Mountain-Biking Trails of South Africa

Authors: Jacques Marais and Susie Mills
Struik Publishers
Cape Town, 2005
ISBN: 186872980X
Soft cover, 25x170 cm, 208 pages, several maps

Publisher’s note:

Mountain-Biking Trails of South Africa is a comprehensive listing of close to 200 mountain bike rides, routes and trails throughout South Africa’s nine provinces.

Aimed at all recreational cyclists – both novices and hard-core – this directory catalogues riding opportunities through private nature reserves and national parks, farmlands, plantations and mountain passes, wilderness areas and urban greenbelts.

The simple, clear categorisation by province, region and town makes for easy ride and holiday planning – this book will encourage riders to venture to parts of the country they’ve never even thought of visiting.

Jacques Marais is a professional photographer and writer who regularly works with leading local and international publications such as Sports Illustrated, GQ, FHM, Men's Health, Discovery, Quicksilver, Bicycling, Earthyear, Ride and Travesias, contributing articles and features on a range of outdoor activities, including adventure racing and other adrenaline sports.

He has also acted as consulting and contributing editor to various magazines, and has closely followed the development of adventure racing on the African continent, covering a multitude of races both locally and internationally.

Highlights include Africa Adventure Quest, Global Extreme, High Coast 400 (Sweden), Namib Desert Challenge (Namibia), G4 Challenge and the Arctic Team Challenge (Greenland). Jacques is a self-confessed trav-a-holic who has cycled more of this country's backroads and byways than most.

Susie Mills is the founding editor of Ride magazine. With her husband, Herman, she has co-authored two other books on the subject: The Gary Fisher RSA MTB Trails Guidebook and Adventure Sports: Mountain Biking.

The Mills duo have also initiated and promoted several well-established off-road bicycle events together, including Rhodes, Koranna, Urban Assault, the Logwood Classic and the Barberton Classic.

Introduction:

Mountain-hiking requires a fearless spirit, physical fitness and access to vast expanses of natural environment. While researching and updating this book, it was encouraging to see that, on the whole, both private landowners and conservation authorities have adopted a more positive approach to mountain-biking.

As a result, cyclists now have far more land access than they did in the past. Quantum leaps, such as the guided off-road rides in the Kruger National Park and the exceptional Epic-type rides, have made important role players - who previously dismissed off-road cycling in this country - sit up and take notice.

So much for the present. What about the future? Mountain-biking is expensive. As a sport, its participants, organisers and sponsors are ruled by the fickle dictates of affluence and political sanction. But there is one forgotten constant that guarantees the future of the bicycle, particularly in Africa: the way in which sport and recreation neatly dovetail into cycling's role as a means of cheap and efficient personal transportation. Sophisticated South Africa has more paved roads than the entire continent put together, and such infrastructure fulfils a vital role in tourism and travel.

However, for every kilometre of tarred road, there are tens of thousands more kilometres of quiet, well-maintained district dirt roads begging to be explored by bike - and this is how you can engage in a genuine experience of South Africa.

Using the book:

As a hiking enthusiast, sure you may know some trail names, but if you are unfamiliar with an area, you'll probably look at a map and say, 'Well, I'm going to Howick, KZN. Now, where can I ride, and who can I contact around there? To help you out, we've divided the book into provinces, regions and towns. Where possible we've provided the names and contact details of local MTB informants as well as local tourism offices.

We've also provided details on facilities and activities other than mountain-biking at the various venues. As for the MTB venues and routes themselves, both off-road and by road, you'll find info about things like: gate fees and route permits, trail distances and gradings from easy to extreme, trail signage, maps and security. While the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape provinces are relatively well stocked with MTB trails, the six northern provinces are less MTB-friendly. In fact, there is exactly one dedicated, custom-built MTB trail in these six provinces - Clearwater in KwaZulu-Natal.Thus, in these provinces you'll find Bike Friendly Alternatives - short entries on venues where you can take your bicycle and be waved in the approximate direction of an exploratory ride.

Since no official rating and standards exist to assess recreational MTB ride facilities in South Africa, we made up our own. Rated Popular riding spots and/or venues which strongly cater for mountain-biking, including hosting annual MTB events. Unrated Newvenues 'discovered' while researching this book. Landowners provided the information. The authors have not actually cycled there.

Example: Overberg Region

Bredasdorp:

Useful Contacts:
Area Information: Bredasdorp
Tourism-Address: Long Street, Bredasdorp
Telephone: (028) 424 2584
Email: suidpunt@brd.dorea.co.za
Website: www.capeagulhas.info

De Hoop Nature Reserve:

Trail Information
Grading: Easy to intermediate
Distance: Various options from 12 km to 26 km
Access: R20 entrance fee for day visitors.
R430 per night for self-catering cottage that sleeps 4
Trail Signage: Easy-to-follow route with signage at key turn-offs on 2.5-m-tall poles
Facilities: Self-catering cottage at Cupidoskraal.
Cell phone reception intermittent
Security; Parking at Potberg Environmental
Centre but no security guards
Maps: Available from Cape Nature
Conservation Tourism offices
Rated By: Potberg Environmental Centre,
De Hoop Nature Reserve

Getting There:

The De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated along the Cape south coast approximately 260 km from Cape Town and 50 km east of Bredasdorp. De Hoop is accessible from both Swellendam and Bredasdorp along the Wydgelee (Ouplaas) or the Bredasdorp to Malgas road. Although the final 50 km is along a gravel surface, the reserve is accessible to most vehicles.

On Your Bike:

The overnight trail starts from the Potberg Environmental Centre and follows a 12-km ride from the parking area along a dirt track. All your equipment, including bedding and food, must be transported to Cupidoskraal, where you will be based for the duration of your stay.

Five other routes await exploration once you reach your base, but it is doubtful whether you would be able to do more than one of these routes in a day. Rides will generally cross the hard dunes down to the sea with some of these sandy climbs rated as fairly strenuous. If all else fails, go the portage route as the views from the top of the dunes are certainly worthwhile. Kit yourself out for unpredictable weather and make sure you have adequate water and food as there are no facilities along the route. Sand, rocky terrain and steep ascents make this a hard ride but the harsh beauty of this unique marine reserve is sure to lure you back.

Off Your Bike:

De Hoop Nature Reserve offers access to a spectacular marine ecosystem blessed with endemic flora and fauna such as the rare Cape vulture and Cape mountain zebra as well as dolphins and Southern Right whales in season. The whale calving season from August to November brings these massive mammals close in to shore. The five-day Whale Trail and the Potberg and Klipspringer day hikes are renowned throughout the country. Snorkelling in rock pools is extremely rewarding. There's also swimming, bird-watching or just relaxing on the beach. The nearest shop and fuel supply is at Ouplaas, 15 km from the Reserve. It's closed on Sundays though.

Contact:

Route Information: De Hoop Nature Reserve
Address: PO Box 66, Bredasdorp, 7280
Telephone: (028) 425 5020
Email: capenature@tiscali.co.za
Website: www.capenature.co.za

Media Reviews:

Go Multi (DB): "I'm not aware of a more motivating printed guide to the trails in this country, and nearly 200 trails in the nine provinces are described, with 22 in Gauteng, 20 in KZN, and a whopping 70 in the Western Cape."

Please note the most promising index:

Page references in italics refer to maps
A
Above the Clouds 29
abseiling 23, 29, 35, 37, 57, 62, 63, 105, 128,
134,157,159, 165
Addo Elephant National Park 20, 21
African curio market 151
African penguin breeding colony 151
African Dawn Bird and Animal Rehabilitation
Centre 21
Alberton 40-41
Algeria to Kromrivier Resort 168
Aloe Ridge Hotel & Game Reserve 53
Amatole
Challenge 15
Mountain Hike 14
angling 17,22,25, 138, 145, 153, 157
black bass 23
freshwater 143, 180
Anglo-Boer War memorial sites 16
Anysberg Nature Reserve 160-161
Apple Express steam train 22
aquatic sports 21
Arboretum 150
archaeological sites 133, 161
archery 30,47, 109
architecture 160, 162, 168
Argus Cycle Tour (intellectually disabled
team) 44
aromatheraphy massage 66
art galleries 22, 30, 31, 142, 148
arts and crafts 14, 18, 30, 40, 78, 128,142,
148,172
Ashton 138
Askham120
astronomy lectures 167
ATKV Goudini Spa 143
Attakwaskloof152, 157
Augrabies
Falls National Park 118-119
Town 118-119
Aukoerebis 4x4 Eco Trail 119
Aurora 178
aviaries 40, 90
aviation club 25
Avalon Springs 142
Baakens River 21
Babbas Lodge 50
baboons 20,179
Badplaas Ride 107
Balloon Safaris 128
Baobobwe Peace Trail 97
Barberton 114-115
Barend Smit 195
Barnyard 157
Bass Lake 48
battlefields 60-62, 133
Battle of Blood River 35
Baviaanskloof 20-21
Baviaans River Conservancy 16
Bay to Bay View Route 164
Bayworld 21
Beaufort West 160
Beaverlac natural springs 179-180
Bedford 16
Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) 87
Bell's Whisky Wild Trout Fly-fishing
Festival 25
Ben Lavin Nature Reserve 94
Berakah 132
Bergville 62
Bergwoning Farm 29
berry farms
Big Five 21, 105
Big Six viewing 21
Biosphere Reserve 48
bird hide 97
birding 45,47, 52, 60, 62, 78, 91, 95, 114,
119, 122, 134
sub-alpine species 24
tours 43
birdlife 16, 17, 19,20,45,81, 155, 156, 166,
174,185
aquatic and desert 122
sea and marsh 178
water birds 106
Birds of Paradise exotic birds 144
Bird Store 56
bird-watching 20, 29, 35, 108, 109, 110, 133,
138, 143,159, 160, 165, 173
Blaaubank gold mine 57
Black Route
Lebanon Trails 173
Robbehoek Kloof 23
Black Trail 113
black-water tubing 23
Bloemfontein 28
Bloukrantz Bridge 24
Blue Cypress Loop 14
Blue Route
Harkerville Forest 155
Lebanon Trails 173
Queen Rose 115
Blue Trail 113
BIyde Rivierspoort Resort 98
boat cruise 31, 157
boating 144, 159
Boer War Blockhouse 33
Boesmanskloof hiking trail 141
Boggom's Bay beach 158
Bokpoort
Farm 29-30
'Flaming Dragon'30
Boland Hiking Trail 172, 173, 181
Bonniedale Farm 156-157
Bontebok National Park 145, 146, 178
Boschkloof166
Botanical Gardens 33
Emmarentia 42
Botlierskop Game Farm 158
Botshabelo Nature Reserve 105
Braamfontein Spruit 42
brandy distillery 144
Bredasdorp 171
Breede River 178
Breedtsnek Road 128
Brits 126
Buddhist retreat 14
Buffalo Gorge 105-106
Buffeljags Dam 146, 178
Buffelspoort 161-162
Bulwer63
bungee
bounce 63
jumping 23, 24, 157, 158
bush drives 114
Bushman Paintings Circular MTB Trail
168-169
Bushveld Retreat & Hydro 92-93
butterfly farm 183
c
camel-riding 120
camping facilities 32, 51
Camp Shaka 76-77
canoeing 18,31,88, 108, 119, 131, 133,
144, 161
flat-water 119, 159
Cape Flora 147
Cape Floral Kingdom 151
Cape parrot 15
Cape Point
Nature Reserve 150-151
Vineyards 151
Cape Town 148-150
CapeWinelands 183
Carolina 106
casino 22, 78
Castle Rock 112-113
Cathedral Peak 64
Cave Church 34
caves
Cango Caves 54, 157
Cradle of Humankind 128
Elephant's Eye 150
indoor climbing 62
limestone 90
Sandile's Caves 14
Waenhuis 35
Wonder Cave 54
caving 35
Cedera Forest 74
Cederberg observatory 167
Ceres 138-140, 165-168
Chapel 30
Of St Augustine 34
Chartwell 43
Chawelo Wheelers 194
cheese
dairy 163
farm 128
festivals 181
tasting 182
Cheetah Breeding Project 98
cheetah outreach programme 183
Cherry MTB Classic 31
cherry picking 139
children's activities 44, 57
Fun Farm entertainment 62
miniature train 51
petting zoo farmyard 40
playgrounds 32, 66, 91
'Tolkein Trails'28
zip line (foeffe slide) 63, 106
cinema and live entertainment 78
Citrusdal Baths 167, 170
Clanwilliam 168-170
Clarens 28-30
MTB Classic 29
clay pigeon shooting 29, 30, 109
Clearwater Trails 194
Colenso 60
Commando Drift Nature Reserve 16-17
Compassberg 18
corporate groups 37, 48, 128
Cradle of Humankind 53-54, 128
Cradock 16-17
Crocodile Arts and Crafts Ramble 46
crocodile ranch 183
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge
111-112
CSIR Hartbeeshoek Satellite Tracking
Station 56
Cullinan 46-47
Cumberland Nature Reserve 75
curio shopping 57
D
Dampoort MTB Trails 36-37
dam wall tours 25
Dargle 69
Darlington Dam 20
Dassieshoek Nature Reserve 144
Day Trippers 195
'Death Cookie Downhill'34
Debengeni Downhill 100-101
De Dooms 140
& Hex Valley see Two Tunnels
deep sea charter 78
Deer Park 149
Degree Adventures 194
De Hoop Nature Reserve 171
De Oude Meulen Trail 177-178
Dewdale 180-181
Die Krans Nature Reserve 141
Dirtopia Trail Centre 184
Dirty Harry MTB Classic 32
disabled adventure trips 128
dog-sledding 45
dolphin-watching 158
Dome Heartland 37
Dorpsdam Ride 31-32
Downhill Adventures 195
Draaifontein Farm 130
Dullstroom 109
Dunkeld Country Estate 109
Durban 67-68
Dusty Sprocket 142
Mountain Bike Trails 196
Dwarsberg Trail 36
Dwarsrivier Conservancy (Wolfberg
Ravines) 166-167
Eastern Cape
Amatole Region 14-16
Cacadu Region 16-17
Kouga region 20-21
map 12
Port Elizabeth Region 21-22
Tsitsikamma Region 22-24
Ukhahlamba Region 24-25
East Rand see Gauteng
Echo Trail 79
eco-adventure trails 141
Ecobound MTB Adventours 196
ecological training 52
eco-tourism 22
Eden Adventures 196
Edenvale41
Elandsberg 167-168
Elephant Sanctuary 128
Elephant's Eye 150
Elgin Valley 173
endangered raptor centre 183
Endurance Trail 17
Entabeni Forest 96
Eselfontein 138-139
ethics, trail 8-9
'Evita se Perron' 179
F
4x4 driving 14, 16, 24, 31, 55, 62, 92, 152, 153, 172
excursions 121
mountain 35
off-roading 30, 165, 168
outrides 161
routes 21,108,122, 130, 139, 173
tours 66
tracks 50, 88
trips 37
Face Adrenaline 24
Fairacres Estate 79
fairy sanctuary 146
Fanel glass factory 46
Far Hills 131
Ferncliff Nature Reserve 74
festivals 14,25
Cheese Festival 181
Cherry Festival 31
'Christmas in Winter' 147
Mountain Mania Adventure Festival 142
Olive Festival 162, 180
ummer Sounds Jazz Festival 130
Witblits Festival 162
Ficksburg 30-31
fish hatchery 25
fishing 24, 31, 47, 54, 63, 65, 78, 88, 144,
158,172
bass 81,147, 168
deep sea and estuary 78
freshwater 147, 185
mountain streams 165
river pools 106
saltwater 146
trout 14, 25, 73, 110, 165, 173, 185
Flatdogs
Mountain Bike Adventures and
Tours 194
MTB series 40
flora and fauna 171
flowers 25,141, 160, 171
Namaqualand 121
rose nursery 166
tulip farm 163
wild flower show 168,170
see 0/50 fynbos, vegetation
fly-fishing 15,62, 109, 128, 133,134, 139, 146,
167,181, 185
Gariep 122
Gubu Dam 16
Fort Schanskop 52
fossils 18, 19,25,35,97, 122, 140, 141
Fountains Valley 50-51
Fouriesburg 31-32
Franklin Trail 49
Franschhoek 180-181
Fransmanshoek 157-158
Free State
Central 28
Eastern 28-35
map 26
Northern 36-37
fruit 148
farms 139, 165, 179
orchards 147, 166
fynbos 19,20, 140, 144, 150, 156, 167, 174, 178
see a/so flowers, vegetation
Fynbos Route 177
G
game 16,17,18, 19,22,157, 161
drives 47, 55,60, 87, 91, 95,112, 118
endangered 164
see 0/50 wildlife
game-breeding centre 90
game parks 157
game-viewing 25, 30, 50, 54, 56, 88, 97, 119,
122,134,145, 164
nature reserves 90, 92
open vehicle 60
game-watching 29, 91
Gamkaskloofsee Swartberg Pass to Die Hel
Ganora19
Garden of Remembrance 52
Garden Route 153
Gariep
Dam Aventura 25
Nature Reserve 25
3-in-1 Adventure 119
Garies 120-121
Gauteng
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Region 40-41
Johannesburg Metropolitan Region 42-46
map 38
Metsweding District 46-47
Sedibeng District 47-48
Tshwane Metropolitan Region 49-52
West Rand District 53-57
Genadendal hiking trail 141
George 152-153
Glengarry 72-73
Glen Gowar 19-20
Goegap Nature Reserve 122
Golden Gate National Park 30
Gouritz Bridge 158
gourmet destination 181
Go Vertical Mountaineering Adventures 128
Grabouw 172-174
Greater St Lucia Wetland Park 76
Great Trek Commemoration Route 52
Great White shark cage diving 157
Greenhills Estate 41
Green Madonna Loop 14
Green Route
Harkerville Forest 155
Lebanon Trails 173
Robbehoek Kloof 23
Green Trail 113
Greytown 69
Groblersdal 104
Groenkloof Nature Reserve 51-52
Groenlandberg MTB Trail 172-173
Groot Marico 130
Grootvadersbosch 174
Groundcover 70-71
Gubu Dam 16
guided rides 194-196
Guineafowl Trail 21
Hakuna Matata Circuit 37
Hangklip Forest 96
hang-gliding 159, 180
Happy Valley/Seven Dams Conservancy 28
Hardekool Draai Ride 98-99
Harkerville Forest 154-155
Harrismith 32-33
Hartbeeshoek 49-50
Hartbeespoort 126-127
Hawequas Mountains 186
Hazyview 111
Hebron Farm 106-107
hedge maze 144
Heidelberg 47-48, 174
Helderberg
Farm 183
Nature Reserve 183
Herman Charles Bosman Literary Society 130
Hermanus 175
Cycles 196
hiking 15,25,50,52,55,75, 114,122, 159, 167
canyon hikes 19
day 119,150,161,164,166
desert 119
farms 30, 37, 160
forests 155
game farms 92
mountain 35, 62, 64, 138, 153, 157,
167, 185
national parks 23
nature reserves 20, 24, 65, 87, 95, 144,
152,183
trails 17, 29, 63, 88, 106, 112, 122, 128,
130, 148
Hillendale Farm 160
Himeville 65
historic sites 148
Hobbit House Guest House 28
Hoedspruit 97-98
Hogsback 14
Homtini 155
Hornbill Trail 49
horse-riding 14, 16, 24, 30, 37,45, 62, 63, 109,
173,181
forest 155
mountain 168, 172
reserves 52, 93,157
safaris 105
trails 15,17,25,56, 186
wilderness trails 60
hot-air ballooning 54, 56, 181

Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve 172-173
Howick70
hunting 20, 24, 29, 30, 55
1
indigenous flora 81
Induna Adventures 195
Ingwe Bush Camp 55-56
intellectually disabled team 44
J
Jabali Private Game Reserve 126-127
Jacuzzi 87
Johannesburg Mountain Bicycle Club 34
Jonkershoek/Assegaaibosch Reserve
184-185
jungle gym 40
K
Kakamas119-120
Kalahari Adventure Centre 119
Kalkoenkrans Waterfall Ride 107
Kammanassie Nature Reserve 164
Kap River Nature Reserve 17-18
Kareebosrand Conservancy 45
Karkloof71-72
Canopy Tours 72
Nature Reserve 72
Karoo National Park 160
Kasteelberg 180
Katberg 14-15
KatseDam31
kayaking 16,21,48, 146, 151
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
67-68
KeurbosFarm 169-170
KgalagadiTransfrontier Park 120
Kiara Lodge 29
Kimberley 118
King William's Town 14-16
KlaasVoogds Game Reserve 144
Klaserie Dam 98
Kleinemonde 17-18
Klein Koebee Route 170
Kleinmond 176-177
Klipkoppies Mozambique Border Trail 99
Klipspringer Hiking Trail 119, 171
kloofing21, 165, 167, 172, 173
Kluitjieskraal 148
Knysna 154
Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve MTB Trail 176
Kokstad 68
Koran na
Conservancy 34
Two Mountains MTB Classic 34
Two Mountains Trail 34-35
Koringberg 178-179
Kouga Dam 21
Kremetart Route 96
Kromdraai Conservancy 53
Kruger National Park 98-99
Krugersdorp 53-55
Kuils River 182
Kwamzukwa Gate Ride 80-81
KwaZulu-Natal
Battlefields 60-62
Drakensberg 62-67
EastGriqualand 68
Ethekwini Municipality 67-68
map 58
Midlands 69-75
North Coast 76-77
South Coast 77-81
Zululand 81-82
L
Ladybrand 33-34
Lady Grey 24
Laingsburg/Ladismith 160-162
Lake Edward Private Game Reserve
78-79
Lammergeier
Adventure Trails 24
Mountain Bike Challenge 24
La Motte Plantation 181
land access 7-8
Langeberg Trails 35
Lanseria Loop 43
Lebanon Trails 173-174
Lehrs Falls 79
Levubu Fruit Route 95
light aircraft flight 31
lighthouse
funicular 151
tour 78
Limpopo
Bushveld 87-93
map 84
Soutpansberg 94-97
Valley of the Olifants 97-101
Little Elephant Trail 105
Little Switzerland Resort 62
Loerie Dam 21
Logwood
MTB Classic 44
Ranch, Nooitgedacht 43-44
Loskop Dam Nature reserve 105
Lost City, Kalahari 120
Lost Hamlet of Bonnefoi Ride 107
Loteni MTB Tours 195
Lotheni Nature Reserve 65
Louis Trichardt see Makhado
Luiperd Route 36
M
Mabalingwe Nature Reserve 87
Machadodorp 109-110
Machado Stud Farm 109-110
Maduma Boma 97-98
Magaliesberg 55-57
Magalies Monster Guided Mountain Bike
Trails 195
Makapansgat90
Makhado (Louis Trichardt) 94-96
Malgas Font ferry 146
Malieveld Trail, Bananien Lodge 114
Maluti Mountains 31
mammals 20
Manic Cycles 196
Mantsopha'sWell 34
Mapungubwe
Hill 97
National Park 97
World Heritage Site 97
Marloth Nature Reserve 146
Marquard 34-35
Business Association 34
Marrick Safari Camp 118
Mateke Game Farm 92
Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve 165
Matsikamma Route 170
Mauwerskop Route 170
Mazda Clarens Marathon 29
McGregor 140-141
Medike Mountain Reserve 94-95
Melmoth 81
Memel 35
Messina Baobab Nature Reserve 97,
see also Musina
Meulspruit Dam Trails 31
Meyerton 48
Middelburg 104-106
Midlands 69
Meander 71
Mikes Kass w
mineral
baths 142,166, 170
deposits 121, 122
miniature train 51
Modimolle (Nylstroom) 88
Mohololo Rehabilitation Centre 98
Mokopane (Potgietersrus) 89-90
National Zoological Gardens 90
Moletadikgwa Wildlife Sanctuary 93
Molopo Kalahari Lodge 120
Monkeyland 156
monkeys
samango 15, 72
vervet 22
Montagu 141-142
Pass 152-153
Mont Eco Nature Reserve 141-142
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve 181
Mooi River 72
Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) 90-91
Mopane Bush Lodge 96-97
Morala Private Nature Reserve 132-133
Mossel Bay 156-158
Mostert Game Farm 158
Mountain Biking Africa 196
Mountain Mist 178
mountain trekking 143
Mount Grace Country House 56-57
Mpofu Game Ranch 95
Mpumalanga
Cultural Heartland 104-106
Grass and Wetlands 106-108
Highlands Meander 109-110
Lowveld Legogote 110-111
map 102
Panorama 111-114
Wild Frontier 114-115
MTB
Experience, The 195
Nationals 31
museums 15,21,22
Arend Dieperink90
fossils 18
Ganora Fossil and Artifact 19
mining 118
Old Drostdy 145
ox wagon museum 157
music
classical music weekends 57
Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre Summer
Concert 172
Summer Sounds Jazz Festival 130
Musina (Messina) 96-97
N
Naboomspruit see Mookgophong
Nama community 119
nature walking trail 40, 145
Nelspruit 110
Newcastle 61-62
Nieu Bethesda 18-19
N'kosi Sana Game Lodge 46-47
Nooitgedacht Dam Ride 107
Normandien Pass 61
Northern Cape
Diamond Fields 118
Green Kalahari 118-120
Kalahari 120
map 116
Namaqualand 120-122
Northern Farm, Nietgedacht 44-45
North-West
Bojanala Region 126-130
Central Region 130
map 124
Southern Region 131-134
Nottingham Road 73
Nylstroom see Modimolle
Nylsvley Nature Reserve 90
0
observatory 163, 167
Oceanarium 21
Old George/Knysna Road 158-159
Old Font Resort 78
Olifants/Letaba River Confluence Trail 99
Olifantspoort Farm 129-130
olive farms 180
Omni-Motion 24-hour night race 44
organic farm stores 172
Oribi Gorge 79
Ossewakop Challenge 108
ostrich farm 151
Otter's Haunt Adventure Centre 133-134
Otter Trail 23
Oupa se Plaas 133
outdoor activities 145, 157, 163,
172,186
Outeniqua
Choo-Tjoe steam train 153
Nature Reserve 152
Oystercatcher Trail 158
Owl House 18
Paarl 182-183
Mountain Nature Reserve 182-183
Paddle Power 194
paddling 134, 172
paintball 37, 63
paleontological tours 54
Palmiet River Valley MTB Traill 76-177
paragliding 159, 178,180
Parys 36-37
Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve 143-144
Patensie 20-21
Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre Summer
Concert 172
Paulpietersburg Road 108
Pellissier art gallery 31
Pepsi Pools 153
Percy Fyfe Conservancy 89
Petrus se Brand 155-156
petting zoo farmyard 40
Pierneef art collection 31
Pietermaritzberg 73-75, 76
Pilanesberg 127
Pilgrim's Rest 111-112
Platberg Nature Reserve 32-33
Pongola 82
pony rides 40, 161
Port Edward 77-78
Country Club 78
Porterville 179-180
Port Shepstone 78-80
Potberg day hikes 171
Potchefstroom 131-134
Potgietersrus see Mokopane
Pretoria 50-52
Prince Albert 162
Protea Eco Adventures 54
Protea Off-Road Cycling 54-55
provinces of South Africa 5
Q
Qolorha Forest 15-16
quad-biking 20, 25, 35, 37, 108, 132, 173
Queen Rose 114-115
R
races, calendar of 188-193
rafting 37
Railroad Lodges 57
Ramsgate 80
Rawsonville 143
RCI Half Marathon 29
Rebellie Game Farm Trail 30
Red Deodar Loop 14
Redhill 151
Red Route
Harkerville Forest 155
Lebanon Trails 173
Queen Rose 115
Robbehoek Kloof 23
Red Trail 113
Reebuck Trail 49
restaurants 36,40, 78, 147, 148, 154, 184, 185
country cuisine 168, 183
Cradle, The 54
Cuckoo's Nest 43
Midlands Meander 71
SapekoeTea Plantation Restaurant 101
Swellendam 145
Rheenendal Ramble 155
rhino camp 20
Rhodes 24-25
Richtersveld National Park 121-122
Riebeek Kasteel 180
Riemvasmaak 119-120
Rietpan Guest Farm 106
Rietvlei Zoo Farm 40-41
river boat cruising 134
river rafting 25, 37, 79, 119, 131, 134, 144
Riverside Route 170
Rivierkant see Riverside Route
Robbehoek Kloof 22-23
Robertson 143-144
rock art 19,25, 139, 157, 161, 166, 167, 178
rock-climbing 14, 15, 16,21,32,35, 105, 119, 157
rock pool swimming 65, 171
Rockwood Forest Lodge 71-72
Roodepoort 45-46
Athletics Stadium 45, 46
Ruimsig Area 45-46
Rustenburg 128
s
Sabie 112-114
sailing 157, 168
Salmonsdam Nature Reserve 175-176
Sambane Lodge 91
San
dune tracking guides 120
rock art 34,35,66,95, 97, 161
Sandile's Caves 14
Sandstone Way historical tour 31
Sani Pass Classic 65-66
SapekoeTea Plantation Restaurant 101
scuba diving 22, 130
Seal Island 157
Sea Trail (Robbehoek Kloof) 23
Segwati Ranch 49-50
semi-precious stones 121, 122
Sendelingsdrift121-122
Shamwari Game Reserve 20, 21
shark cage diving 157
Shumba Safaris 21
Silverbrook Farm 16
Silvermine Nature Reserve 149-150
Silwerfontein 146-147
Simon's Town 150-151
skiing 165
Skurweberg 163
Skylark Road 46
Slanghoek/Breedekloof 143
Small Circle and Quarry 133
Smokey Mountain Farm 61-62
Snake Park 21,186
snakes 19
snorkelling 24, 151, 158, 171
snowboarding 25, 165
snow safari 165
Soekershoef 144
solo climbing 143
Somerset West 183
Soutpansberg Forest 95-96
Spirit of Adventure Centre 129
sporting events 22
sports activities 22, 25, 41, 47, 57, 62, 73, 78,
87,88, 112, 173
Springbok 122
Sprog Routes 113
star gazing 161, 163
St Augustines 33-34
Stellenbosch 184-185
Sterkfontein
Caves 54
Dam 33
Stormsriver Adventures 23, 194
Storms River Village 23-24
Sugarbush Hill hiking trails 128
Suicide Gorge 173
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve 47-48
Summer Sounds Jazz Festival 130
Sungubala Mountain Bush Camp 62-63
surfing 153, 157, 158
Sutherland 163
Suurbraak 177-178
Suurpoortjie seeVaalkloof
tortoise 140
Swartberg Pass to Die Hel (Gamkaskloof) 162
Swellendam 145-146
T
Table Mountain National Park 196
'Tamboekies' circuit 48
Thaba Monate Game Lodge 87-88
Thabaphaswa 89-90
Thabazimbi 92
ThabelaThabeng 134
Thabo Venter Lodge 31
Tiffindell Ski Lodge 25
Tokai Forest 150
'Tolkein Trails'28
tour operators 194-196
Towerkop 164
township tours 22
trapezing 63
trees 19
ancient 18, 155
identification walks 78
mountain baobab 95
tree-top canopy tours 23
Tropic of Capricorn 95
Tsitsikamma National Park 23
Tulbagh 146-147
Tweezer Rocks 133
Two Provinces Ride 56
Two Tunnels (De Dooms & Hex Valley) 140
Tzaneen 100-101
u
Ugene Nel 196
Umbhaba Lodge 111
Urnhlali 76-77
Umsuluzi Game Park & Riverside Lodge 60
Umzinto 80-81
Underberg 65-67
Uniondale 163-164
v
Vaalkloof (Suurpoortjie) 139-140
Vaalwater 92-93
Valley of Desolation 18
'Valley of Wine and Roses' 144
Van Gaalen Cheese Farm 128
Van Reenen 67
Vanrhynsdorp 170
vegetation 18,22
Cape flora 147
Cape Floral Kingdom 151
Karoo succulents 22,140

veldskoen factory 168
Venda Art Route 95
Venterstad 25
Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve 80-81
vineyards 140, 147
Voortrekker Monument 52
Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve 140-141
Vukani Meditation Centre 14
'vulture restaurant'55
Vulture Trail 49
W
Waenhuis Cave 35
Wakkerstroom 108
Wetland Ride 108
walking trails 45, 47, 66, 78, 81, 91, 93, 97, 141
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden 45,46
Warmbaths see Bela-Bela
Waterberg 93
waterbirds 106
waterskiing 165, 168
watersport 17, 25, 48, 50, 157
Wellington 186
Wine Route 186
Western Cape
Breede River Valley Region 138-148
Cape Peninsula Region 148-151
Garden Route Region 152-159
Karoo Region 160-164
map 136
Olifants River Valley Region 165-170
Overberg Region 171-178
Swartland 178-180
Winelands 180-186
Whale Trail 171
whale watching 24, 146, 153, 175
Southern Right 171
White Mischief cigar bar 31
White River 110-111
white-water rafting 118,133
Wiesenhof Wild Park 185
Wild 5 79
Wild Coast Sun 78
Wilderness
Lakes 159
National Park 159
Wild Gorge Swing 79
wildlife 17 see also game
Willowmore 20-21
windsurfing 157
Winelands Classic 184
wine
estates 146, 172, 180
farms 185
route 143
tasting 148, 165, 167, 168, 173, 182
tours 144
wing-shooting 24, 25
Witfontein Plantation 152
Witpoortjie Waterfall 46
Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden see Walter
Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Wolfberg Rivines see Dwarsrivier Conservancy
Wolmaransstad 134
Wolseley148
World Heritage Site 53-54, 151
World's View 74
Wuppertal MTB Trail 168-169
Y
yachting 157
Yellow Route
Harkerville Forest 155
Lebanon Trails 173
Queen Rose 115
Yellow Trail 113
Z
Zaaihoek Dam/Groenvlei Road 108
ZevenwachtWine Estate 182
zip-wire rocketing 146,178
zoo enclosures 40
Zuurberg Game Reserve 20
Zwartkops Nature Reserve 21-22