Augrabies Falls MTB Trails

The Augrabies Falls National Park is the Northern Cape’s most established mountain bike destination — a 550km² protected area where the Orange River plunges 60 metres into a catastrophic granite gorge and the surrounding desert landscape of quiver trees, camelthorn gullies and ochre rock formations provides one of South Africa’s most dramatic riding environments. The Khoi-San called it ‘Aukoerebis’ — Place of the Great Noise — and the thundering falls remain the park’s centrepiece, though the MTB trails radiate through the broader desert terrain well beyond the waterfall viewpoints.

The Trails

Mountain bikes are permitted on all official roads within the park. The main 39.5km Gorge Loop starts from Main Camp and ventures across a low-water crossing (watch the moss — notoriously slippery), through camelthorn gullies to the Ararat viewpoint, then onto the piece de résistance: a slip-and-slide dirt chute that drops riders onto the edge of the Augrabies Gorge for an end-of-the-world view along the chaotic rock canyon. The route links to Oranjekom for another panoramic viewpoint before looping to the Fonteintjie Lookout on sandy desert flats, then finishes with the rollicking descent to Echo Corner. A shorter 15km park road option suits less experienced riders wanting to absorb the desert without the full technical commitment.

The Gariep 3-in-1 Adventure combines gravel road biking with gorge canoeing and desert hiking for a full-day multi-sport experience — book via park reception in advance.

Trans Augrabies MTB Stage Race

The annual Trans Augrabies MTB and Gravel Bike Stage Race has transformed Augrabies from a park curiosity into a genuine event destination. From 2025 it operates as a 2-day race over more than 172 kilometres through the Green Kalahari — gravel, jeep track and singletrack through the park and surrounding landscape — limited to 300 riders. A Trans Augrabies Mini category caters to high school riders, leisure riders and adventure seekers. E-bikes are welcome but cannot compete for prizes. The unique Handicap Timekeeping System is the first of its kind in South Africa. Event entries at transaugrabies.co.za — book well ahead.

Getting There

Augrabies Falls National Park is 120km west of Upington on the N14 past Keimoes and Kakamas, then north on the R359. GPS for park gate: -28.5965, 20.3403. Tel: +27 54 452 9200. No fuel inside the park — fill up in Kakamas before entering.

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🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →