Coast offers a piece of MTB heaven

The past few years have seen the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast emerge as a key destination for mountain biking and trail running experiences, with several competitions hosted throughout the year. The incredible array of trails meander through the abundance of sugarcane fields, coastal forests, indigenous bush, riverbanks and beachfront areas.

Rocky Bay Resorts Trails
This exquisite resort forms part of the annual KAP sani2c – which takes place this week – and joberg2c events which see participants heading towards the beautiful coastal town of Scottburgh.
The Rocky Bay Resorts Mountain Bike Trails were established in 2011, followed by the Rocky Bay Resorts Running Trails in 2014.
The mountain bike trails include a 9km, 12km, 19km and 40km courses, as well as the 4km, 6km, 8km and 10km running trails that are clearly marked orange for cyclists and green for runners.

Ingeli Forest
Ingeli Forest, located near Harding, is the second largest indigenous forest in KwaZulu-Natal that has a range of walking and running trails for a range of abilities, from 18km through to 30km, crossing forest streams and running past waterfalls.
The Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest & Spa located at the Ingeli Forest Resort, just below the Ingeli Mountain Range, are great stops for trail runners, opening them to the expansive Ingeli Forest and its scenic trails.

Cycling
There are many established biking trails, with new ones emerging every year, suited to all manner of biking abilities and varying in distance – from easy coastal rides for the family through to challenging contests for the avid biker.
There are a number of annual contests that are hosted within the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast or pass through this area on the way to the shoreline.

The joberg2c is a nine-day, off-road adventure across four South African provinces, finishing in Scottburgh.
Then there’s the three-day KAP sani2c which goes through KwaZulu-Natal’s mountain passes into Umkomaas Valley and ending at Scottburgh.

Burry Stander Bike Park
In memory of the world-class cyclist, Burry Stander, this Umtentweni-based bike park was opened in 2014 as a way to honour him and develop cycling among local youth. There is a 2km cross-country track or a 5km farm track with an on-site Kiddies Zone and coffee shop.

Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest & Spa
Located near the province’s second largest indigenous coastal forest are some of the country’s best mountain biking trails.
There are seven scenic routes that cross afromontane forests, plantations and farms that go past waterfalls and streams.
The trails range in length, including the 3km, 3.5km, 7.5km, 10km, 15km and even loop-out routes.
The hotel rents out bikes to those who haven’t packed their own, and there are many lovely picnic spots along the way.

Lake Eland Private Game Reserve
Situated between the Mzimkhulu and Mzimkhulwana Rivers is the 10 000 hectare Lake Eland Game Reserve, home to legendary mountain biking trails that include gorge rides and climbs.
The reserve has 45km of well-maintained trails winding through four distinct ecosystems where cyclists can view a range of bird and wildlife, including giraffe, blue duiker, herds of eland, blesbuck, wildebeest, zebra, shy mountain reedbuck and bushbuck.
Ranging in length from 4km to 45km, bikers can enjoy an easy cycle through to the more strenuous Dunstone’s Pass.

Beaver Creek Coffee Estate
The beautiful Port Edward-based coffee estate, the southern most coffee plantation in the world, is also the home of some incredible mountain biking trails. For the little ones, there is the 400m Chocochino Route around the coffee shop; then there is the 2.5km Espresso Route through the Beaver Creek coffee fields; as well as the advanced 8.5km Stoney Creek Route through Beaver Creek and surrounding farms.

Clearwater Trails
Located just outside Southbroom along the banks of Mtamvuna River and meandering through Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Crags View Wild Care Centre is Clearwater Trails. There are five routes, starting with the easy 2km green route trail, all the way through to the 16km route, with all routes ending with the Coffee Bean Uphill and finishing at Clearwater Cabins.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram