Explore the Best Mountain Bike Trails in Northern Cape
Ready for a true adventure? The mountain bike trails in Northern Cape offer riders an extraordinary experience, with everything from vast desert landscapes to rugged mountain routes. Whether you’re looking for a challenging MTB route through the wild terrain of the Karoo or scenic trails along the Orange River, Northern Cape has a variety of options to suit all skill levels. Explore the best MTB trails in Northern Cape and experience wide-open spaces, breathtaking views, and terrain that will push your limits. Saddle up and start your next Northern Cape biking adventure today!
USE OUR MTBAPP TRAIL ASSISTANT TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON TRAILS, COMPARE ROUTES, AND EVEN FIND A COFFEE SHOP NEARBY. [BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER]
Why Northern Cape Trails Are a Rider’s Paradise
The Northern Cape mountain biking routes offer diverse terrain that will keep every rider excited:
🌵 Desert MTB trails in Northern Cape – Tackle the wide-open spaces and dry desert terrain of the Karoo, with long stretches of gravel roads and rocky paths that will challenge your endurance.
🏞 Challenging mountain bike trails in Northern Cape – Ride through rugged Northern Cape MTB routes, featuring steep climbs and thrilling descents in the mountains and hills of the region.
🌊 Orange River MTB routes – Pedal along the Orange River, where the trails wind through river valleys, offering unique scenery and occasional water crossings.
🦓 Mountain biking in Northern Cape nature reserves – Discover mountain bike trails that pass through nature reserves, where you can enjoy both wildlife sightings and natural beauty.
🌄 Northern Cape Highlands MTB trails – Explore the best MTB trails in Northern Cape that traverse highland areas, with breathtaking views of cliffs, valleys, and expansive landscapes.
Your Next Ride Starts Here
Plan your Northern Cape mountain biking adventure with our expert trail guide. Whether you’re searching for a casual ride through desert plains or a challenging climb in rugged terrain, we’ve got detailed descriptions, difficulty ratings, and terrain insights to help you find the top MTB trails in Northern Cape.
Explore the best mountain bike trails in Northern Cape, pick your trail, and hit the dirt today!
🔽 Click on the trail names below to expand the trail information!
| Description | A coastal loop near Alexander Bay, featuring ocean views and sandy terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Sandy, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Alexander Bay |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A 15km loop in Augrabies Falls National Park, with views of the falls and desert landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Augrabies |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A challenging desert ride near Augrabies Falls, featuring rocky terrain and steep climbs. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Augrabies |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A gravel route through the arid landscapes near Bitterfontein, ideal for endurance rides. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Bitterfontein |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 20km outride from Calvinia, featuring desert plains and distant mountain views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Calvinia |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A loop through the Hantam region near Calvinia, known for its wildflower displays in spring. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Calvinia |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A ride across the Karoo plains near Carnarvon, offering wide-open spaces and solitude. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Carnarvon |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop through grasslands near Colesberg, with gentle terrain and open views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Colesberg |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Concordia featuring iconic quiver trees and desert scenery. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Concordia |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A desert loop near De Aar, offering flat terrain and expansive views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | De Aar |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A route through wildflower fields near Garies, best in spring for vibrant blooms. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Garies |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop in Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok, featuring desert flora and fauna. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Springbok |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A coastal trail near Hondeklip Bay, with sandy sections and ocean views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Sandy, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Hondeklip Bay |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A ride through vineyards near Kakamas, along the Orange River with scenic views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kakamas |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 30km challenge in the Kalahari, featuring sandy dunes and desert terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Sandy, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kalahari |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A route through the red dunes of the Kalahari, offering a unique desert biking experience. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Sandy, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kalahari |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A challenging ride over a mountain pass near Kamieskroon, with rocky descents. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kamieskroon |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 10km singletrack trail in Kathu, offering a mix of desert terrain and technical sections. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Rocky |
| Website | Wikiloc |
| Location | Kathu |
| Source | Web ID: 18 |
| Description | A 25km desert loop in Kathu, featuring sandy and gravel terrain with open views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Sandy |
| Website | Wikiloc |
| Location | Kathu |
| Source | Web ID: 18 |
| Description | A trail along the Orange River near Keimoes, with flat terrain and river views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Keimoes |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop around salt pans near Kenhardt, offering flat terrain and unique landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kenhardt |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A ride in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, featuring desert terrain and wildlife sightings. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Sandy, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kgalagadi |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A circuit around the Big Hole in Kimberley, with historical significance and flat terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kimberley |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop through the diamond fields near Kimberley, offering historical insights and open terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kimberley |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A ride through dunes near Kleinsee, with challenging sandy sections and coastal views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Sandy, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kleinsee |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop around the Eye of Kuruman, a natural spring, with flat terrain and scenic views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kuruman |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Loeriesfontein featuring historical windmills and desert landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Loeriesfontein |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A route near Nababeep with views of historical copper mines and rocky terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Rocky, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Nababeep |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 40km trail through Namaqualand’s flower fields, best in spring for vibrant displays. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Namaqualand |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A fast coastal sprint in Namaqualand, with sandy terrain and ocean views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Sandy, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Namaqualand |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A loop near Nieuwoudtville with views of the waterfall and wildflower fields. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Nieuwoudtville |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Okiep with historical mining sites and desert landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Okiep |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Olifantshoek with rocky outcrops and desert terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Rocky, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Olifantshoek |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 20km ride along the Orange River, offering flat terrain and scenic river views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Orange River |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop near Pella Mission Village, with historical significance and desert scenery. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Pella |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A fast desert sprint near Pofadder, with flat terrain and open views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Pofadder |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A beachfront trail in Port Nolloth, with sandy sections and coastal scenery. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Sandy, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Port Nolloth |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A route near Postmasburg with views of iron ore mines and desert terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Postmasburg |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A ride along the Orange River near Prieska, with flat terrain and river views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Prieska |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 50km loop in the Richtersveld Desert, featuring rugged terrain and desert vistas. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Richtersveld |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A route in the Richtersveld with iconic quiver trees and desert landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Richtersveld |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A trail near Riemvasmaak with hot springs and desert terrain, ideal for a relaxing ride. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Riemvasmaak |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 182.01-mile bikepacking route near Springbok, featuring desert terrain and long-distance challenges. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | Wikiloc |
| Location | Springbok |
| Source | Web ID: 16 |
| Description | A loop near Springbok with granite formations and desert scenery. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Rocky, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Springbok |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | A rocky descent near Steinkopf, offering technical challenges and desert views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Steinkopf |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A night ride near Sutherland, known for its clear skies and stargazing opportunities. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Sutherland |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 60km challenge in the Tankwa Karoo, with remote desert terrain and rugged landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Tankwa Karoo |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A gravel loop in the Tankwa Karoo, offering solitude and expansive desert views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Tankwa Karoo |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A ride in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, with desert terrain and wildlife sightings. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Sandy, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Tswalu |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 15km loop along the Orange River in Upington, with flat terrain and river views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Upington |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Upington, serving as a gateway to the Kalahari with desert terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Sandy |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Upington |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Vanrhynsdorp with fynbos vegetation and desert landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Vanrhynsdorp |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop around Vanderkloof Dam, offering water views and flat terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Vanderkloof |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop through the Karoo near Victoria West, with open plains and solitude. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Victoria West |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Vioolsdrif along the Namibian border, with desert terrain and river views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Vioolsdrif |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A ride through wine routes near Vredendal, with flat terrain and scenic views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Vredendal |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop in Witsand Nature Reserve, featuring white dunes and desert landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Sandy, Hilly |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Witsand |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail near Wonderwerk Cave, with historical significance and desert terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Kuruman |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A loop in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, with rugged desert terrain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | Richtersveld |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A desert ride in the |Khomas Hochland region, with challenging terrain and remote landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep |
| Website | MTBRoutes |
| Location | |Khomas Hochland |
| Source | General Knowledge |