Drakensberg MTB Trails

About Drakensberg MTB Trails

Where: All Out Adventures, northern Drakensberg
Level: routes for all levels of MTB junkies
Type of route: 100 km of mountain bike trails, mainly single track (combine the Trilby and Montusi Gorge trails and it is all single track)
Best: this is incredible biking all year round, with major peaks as your backdrop; if there in summer go early morning to avoid thunder showers

Much of the trail system is purpose built single track, the trails wide and easy to ride, with sturdy bridges over mountain streams. But it's the Drakensberg, so expect major climbs and technical downhills for those after a hard ride.

There are four marked trails:

10 km Gypsy's Bend gives beginners a great start with wide smooth flowing single track (great way to take in the views). Descend into Montusi Gorge; cross the road, and then slowly climb towards the little 'Berg. Cross a big stream on flat rocks at the halfway mark, then follow the river downhill before the return that includes a short rocky climb.

17 km Montusi Gorge Intermediate trail is great for the family (bikers rate this as the best trail), as most riders manage it. Descend towards Montusi Gorge on a quad trail, passing Montusi Waterfall, then a steep climb out of the Gorge past the Petrified Forest. A sheer descent down Rocky Pass takes you to the Waterfall Challenge (ride up a rock cascade in the river bed! - not as daunting as it seems). Trail continues through Moon Donga, over Puterill's Stream and up a narrow pass cut in the side of a hill. Follow the contour path (gorgeous views) to Windmill. The homewood stretch is a choice between tar road, or woodlot.

20 km Trilby Trail, a technical trail featuring DuToits Downhill and a few tough climbs. Leave on the Hlalanathi connecting trail (single track) before using the tar road to join yet further single track on the Tugela River Meander (incredible close-ups of the Amphitheatre). Another tar section takes you to the Trilby Traverse, climbing steeply past Mont Aux Sources Hotel to a plateau. Single track across the mountain that includes some 10 wooden bridges, and then the Dutoit's Downhill.

27 km Grotto Trail, aimed at fanatics and those with experience, this trail crosses Cavern's Surprise Ridge on a narrow single track. It starts on the Gypsy's Bend Trail, then follows the Acacia Meander towards the Ledges, heads through a woodlot and up the Cavern driveway to the dam. From here single track along Surprise Ridge follows several steep ascents and descents, and wooden bridge river ravine crossings. Return via Trilby Traverse with a steep downhill, and the Hlalanathi connecting trail.

The Drakensberg MTB trails link a handful of resorts in the area, giving access to guests from various starting points.

Choice of day/duration of stay passes. No bike hire.

The Royal Drakensberg Mountain Bike Challenge takes place at All Out Adventures.