Top Trail Map
Other Trail Map
Top MTB Trails covers the best trails, routes and rides in the three Cape provinces. Up-to-date route info, great photographs and excellent, detailed maps, along with IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System and AMA approvals, make this book the perfect com-panion for experienced as well as aspiring mountain biking enthusiasts.
A comprehensive list of trails to explore in the other six provinces, plus a directory of bike shops and a handy atlas of the area, can also be found at the back of the book.
So, get on your bike and ride!
JACQUES MARAIS
JACQUES MARAIS
TOP MTBTRAILS
TOP MTBTRAILS TOP M
TB TRAILS
100TRAILS in detail+ 79 other trails listed in the rest of South Africain the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape
W I T H D E TA I L E D M A P S A N D G P S P O I N T S
ISBN 978-1-77026-277-5
9 781770 262775
MAC/CPT/0512/TG/NB/MPMapStudio website
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Beyerskloof
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Lourensford
Havana HillsRhebokskloof
Neethlingshof
Blaauwklippen
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Diemersfontein
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Worcester
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736m
790m
697m
598mGeelboskop
565mBrandkop
1204m
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804m
Dwarsberg
545m
Ben EtiveNature Reserve
Glen Etive
Edenville
Eselfontein
Vergenoeg
Kweperfontein
Sandhoogte
Prinshof
CHERRY PICKING
ECO CAMP
PURCHASE DAYMTB PERMIT
AT ERIKA’S CAFÉIN CERES
BLAIR WITCHFOREST
TITUS’ RIVER
DEATH DROP
PHILLIPSCREEK
RED BULL HILL
SNAKE BITE
DEAD MANWALKING
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SUIKERBOSSIE
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Ceres
500m
33024’06” S19026’00” E
START
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
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Rat
ing
Syst
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Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES YES YES YES YESTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
2012.
C O N T E N T S
Introduction 4Getting Started 6Key to Maps and IMBA Chart 7Stuff You Love 8Ama Rider 10Dirt Menu 12
THE TRAILSWestern Cape Top Trails 16Western Cape Other Trails 62Eastern Cape Top Trails 114Eastern Cape Other Trails 136Northern Cape Top Trails 148Northern Cape Other Trails 160
DIRT PAGES - OTHER LISTED TRAILSFree State 170Gauteng 174KwaZulu-Natal 178Limpopo 182Mpumalanga 184North West Province 186
DIRECTORYGear and Packing Lists 190Bike Shops 193
ATLAS 198
7
IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System
Easiest Easy More difficult Very difficult Extremely difficult
IMBA SYMBOL WHITE CIRCLE GREEN CIRCLE BLUE SQUARE BLACK DIAMOND DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND
TRAIL WIDTH 72” / 183cm 36” / 91cm 24” / 61cm 12” / 30cm 6” / 15cmSURFACE Hardened or Firm and stable Mostly stable with Widely variable Widely variable and
surfaced some variability unpredictableAVERAGE TRAIL GRADE Less than 5% 5% or less 10% or less 15% or less 20% or moreMAXIMUM TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or greater Max 15% or greater Max 15% or greater NATURAL OBSTACLES None Unavoidable obstacles Unavoidable obstacles Unavoidable obstacles Unavoidable obstacles& TECHNICAL TRAIL 2” tall or less 8” tall or less 15” tall or less 15” tall or greaterFEATURES (TTF) Avoidable obstacles Avoidable obstacles Avoidable obstacles Avoidable obstacles
may be present may be present may be present may be presentMay include loose May include looserocks rocks
Unavoidable bridges Unavoidable bridges Unavoidable bridges Unavoidable bridges36” or wider 24” or wider 24” or wider 24” or narrower
TTF’s 2” high or TTF’s 4” high or TTF’s 4” high orless, width of deck less, width of deck greater, width of deckis greater than 1/2 is less than 1/2 is unpredictablethe height the height
Short sections may Short sections mayexceed criteria exceed criteria*Source IMBA Website
A CONCISE VERSION OF THIS CHART APPEARS ON MOST OF THE MAPS IN THIS BOOK
Secondary road
Main road
Freeway / national road
Route numbers
Distance in kilometres
Railway
International /provincial boundaries
National parkand game reserve
Distance in kilometres onfreeways / national roads
Delta
Tarred Untarred
UnderConstruction
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== Place of interest & historical site
== Provincial heritage site
Z Waterfall
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Caravan park & camp site
Wine estate & wine sales
Nature reserve & bird sanctuary
Shipwreck
== Water hole
== Diving site & whale watching
= Hiking trail
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Other town
Settlement
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Other Routes
Top Routes
366m
PaulsbergSpot Height
Built up area
Onshore
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Marsh / Swamp
Water area
Pan
Ocean
PLACE OF INTEREST,CAMP SITE & CARAVAN PARK
ROUTE NOTES/INFO
Directional
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIES
MAJOR & MAIN ROADS
OTHER ROADS
MTB TRAILS
MTB TRAIL DIRECTION
OTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
KEY TO MAPS
16
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11CAPE TOWN
Paarl
De Aar
Knysna
George
Springbok
Milnerton
Worcester
Robertson
Mossel BayHeidelberg
Oudtshoorn
Simon’s Town
BeaufortWest
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Prieska
Montagu
Caledon
Hout Bay
Calvinia
Carnarvon
Swellendam
Malmesbury
Vredenburg
Riversdale
Bredasdorp
Touws River
Copperton
Vosburg
Paternoster
Prince Albert
Plettenberg Bay
W E S T E R N CA P Etop trails
List of trails:
1 Cape Point MTB Route 182 Contermanskloof Farm, Blue Route MTB Trail 203 Deer Park, Table Mountain MTB Route 224 Delvera (Dirtopia Trail Centre) MTB Trail 245 Dwarsrivier Conservancy MTB Trail 266 Eselfontein MTB Trail 287 Grootvadersbosch MTB Route 308 Harkerville MTB Trail 329 Hemel en Aarde MTB Trails 3410 Hillcrest Farm MTB Trail 3611 Homtini MTB Trail 3812 Jonkershoek MTB Trail 4013 Lebanon Forest MTB Trail 4214 Majik Forest MTB Trail 4415 Meerendal Wine Farm MTB Trails 4616 Oak Valley MTB Trail 4817 Schapenberg MTB Trail 5018 Seweweekspoort MTB Route 5219 Silvermine MTB Route 5420 Swartberg Pass MTB Route 5621 Tokai Forest MTB Trail 5822 Welvanpas MTB Trail 60
SEE P62 FOR LIST OF OTHER TRAILS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
2
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11CAPE TOWN
Paarl
De Aar
Knysna
George
Springbok
Milnerton
Worcester
Robertson
Mossel BayHeidelberg
Oudtshoorn
Simon’s Town
BeaufortWest
Stellenbosch
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Indian Ocean
N o r t h e r n C a p e
W e s t e r n C a p e
E a s t e r nC a p eCeres
Prieska
Montagu
Caledon
Hout Bay
Calvinia
Carnarvon
Swellendam
Malmesbury
Vredenburg
Riversdale
Bredasdorp
Touws River
Copperton
Vosburg
Paternoster
Prince Albert
Plettenberg Bay
18
M65
M65
Batsata Cove
Smitswinkelbaai
F A L S E B A Y
A T L A N T I CO C E A N
Booiskraalrivier
Tidal Pool
Tidal PoolBuffelsbaai (Mackellar’s Bay)
Platboombaai
Muishondbaai
Fransdam
Skilpadvlei
Matroosdam
Buffelsrivier
MatroosDam
Kromrivier
Klaas Jagersrivier
Castle Rocks
Parson’s Nose
Danger Rock
Finlay’s Point
Partridge PointBoat Rock
Baboon Rock
SteenbrasrotsWhale Rock
Smitswinkelbaai
The Chair
Hell’s GateBatsata Rock
Venus PoolThe Cauldron
Booi se Skerm
Black Rocks
Bordjiesrif
Suikerbrood
MatroosklipAntoniesgat
Rooikrans
Trappiesgrotte
PlatbankPlumpudding Rock
PenguinRock
CapePoint Dias
RockCape of
Good Hope
Cape MaclearDiaspunt
MaclearBeach
Peagram’s Point
Platboom PointThe Island
Bloubergstrand
Oompiesgat
Hoek vanBobbejaan
Christinasgang
266m
Vasco daGama Peak
107mMatrooskop
209m
107m
Rondeheuwel
366m
Paulsberg
Judas Peak
319m
319m
114m
Kommetjieberg
302m
Rooihoogte
188m
Cape Peninsula National Park(Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve)
Klipfontein
Syferfontein
LIGHTHOUSE
DIAS MONUMENT1488
DA GAMA MONUMENT 1497
LOOKOUT POINT
LOOKOUT POINT
LOOKOUT POINT
BLAASBALK CAVE
BUFFELSFONTEINVISITORS CENTRE
GOLDFIELDS CENTREAND WHALE VIEWING
PICNICPICNIC
LOOKOUTPOINT
OLD FORESTSTATION
CAPE POINTOSTRICH FARM
BOAT LAUNCH
ANVIL ROCK
LEAN ROCK
LOOKOUTPOINT
RESTAURANT
OLIFANTSBOS
NORMAL PARKFEES APPLY.
DAILY PERMIT CANBE PURCHASED.
34015’42” S18027’29” E
START
Simon’s Town
Red Hill &Scarborough
1000m
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
lty
Rat
ing
Syst
em
Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES NO NO NO NOTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
C a p e Po i n tMTB Route
Region: Cape Peninsula Closest town: Simon’s Town
Trail destination: Cape Point Nature Reserve
Get stuck into this easy ride along a
network of tarred roads meandering
through the southernmost tip of the
Cape Peninsula. This may not be where
the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet,
but it is way more beautiful than
Cape Agulhas, so who cares. And don’t
moan about the tarmac until you’ve
experienced the views – it’s worth it all
the way.
Your starting point is right at the Cape
Point Nature Reserve entrance gate, with
a slight climb for the first few hundred
metres before you dip down onto the
fynbos plains. Pass turn-offs to your left
(1.4km) and right (1.9km) to Olifants-
bos; it is a gorgeous beach though, and if
you have the time ...
If you decided to keep straight, turn
right (4.9km) towards Gifkommetjie.
Another option here would be to turn left
just before Olifantsbos onto the only
stretch of gravel in the park for a 3km
jeep-track jol, thus ignoring the direc-
tions in the next paragraph.
If you stick to the tar, ignore the sign
to Hoek van Bobbejaan (7.1km), rather
continuing along the circular section
past the viewpoint until you again
T-bone with the main route to Cape Point
(12.3km). Just on 2.8km later, a sign-
board to the right (15.1km) will indicate
the turn-off to Platboom, a nice little
downhill stretch to the sea (17.3km).
Breathe in the fresh air and then head
back up to the main drag (19.5km).
You’ll be doing a bit of up and down
along the way and might feel it in your
legs if the wind is pumping, but cruise
on towards Cape Point. At 21.3km, hit
a right towards Maclear Beach and the
Cape of Good Hope (24.7km) – a part
of Cape Point that most people don’t
actually get to in their hurry to make it
to the Point parking lot – and drink in the
view. Finally, it’s time to climb back out
and up to the main road (28.1km) and
turn right – you’ll know you’ve arrived
when you encounter the tourist buses
and attendant baboon troop 3.2km later.
Have a meal, hike to the lighthouse and
then do the high-speed return run.
This is a leisurely cruise through
coastal strandveld and fynbos plains,
with occasional encounters with any-
thing from eland, bontebok and zebra to
excellent sightings of marine and
terrestrial bird species, especially
sunbirds and sugarbirds.
MORE INFO: Website – www.capepoint.co.zaTel: +27 21 780 9010
How to get thereFrom Cape Town city, head south via Simon’s Town or Scarborough along the Peninsula – Cape Point is well signposted and easy to find. Turn south into the entrance gate around 12km from Simon’s Town.
Best time of yearWatch out for Cape Point in the summer months of November to February when the southeasterly wind kicks in – it is as wild a Cape of Storms as you will ever encounter. Off the bikeHiking down rocky shores to deserted beaches is one of the reserve’s major draw cards, but many families also visit to relax at the gorgeous picnic spots or the restaurant overlooking False Bay. The modern environmental centre and funicular up to the lighthouse are also popular.
Route Description
Rated by: Jacques Marais
19
M65
M65
Batsata Cove
Smitswinkelbaai
F A L S E B A Y
A T L A N T I CO C E A N
Booiskraalrivier
Tidal Pool
Tidal PoolBuffelsbaai (Mackellar’s Bay)
Platboombaai
Muishondbaai
Fransdam
Skilpadvlei
Matroosdam
Buffelsrivier
MatroosDam
Kromrivier
Klaas Jagersrivier
Castle Rocks
Parson’s Nose
Danger Rock
Finlay’s Point
Partridge PointBoat Rock
Baboon Rock
SteenbrasrotsWhale Rock
Smitswinkelbaai
The Chair
Hell’s GateBatsata Rock
Venus PoolThe Cauldron
Booi se Skerm
Black Rocks
Bordjiesrif
Suikerbrood
MatroosklipAntoniesgat
Rooikrans
Trappiesgrotte
PlatbankPlumpudding Rock
PenguinRock
CapePoint Dias
RockCape of
Good Hope
Cape MaclearDiaspunt
MaclearBeach
Peagram’s Point
Platboom PointThe Island
Bloubergstrand
Oompiesgat
Hoek vanBobbejaan
Christinasgang
266m
Vasco daGama Peak
107mMatrooskop
209m
107m
Rondeheuwel
366m
Paulsberg
Judas Peak
319m
319m
114m
Kommetjieberg
302m
Rooihoogte
188m
Cape Peninsula National Park(Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve)
Klipfontein
Syferfontein
LIGHTHOUSE
DIAS MONUMENT1488
DA GAMA MONUMENT 1497
LOOKOUT POINT
LOOKOUT POINT
LOOKOUT POINT
BLAASBALK CAVE
BUFFELSFONTEINVISITORS CENTRE
GOLDFIELDS CENTREAND WHALE VIEWING
PICNICPICNIC
LOOKOUTPOINT
OLD FORESTSTATION
CAPE POINTOSTRICH FARM
BOAT LAUNCH
ANVIL ROCK
LEAN ROCK
LOOKOUTPOINT
RESTAURANT
OLIFANTSBOS
NORMAL PARKFEES APPLY.
DAILY PERMIT CANBE PURCHASED.
34015’42” S18027’29” E
START
Simon’s Town
Red Hill &Scarborough
1000m
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
lty
Rat
ing
Syst
em
Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES NO NO NO NOTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Normal na-tional park entry fees apply; a Wild Card from SANParks must be loaded with an annual MTB permit
FACILITIES: Parking, with security on duty; restaurant and ablutions
BEWARE OF: Tourist buses, heavy winds
MORE INFORMATION: There is usually heavy tourist traffic on weekends and holidays
TRAILBASICS
GRADING: Easy
DURATION: 3–4 hours
CONFIGURATION: Various return options up to 60km
START POINT: Reserve gate
COORDINATES: 34˚15’42.29” S, 18˚27’29.25” E
TERRAIN: Tarmac, with a 3km jeep-track section
MAP: Available from main gate
CELL RECEPTION: Intermittent
TRAILINFO
20
M48
190m
185m
443m
343m
254m
CONTERMANSKLOOF ROAD
Oatlands
OatlandsWest
Contermanskloof
Kliprug
Eureka
Amanzi
Hoogkraal
CYCLE SHOPPICNIC
TUNNEL
MICROFLIGHTLANDING STRIP
STANDARDENTRY FEES
APPLY
FISHING PERMITSAVAILABLE
33048’11” S18035’0” E
START
Durbanville
R304
M7 / Cape Town
M7 / Cape Town VISSERSHOK ROAD
500m
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
lty
Rat
ing
Syst
em
Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES YES YES NO NOTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
C o n t e r m a n s k l o o f Fa r m , B l u e R o u t e MTB Trail
Region: Winelands Closest town: Durbanville
Trail destination: Durbanville Hills
When the singletrack is designed and
built by Meurant Botha, you know you
are in for a treat. Contermanskloof is no
exception, and farm owner Robert Starke
has taken on the trail expansion role with
great enthusiasm and success.
The very well-marked trail starts
around a beautiful farm dam, before
heading up the steps of ‘Bushvine climb’
and the easy switchbacks of the meadow
above. This first climb is rewarded with
some classic banked and graded single-
track, before the trail swoops down into
the farmyard.
Follow the signs and turn left onto
the gravel road, riding through the
farmyard and out again on a very gradual
climb. Two well-signposted right-hand
turns take you to the base of the main
106m climb, where you can also turn
right onto the Green route. We are follow-
ing the Blue route, however, so we turn
left and find there are two choices await-
ing us. Choice one is to go straight up
the hill. Choice two is to follow specially
made singletrack contours that wind
back and forth at a more gradual ascent
– and heart rate.
At the top of this section of single-
track the route once again reverts to
a wide gravel road as it makes its last
slight climb to the right-turn arrow that
marks the start of the fun. You are now
exactly 8km into your ride and it is
payback time, with some of the sweetest
trail you can find in Cape Town. Turn
after turn of quality, well-maintained
singletrack sweeps across the slopes of
the kloof, gradually leading to the bottom
of the valley.
After endless turns, jumps and berms,
you will find yourself at the bottom of
the trail where you are met by another
singletrack climb up to some more jeep
track that takes you to yet more single-
track. This trail takes you past a dam
on your left-hand side where you have
the option to detour over Kliprug farm
to Hillcrest. Keep riding the singletrack
straight down until you have to go under
the road via the concrete subway, and
the end of the trail will be right in front
of you.
MORE INFO: Website – www.tygerbergmtb.co.za Email – [email protected]
How to get thereTurn left off the N7 at Plattekloof Road off-ramp (exit 22), and head back across on Plattekloof Road East until you get to the traffic circle. Turn left at the circle and continue up Tygerberg Road till you turn left into Contermans- kloof Road. Follow this road past the quarry for 3km, where you turn left and follow the minor road to the farm.
Best time of yearSummer is very hot (start early), while winter is great as the singletrack is so well drained. Off the bikeFishing permits are available for fishing in the farm dam.
Route Description
Rated by: Chris Hitchcock
21
M48
190m
185m
443m
343m
254m
CONTERMANSKLOOF ROAD
Oatlands
OatlandsWest
Contermanskloof
Kliprug
Eureka
Amanzi
Hoogkraal
CYCLE SHOPPICNIC
TUNNEL
MICROFLIGHTLANDING STRIP
STANDARDENTRY FEES
APPLY
FISHING PERMITSAVAILABLE
33048’11” S18035’0” E
START
Durbanville
R304
M7 / Cape Town
M7 / Cape Town VISSERSHOK ROAD
500m
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
lty
Rat
ing
Syst
em
Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES YES YES NO NOTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Regular trail entry fees apply to riders
FACILITIES: Toilets and picnic facili-ties at the start/finish area
BEWARE OF: Snakes in summer, ex-treme obstacles on the Black route
MORE INFORMATION: There are various other route options at Contermanskloof, including the far more technical Black route and a beginner-friendly Green route
TRAILBASICS
GRADING: Intermediate
DURATION: 60–90 minutes
CONFIGURATION: A return ride with various side-road options; up to 36km
START POINT: Contermanskloof Trails parking area
COORDINATES: 33°48’11.59” S, 18°35’0.44” E
TERRAIN: Well-drained, hard and smooth singletrack; gravel roads
MAP: No map is available but the trails are very well marked
CELL RECEPTION: 100% coverage
TRAILINFO
22
N2
M3
Cam
ps B
ay S
tream
Diepsloot
Mocke Reservoir
MoltenoReservoir
Platteklip streamSilver Stream
Newlands Stream
NewlandsReservoir
499m
668m
Leeukop
1044m
1000m
Devil’s Peak
431m
291m
Plumpudding Hill
CONTOUR PATH
CONTOUR PAT
H
DE W
AAL
DRIV
E
TAFE
LBER
GWEG
TABL
EM
OUNT
AIN
ROAD
BUITENGRACHT
BUITENSINGEL
BUITENKANTTable MountainNational Park
CampsBay
GardensOranjezicht
Tamboerskloof
Vredehoek
Woodstock
RosebankWestbrooke
KLOOF C
ORNER
CENT
RAL
TABL
E
OPPELSKOPRUG
THE
SADD
LE
TA
BL
EM
OU
NT
AI
N
FOREST STATION
LOWER CABLESTATION
UNION CAVE
CAVE
DE WAAL PARK
COMPANYGARDENS
MALAYQUARTER
THE PARADE
HOUSES OFPARLIAMENT
CASTLE OFGOOD HOPE
STATION
CULEMBORGSTATION
QUEEN’SBLOCKHOUSE
DEVIL’S PEAKFOREST STATION
KING’SBLOCKHOUSE
WOODSTOCKCAVE
UNIVERSITY OFCAPE TOWN
MOSTERT’S MILL
GROOTESCHUUR
WESTBROOKE
PRINCE OF WALES’BLOCKHOUSE
RHODESMEMORIAL
BOOM GATE
TURNRIGHT
KEEP LEFT
TURN LEFT
TURN RIGHT
KEEP LEFT
A WILD CARDFROM SANPARKSLOADED WITH AN
ANNUAL MTB PERMIT
Hout Bay
V&A Waterfront
33056’24” S18025’55” E
START
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
lty
Rat
ing
Syst
em
Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES YES YES NO NOTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
500m
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
Deer Park , Table MountainMTB Route
Region: Cape Peninsula Closest town: Cape Town
Trail destination: Table Mountain National Park
A network of gnarly gravel roads traverses
the steep slopes of Table Mountain, con-
necting to the Tafelberg Contour Road at
various points. The surface is reasonably
hard-packed, but loose gravel, ruts and
rocks are bound to rear their ugly heads
every so often.
Deer Park and Tafelberg Road are
the most obvious trail heads. However,
Chelmsford Road in Vredehoek is a
central start to the route, and allows
you to get into the uphill first. From
Chelmsford Road, turn left to follow a
contour road running above De Waal
Drive. Keep left at 1.9km and again at
2.8km to climb along rocky gravel roads
towards Queen’s Blockhouse overlooking
Cape Town (4km). Below the blockhouse,
a road bears right towards Tafelberg
Road, ascending steeply towards two
metal gates just before you reach the
tarmac (6km).
Now you’re into an easy cruise past
the cable station (11km) before you turn
right onto the gravel tracks through a
metal boom (11.8km). Drop sharply and
then keep right where the gravel track
splits into three (12.9km), continu-
ing on a steep climb towards the cable
station. Then it’s all the way downhill
to Platteklip stream, where you cross
a concrete causeway (15.1km) before
looping around to Deer Park. Keep right,
climbing through a pine forest to a
T-junction where you turn left (17.2km)
onto a level section and into the home
stretch. A very loose downhill bangs you
across a second stream (dry in summer)
to the quarries (18.6km), now on your
right, just above Chelmsford Road.
You could also add some distance to
your ride by heading to Rhodes Memorial
from Queen’s Blockhouse. Drop down
and keep to your right until you’re above
the game fence area, then climb sharply
towards the contour road above the
memorial. You can bomb this up to just
before Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
to bump up your distance by a good
dozen kilometres or so. Strict access
rules apply to Kirstenbosch, so do not
try to sneak onto the trails into the
gardens themselves.
MORE INFO: Website – www.sanparks.orgTel: +27 21 701 8773
How to get thereHead up Buitenkant Street to the top, turn right into Deer Park Drive and continue to the parking area. Alternatively, head along the M3 towards De Waal Drive and turn into Vredehoek along Clive Street. Follow Derry Street to the mountain, keep-ing right where it forks, before turning left into Chelmsford – park at the end of the road.
Best time of yearTable Mountain’s slopes are an excellent riding destination throughout the year, but midday rides during the summer should be avoided. Muggings have been reported in the area, so it is preferable to ride in a group and during daylight hours. Off the bike:You’re in the heart of Cape Town, ranked tops among the World’s Best Cities. Stunning shops, restaurants, beaches, museums and historical monuments abound.
Route Description
Rated by: Jacques Marais
23
N2
M3
Cam
ps B
ay S
tream
Diepsloot
Mocke Reservoir
MoltenoReservoir
Platteklip streamSilver Stream
Newlands Stream
NewlandsReservoir
499m
668m
Leeukop
1044m
1000m
Devil’s Peak
431m
291m
Plumpudding Hill
CONTOUR PATH
CONTOUR PAT
H
DE W
AAL
DRIV
E
TAFE
LBER
GWEG
TABL
EM
OUNT
AIN
ROAD
BUITENGRACHT
BUITENSINGEL
BUITENKANTTable MountainNational Park
CampsBay
GardensOranjezicht
Tamboerskloof
Vredehoek
Woodstock
RosebankWestbrooke
KLOOF C
ORNER
CENT
RAL
TABL
E
OPPELSKOPRUG
THE
SADD
LE
TA
BL
EM
OU
NT
AI
N
FOREST STATION
LOWER CABLESTATION
UNION CAVE
CAVE
DE WAAL PARK
COMPANYGARDENS
MALAYQUARTER
THE PARADE
HOUSES OFPARLIAMENT
CASTLE OFGOOD HOPE
STATION
CULEMBORGSTATION
QUEEN’SBLOCKHOUSE
DEVIL’S PEAKFOREST STATION
KING’SBLOCKHOUSE
WOODSTOCKCAVE
UNIVERSITY OFCAPE TOWN
MOSTERT’S MILL
GROOTESCHUUR
WESTBROOKE
PRINCE OF WALES’BLOCKHOUSE
RHODESMEMORIAL
BOOM GATE
TURNRIGHT
KEEP LEFT
TURN LEFT
TURN RIGHT
KEEP LEFT
A WILD CARDFROM SANPARKSLOADED WITH AN
ANNUAL MTB PERMIT
Hout Bay
V&A Waterfront
33056’24” S18025’55” E
START
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
lty
Rat
ing
Syst
em
Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES YES YES NO NOTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
500m
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A Wild Card from SANParks must be loaded with an annual MTB permit
FACILITIES: None, but you’re on the edge of the city
BEWARE OF: Loose rocks and result-ing broken collarbones; muggings have been reported
MORE INFORMATION: Access information on Table Mountain often changes – make sure you are up to date
TRAILBASICS
GRADING: Moderate
DURATION: 2–4 hours
CONFIGURATION: Various circular or return options; 16–34km
START POINT: Chelmsford Road, Vredehoek
COORDINATES: 33º56’24.15” S, 18º25’55.09” E
TERRAIN: Gravel road and jeep track
MAP: Hiking maps available from the cable station
CELL RECEPTION: Good
TRAILINFO
Top Trail Map
Other Trail Map
Top MTB Trails covers the best trails, routes and rides in the three Cape provinces. Up-to-date route info, great photographs and excellent, detailed maps, along with IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System and AMA approvals, make this book the perfect com-panion for experienced as well as aspiring mountain biking enthusiasts.
A comprehensive list of trails to explore in the other six provinces, plus a directory of bike shops and a handy atlas of the area, can also be found at the back of the book.
So, get on your bike and ride!
JACQUES MARAIS
JACQUES MARAIS
TOP MTBTRAILS
TOP MTBTRAILS TOP M
TB TRAILS
100TRAILS in detail+ 79 other trails listed in the rest of South Africain the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape
W I T H D E TA I L E D M A P S A N D G P S P O I N T S
ISBN 978-1-77026-277-5
9 781770 262775
MAC/CPT/0512/TG/NB/MPMapStudio website
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Spier
DeMeye
Delheim
Windmeul
VillieraKanonkop
Meerendal
Morgenhof
Diemersdal Simonsvlei
Bergkelder
Somerbosch
Vergelegen
Altygedacht
GlenCarlou
Beyerskloof
Kleine Zalze
Lourensford
Havana HillsRhebokskloof
Neethlingshof
Blaauwklippen
Ken ForresterRust en Vrede
Diemersfontein
Stellenbosch Hills
Landskroon& Fairview
Blue Gum Dam
Mellish
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WindmillPhiladelphia
Kuilsrivier
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Paarl Rock
ThunderCity
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Cape TownInternational
Cape
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$
Worcester
$
Somerset West $
Malmesbury
$
Werf Dam
SannasleegteDam
FlorisDam
Furrow
Furrow
RooihoogteDam
Vals
rivie
r
OorkantseDam Bo-Bospruit
EselfonteinDam
736m
790m
697m
598mGeelboskop
565mBrandkop
1204m
Leeukop
804m
Dwarsberg
545m
Ben EtiveNature Reserve
Glen Etive
Edenville
Eselfontein
Vergenoeg
Kweperfontein
Sandhoogte
Prinshof
CHERRY PICKING
ECO CAMP
PURCHASE DAYMTB PERMIT
AT ERIKA’S CAFÉIN CERES
BLAIR WITCHFOREST
TITUS’ RIVER
DEATH DROP
PHILLIPSCREEK
RED BULL HILL
SNAKE BITE
DEAD MANWALKING
BABOONHIGHWAY
SUIKERBOSSIE
SHAPIRO’SFOLLY
Ceres
500m
33024’06” S19026’00” E
START
IMB
A T
rail
Dif
ficu
lty
Rat
ing
Syst
em
Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES YES YES YES YESTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /
surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >
GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS
LEGEND
2012.
