A single well-marked 10km circular loop on the beautiful Dornier Wine Estate — mostly singletrack through fynbos, vineyard and forest with berms and river sections, connecting to neighbouring farms Stellenzicht and beyond for longer rides.
Hellsend Dirt Compound sits at the end of the iconic Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch and is unlike anything else in South African mountain biking. Created and maintained by The Trails Crew — the same team behind some of South Africa’s best trail-building projects — Hellsend is a private freeride and dirt jump compound that showcases the absolute pinnacle of domestic trail craftsmanship.
The compound features progressive dirt jump lines from beginner-friendly small rollers all the way up to expert-level large gap jumps that have attracted World Cup riders and international pros. The Flow Line is a continuous bermed descent of rhythmic perfection. Expert DH lines drop from the upper property and the freeride zone includes wall rides, drops and gap features that put Hellsend firmly on the global gravity riding map.
Hellsend is not a public trail — access is by open session only (announced via Instagram @hellsend_dirtcompound) or by booking a private shoot or event through The Trails Crew. The annual Hellsend Dirt Party is one of the most anticipated events in the SA MTB calendar, attracting the country’s best gravity riders.
Important: Check Instagram @hellsend_dirtcompound for open session dates before travelling. The compound is currently closed to casual access except during announced sessions.
Located on the R310 Helshoogte Pass Road between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. GPS: -33.9089, 18.9312. Follow Instagram for access directions on open session days.
The heart of the Tygerberg MTB network — the Bloemendal Trail Park is home to a pump track, the legendary Bloemendaaler (rated 4.9/5), beginner purpose-built singletrack and the café-bar that has fuelled Cape Town MTB culture for years.
Diverse singletrack through wine farms on the slopes of the iconic Simonsberg mountain — from flowing vineyard contour trails to expert DH lines built by farm owner Jan van Schalkwyk and pro rider Andrew Neethling, with bike hire, shuttles and a trail centre at Muratie Wine Farm.
South Africa’s largest MTB trail network by membership — 182km across 15 farms in the Durbanville Hills, managed by the world’s largest MTB club with over 6,000 members. Multiple trail hubs from beginner flows to XCO-specific race trails, all within 25 minutes of Cape Town.
130km of trails across 20 private wine farms in the Bottelary Hills outside Stellenbosch — winding through vineyards, renosterveld and farmland with colour-coded routes from beginner orange loops to challenging red descents. Funds conservation of critically endangered Renosterveld fynbos.
Scenic trail riding through historic Durbanville Hills vineyards with Table Mountain views — under 30 minutes from Cape Town with Pinotage, Shiraz and Chenin Blanc waiting at the finish.
Tucked into the Tokai area of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, Majik Forest is the go-to destination for beginner riders, families with children and anyone looking for fun, accessible trail riding in a beautiful shaded forest environment. Built around a purpose-designed pump track and progressive trail system, Majik Forest has introduced thousands of Cape Town riders to the joys of singletrack riding.
Majik Forest centres around a well-designed pump track — a flowing, berm-filled circuit where riders learn to generate speed by pumping the terrain rather than pedalling. No experience required: the pump track is suitable for ages 5 and upward and is an excellent tool for developing the fundamental skills of MTB riding at any age. From the pump track, a network of beginner-friendly singletrack winds through beautiful mature forest, providing a taste of trail riding in a completely low-consequence environment.
The forest setting is genuinely beautiful — mature trees provide shade even on the hottest summer days, and the smooth flowing character of the trails makes it an ideal venue for introducing children to MTB. Many of Cape Town’s best riders trace their origins back to Majik Forest.
Located adjacent to the Tokai Picnic Area on Tokai Road, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town. Park at the Tokai Picnic Area and follow the signs into Majik Forest. GPS: -34.0580, 18.4170. Emergency number: 087 059 0000.
MTB through apple orchards, ancient indigenous forest and open fynbos within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the cool Elgin Valley — one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine estates with world-class post-ride tasting.
Hidden gem in the Cape Winelands — wilderness riding through 12,000 hectares of pristine fynbos and indigenous forest in the valley between the Simonsberg, Hottentots Holland and Franschhoek mountain ranges.
Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance