through renosterveld, forest, grassland and high-slopes fynbos.
Maps & Markings:
Map available at reserve office. Route markers overgrown in places.
Grading:
Difficult, with some extreme downhill sections.
Access:
R20 permit available from reserve office. Contact Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve on (028) 722 2412 or email gvboschm@telkomsa.net. For more information on MTB trails in nature reserves, visit Cape Nature Conservation.

4) Gamka Nature Reserve (Die Hel), Prince Albert
Where:
Swartberg Pass near Prince Albert.
Why ride it?:
The mother of all gravel road switchbacks.
Distance:
A 90km-plus return ride from Prince Albert into Die Hel (eight to 12 hours in the saddle).
Route description:
Kick off from town and then turn right into the awesome Swartberg Pass for the climb of your life. After 18km, turn right into Gamkaskloof for another 45km of extreme riding. Usually run as a two-way/two-day race known as the ‘To Hell & Back MTB Challenge’.
Maps & Markings:
Maps available from Prince Albert Tourism. Route marked with road signs.
Grading:
Intermediate to difficult; extreme if you do the full route in one day.
Access:
Via a public road, but you’ll need to pay to enter the nature reserve. Contact Prince Albert Tourism on (023) 541 1366 or email princealberttourism@intekom.co.za.

5) Dwarsrivier Conservancy, Cederberg area
Where:
Near Sanddrif farm, off the Olifant’s River Valley.
Why ride it:
Awesome scenery and breathtaking sandstone rock formations.
Distance:
A short and sweet 15km ride from the camp site at Dwarsrivier.
Route description:
A there-and-back gravel road, plus circular singletrack section, starting from the Sanddrif camp site. Blast past the Dwarsivier wine farm and then turn left to the observatory and along the Lot-se-Vrou hiking trail for some rollicking, off-road fun.
Maps & Markings:
Maps available from Sanddrif. Limited route markers at critical junctions.
Grading:
Easy to moderate.
Access:
R10 permit per rider. Contact Sanddrif office on (027) 482 2825 or email sanddrif@cederbergwine.com.

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