Unleash Your Biking Adventure in KwaZulu-Natal

Ready to hit the trails? The mountain bike trails in KwaZulu-Natal offer a thrilling mix of terrain, from rugged Drakensberg MTB trails to fast-flowing singletracks in Karkloof. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker looking for technical descents or a casual rider exploring KwaZulu-Natal MTB routes, this province has it all. Get ready to experience the best MTB trails in KZN, with breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and trails suited for every skill level. Saddle up and start your KwaZulu-Natal mountain biking adventure today!

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Why KwaZulu-Natal Trails Are a Rider’s Paradise

KwaZulu-Natal is home to some of South Africa’s top mountain biking destinations, featuring a wide variety of trails:

🌿 Scenic MTB trails in KZN – Ride through lush forests and flowing singletracks in Karkloof and Giba Gorge.
🏞 Drakensberg MTB trails – Take on high-altitude climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking views.
🌊 Coastal MTB routes – Enjoy the ocean breeze on the best mountain bike trails near Durban, Ballito, and the South Coast.
🚴‍♂️ Family-friendly MTB trails in KwaZulu-Natal – Smooth, easy routes for beginners and casual riders.
🦓 Wildlife & Bushveld Rides – Explore mountain biking in KwaZulu-Natal game reserves, with scenic valley trails and unique wildlife encounters.

Your Next Ride Starts Here

Plan your KwaZulu-Natal mountain biking adventure with our expert trail guide. Whether you’re searching for a relaxed weekend ride or a challenging endurance course, we’ve got detailed descriptions, terrain insights, and difficulty ratings to help you find the top MTB trails in KZN.

Explore the best MTB trails in KwaZulu-Natal, pick your ride, and hit the dirt today!

🔽 Click on the trail names below to expand the trail information!

KwaZulu-Natal Mountain Bike Trails

Albert Falls Amble

Description	A scenic ride around Albert Falls Dam with views of the water and surrounding hills.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	MTB Routes
Location	Albert Falls
Source	Web ID: 16

All Out Adventures Green Route

Description	A beginner-friendly trail in the northern Drakensberg with gentle singletrack through forests.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	SA Venues
Location	Bergville
Source	Web ID: 4

All Out Adventures Red Route

Description	A more challenging route in the northern Drakensberg with technical descents and climbs.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	SA Venues
Location	Bergville
Source	Web ID: 4

Berg n Bush Day 1

Description	Part of the longest trail in KZN, this multi-day route starts with a mix of singletrack and jeep tracks in the Drakensberg.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Gravel
Website	AllTrails
Location	Winterton
Source	Web ID: 1

Berg n Bush Day 2

Description	The second day of Berg n Bush, featuring more challenging climbs and descents through the Drakensberg.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	AllTrails
Location	Winterton
Source	Web ID: 1

Bisley Reserve Loop

Description	A loop through Bisley Reserve, part of a tough ride with sugar cane fields and river crossings.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Gravel
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Pietermaritzburg
Source	Web ID: 0

Blinkwater Trails to Otto Dam

Description	A scenic ride starting at Douglas Smith Cottage, heading to Otto Dam via Mondi Workshop.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Midlands
Source	Web ID: 0

Cascades Black Route

Description	A challenging route at Cascades Mountain Bike Park with technical descents and climbs.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	Top MTB Trails
Location	Pietermaritzburg
Source	Web ID: 6

Cascades Green Route

Description	A beginner-friendly route at Cascades Mountain Bike Park with gentle singletrack.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Top MTB Trails
Location	Pietermaritzburg
Source	Web ID: 6

Cathedral Peak Circuit

Description	A 70km cycling route in the Drakensberg, moderate difficulty, for responsible riders only.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	Linx
Location	Winterton
Source	Web ID: 19

Cathkin Trails Blue Route

Description	A moderate route at Cathkin Trails with flowing singletrack and scenic Drakensberg views.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Top MTB Trails
Location	Bergville
Source	Web ID: 6

Cathkin Trails Red Route

Description	A challenging route at Cathkin Trails with technical sections and steep climbs.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	Top MTB Trails
Location	Bergville
Source	Web ID: 6

Clearwater Trails 10km Loop

Description	A 10km loop along the Umtamvunu River gorge with forest and plantation sections.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Getaway
Location	Port Edward
Source	Web ID: 7

Clearwater Trails 5km Loop

Description	A shorter 5km loop at Clearwater Trails, ideal for beginners, with scenic gorge views.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Getaway
Location	Port Edward
Source	Web ID: 7

Dragon’s Peak Short Loop

Description	A shorter route at Dragon’s Peak Holiday Resort with moderate climbs and forest scenery.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Linx
Location	Winterton
Source	Web ID: 19

Drakensberg Traverse (Northern Section)

Description	A multi-day traverse through the northern Drakensberg with stunning mountain views.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Rocky, Steep
Website	MTB Routes
Location	Drakensberg
Source	Web ID: 11

Eston Sugar Cane Loop

Description	Scenic riding through sugar cane fields in the Eston area with varied topography.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Singletrack
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Eston
Source	Web ID: 0

Fig Tree Farms 8.7km Route

Description	Fresh trails through grass farms and indigenous forest in Hillcrest, challenging but enjoyable.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	AllTrails
Location	Hillcrest
Source	Web ID: 1

Flitwick Ranch 2km Trail

Description	A family-friendly 2km trail through indigenous forest along a stream, with picnic spots.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	AllTrails
Location	Kokstad
Source	Web ID: 1

Flitwick Ranch 5km Trail

Description	A 5km trail at Flitwick Ranch with a viewpoint overlooking Kokstad and Mount Currie.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	AllTrails
Location	Kokstad
Source	Web ID: 1

Giba Blue Trail

Description	A popular trail in Giba Gorge with well-maintained tracks, technical sections, and switchbacks.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	AllTrails
Location	Hillcrest
Source	Web ID: 1

Giba Gorge Black Route

Description	A challenging route at Giba Gorge with steep climbs, technical descents, and an obstacle course.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	SA Venues
Location	Hillcrest
Source	Web ID: 4

Giba Gorge Green Route

Description	A beginner-friendly route at Giba Gorge with gentle singletrack and forest scenery.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	SA Venues
Location	Hillcrest
Source	Web ID: 4

Glengarry Kamberg 5km Sprint

Description	A short 5km sprint around the farm at Glengarry, ideal for beginners.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	Getaway
Location	Kamberg
Source	Web ID: 7

Glengarry Kamberg 60km Loop

Description	A 60km loop through the Kamberg area with forests, streams, and mountain views.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	Getaway
Location	Kamberg
Source	Web ID: 7

Gwahumbe Reserve Short Loop

Description	A short loop in Gwahumbe Reserve with game spotting opportunities and scenic views.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Fynbos
Website	SA Venues
Location	Mid Illovo
Source	Web ID: 4

Holla Trails 15km Route

Description	A 15km route through sugar cane plantations with gentle climbs and singletrack sections.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Gravel
Website	Getaway
Location	Ballito
Source	Web ID: 7

Holla Trails 82km Route

Description	An 82km route at Holla Trails with big climbs and rewarding descents through sugar cane fields.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Gravel
Website	Getaway
Location	Ballito
Source	Web ID: 7

Howick Highlander

Description	An annual event route with singletrack in Umgeni Valley and farm roads, offering stunning views.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Gravel
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Howick
Source	Web ID: 9

Ingeli Forest Resort 10km Loop

Description	A 10km loop through mist-belt forests with rare bird species, suitable for all skill levels.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Getaway
Location	Kokstad
Source	Web ID: 7

Ingeli Forest Resort 20km Loop

Description	A longer 20km loop at Ingeli Forest Resort with more challenging sections and forest views.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Getaway
Location	Kokstad
Source	Web ID: 7

Insingizi Lodge Short Loop

Description	A short loop at Insingizi Lodge with scenic views of the Pietermaritzburg countryside.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	Top MTB Trails
Location	Pietermaritzburg
Source	Web ID: 6

Kamberg Forest Loop

Description	A loop through the forests of Kamberg with streams and mountain views, ideal for intermediate riders.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Getaway
Location	Kamberg
Source	Web ID: 7

Karkloof 10km Family Route

Description	A 10km family-friendly route at Karkloof Country Club with easy riding and no singletrack.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Karkloof
Source	Web ID: 0

Karkloof 20km Lite Route

Description	A 20km route at Karkloof with spectacular views of the valley escarpment, mostly easy riding.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Singletrack
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Karkloof
Source	Web ID: 0

Karkloof 40km Classic Route

Description	A 40km route at Karkloof with singletrack and incredible views, more accessible this year.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Karkloof
Source	Web ID: 0

Karkloof 60km Extreme Route

Description	A 60km extreme route at Karkloof with technical singletrack and challenging climbs.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Karkloof
Source	Web ID: 0

Mandastone Back Route

Description	A tough route through Mandastone with sugar cane fields and steep climbs.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Gravel, Steep
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Pietermaritzburg
Source	Web ID: 0

Mid Illovo Meander

Description	A scenic ride through the Mid Illovo area with rolling hills and forest sections.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Forest
Website	SA Venues
Location	Mid Illovo
Source	Web ID: 4

Midlands Meander Short Loop

Description	A short loop through the Midlands with gentle hills and scenic farm views.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	MTB Routes
Location	Midlands
Source	Web ID: 11

Nambiti Game Reserve Trail

Description	A trail through Nambiti Game Reserve with opportunities to spot wildlife.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Fynbos
Website	SA Venues
Location	Ladysmith
Source	Web ID: 4

Oribi Gorge 4km Loop

Description	A short 4km loop in Oribi Gorge with spectacular scenery and game spotting opportunities.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	Getaway
Location	Oribi Gorge
Source	Web ID: 7

Oribi Gorge 45km Route

Description	A 45km route in Oribi Gorge with technical rocky sections and grassland trails.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Rocky, Singletrack
Website	Getaway
Location	Oribi Gorge
Source	Web ID: 7

Piggly Wiggly Bike Park Blue Route

Description	A moderate route at Piggly Wiggly Bike Park with flowing singletrack and forest sections.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Top MTB Trails
Location	Howick
Source	Web ID: 6

Piggly Wiggly Bike Park Green Route

Description	A beginner-friendly route at Piggly Wiggly Bike Park with gentle trails and scenic views.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Top MTB Trails
Location	Howick
Source	Web ID: 6

Port Edward Coastal Route

Description	A coastal route in Port Edward with stunning views over the Indian Ocean, mostly on tar roads.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Tar, Flat
Website	AllTrails
Location	Port Edward
Source	Web ID: 1

Sani Pass Ascent

Description	A challenging 72-80km gravel pass ascent in the Drakensberg, not suitable for children.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Gravel, Steep
Website	SA Venues
Location	Underberg
Source	Web ID: 4

Saasveld Singletrack 10km

Description	A 10km singletrack route at Saasveld with technical sections and forest scenery.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	MTB Routes
Location	George
Source	Web ID: 4

Saasveld Singletrack 20km

Description	A longer 20km singletrack route at Saasveld with more challenging technical sections.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	MTB Routes
Location	George
Source	Web ID: 4

Spioenkop Battlefield Loop

Description	A historical loop around the Spioenkop Battlefield with scenic Drakensberg views.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	Getaway
Location	Spioenkop
Source	Web ID: 16

Summerveld Lodge Loop

Description	A short loop from Summerveld Lodge with gravel roads and small trails, ideal for a casual ride.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Assagay
Source	Web ID: 0

Three Tree Hill Lodge Trail

Description	A trail near Three Tree Hill Lodge with historical significance and Drakensberg views.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Fynbos
Website	Getaway
Location	Bergville
Source	Web ID: 16

Tugela Valley Trail

Description	A trail along the Tugela River Valley with scenic views and moderate terrain.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Fynbos
Website	MTB Routes
Location	Winterton
Source	Web ID: 11

Umgeni Valley Singletrack

Description	A singletrack route in Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve with stunning views over the valley.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Howick
Source	Web ID: 9

Underberg Gravel Loop

Description	A gravel loop in the Underberg area with scenic views of the southern Drakensberg.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Flat
Website	SA Venues
Location	Underberg
Source	Web ID: 4

Upper Mpushini to Ashburton

Description	A tough ride from Upper Mpushini to Ashburton with river crossings and steep climbs.
Difficulty	Difficult
Terrain	Singletrack, Rocky
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Pietermaritzburg
Source	Web ID: 0

Valley of 1000 Hills Loop

Description	A scenic loop through the Valley of 1000 Hills with rolling terrain and cultural experiences.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Fynbos
Website	MTB Routes
Location	Durban
Source	Web ID: 11

Winterton Forest Trail

Description	A forest trail in the Winterton area with gentle singletrack and Drakensberg views.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Singletrack, Forest
Website	MTB Routes
Location	Winterton
Source	Web ID: 11

World’s View Lookout Loop

Description	A round trip to World’s View lookout point on quiet forestry roads with minimal traffic.
Difficulty	Easy
Terrain	Gravel, Forest
Website	Wikiloc
Location	Howick
Source	Web ID: 0

Zululand Eco-Trail

Description	A trail through Zululand’s eco-tourism areas with diverse flora and fauna, ideal for a scenic ride.
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Gravel, Fynbos
Website	MTB Routes
Location	Zululand
Source	Web ID: 11