Discover 60 of the Best Mtb Bike Trails in the Western Cape
Unleash Your Biking Adventure in the Western Cape
Ready for an unforgettable ride? The mountain biking trails Western Cape offers are a dream for riders of all levels. From the rugged coastline of Cape Point to the lush forests of Stellenbosch, these Western Cape mountain biking routes promise epic scenery, technical thrills, and wide-open spaces. Whether you’re chasing heart-pounding descents or scenic singletracks, our list of the best MTB trails in Cape Town and beyond has you covered. Saddle up and explore the ultimate riding experience today!
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Why Western Cape Trails Are a Rider’s Paradise
The Western Cape is packed with diverse trails. Ride through the towering pines of Jonkershoek, test your endurance on the Cederberg’s rocky climbs, or soak in ocean views along Cape Town’s scenic MTB routes. Beginner MTB trails Western Cape like Meerendal offer smooth-flowing tracks, while advanced riders can take on Tokai’s legendary downhill runs. Whether you’re looking for a casual weekend ride or a serious endurance challenge, every trail delivers a unique adventure.
Your Next Ride Starts Here
Plan your Western Cape biking adventure with our guide to the region’s best trails. With detailed descriptions, difficulty ratings, and terrain insights, you’ll find the perfect route for your next ride. Whether you crave a family-friendly MTB trail in the Western Cape or a technical mountain challenge, we’ve got you covered. Check out our trail list below and hit the dirt today!
Click on the trail names below to expand the trail information!
| Description | If you’re looking for a spot to escape into nature while still getting your adrenaline fix, the Banhoek Conservancy Trails might just be your next favorite destination. Nestled in the stunning Western Cape of South Africa, this trail network is a gem for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners alike. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your adventure. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Fynbos, Steep |
| Website | MTBApp |
| Location | Stellenbosch |
| Source | Web ID: 15 |
| Description | AIf you’re craving a mix of adrenaline-pumping trails and breathtaking vineyard views, the Bloemendal South Trail is calling your name. Tucked into the Durbanville Wine Valley in South Africa’s Western Cape, this trail network is a haven for mountain bikers, trail runners, and families looking for outdoor fun. Here’s your guide to hitting the trails like a pro. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Fynbos |
| Website | Bloemendal |
| Location | Durbanville |
| Description | If you’re craving a mountain biking adventure that mixes epic singletrack with jaw-dropping scenery, the Boesmanskloof Mountain Bike Trail in the Western Cape might just be your next obsession. Nestled between Greyton and McGregor in the Riviersonderend Mountains, this trail offers a thrilling ride through fynbos-covered slopes and rugged terrain. Perfect for bikers who love a challenge and a view, here’s your guide to pedaling the Greyton to McGregor bike route. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky |
| Website | MtbApp |
| Location | Greyton |
| Description | If you’re hunting for a mountain biking escape that blends rolling vineyards, river views, and a taste of Western Cape charm, the Bonnievale Circular Route is your next ride. Starting and ending in the quaint town of Bonnievale, nestled in the Breede River Valley, this loop delivers a mix of gravel roads, gentle climbs, and stunning scenery. Perfect for riders craving a laid-back yet rewarding spin, here’s your guide to tackling this Bonnievale mountain bike trail. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Flat |
| Website | MTBApp |
| Location | Bonnievale |
| Source | Web ID: 0 |
| Description | If you’re chasing a mountain biking getaway with vineyard vistas, fynbos-lined paths, and Western Cape magic, the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails near Stellenbosch are your next ride. Just 45km from Cape Town, this network blends flowy singletrack, tough climbs, and epic views of Table Mountain and the Winelands. From beginners to pros, here’s your guide to conquering the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails—rules and safety included. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Fynbos |
| Website | MTBApp |
| Location | Stellenbosch |
| Description | Gravel and singletrack trails in the Breede River Valley, winding through vineyards and fynbos with views of the surrounding mountains. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Fynbos |
| Website | MTB Routes |
| Location | Worcester |
| Source | Web ID: 8 |
| Description | A trail near the Cango Caves with Karoo landscapes, offering a mix of gravel and singletrack sections. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Karoo, Rocky |
| Website | Cango Caves |
| Location | Oudtshoorn |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail in Cape Point Nature Reserve with ocean views, fynbos, and wildlife, suitable for a scenic ride. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Coastal, Rocky |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Cape Point |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | Scenic trails through vineyards and fynbos in Philadelphia, suitable for intermediate riders, with ablution facilities at the barn. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Fynbos |
| Website | Capaia |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| Source | Web ID: 19 |
| Description | Trails in the Cederberg with rock formations and rugged terrain, offering a remote biking experience. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Mountainous |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Cederberg |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A network of trails in Durbanville with three routes (green, blue, black) catering to beginners through advanced riders, featuring flowing singletrack and technical descents. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Difficult |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Rocky |
| Website | Tygerberg MTB |
| Location | Durbanville |
| Source | Web ID: 12 |
| Description | Coastal trails in De Hoop with fynbos, dunes, and opportunities to see whales and antelope. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Coastal, Sandy, Fynbos |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | De Hoop |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A 7.5km singletrack trail in Stellenbosch through vineyards, part of the Wannabees Cycling Club network. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Gravel |
| Website | Dornier Wines |
| Location | Stellenbosch |
| Source | Web ID: 19 |
| Description | Trails on a working farm in the Ceres Mountains with a mix of climbs, singletrack, and forest sections. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Rocky |
| Website | Eselfontein |
| Location | Ceres |
| Source | Web ID: 14 |
| Description | Trails through fynbos in Hermanus with views of Walker Bay, offering a mix of singletrack and jeep tracks. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky |
| Website | Fernkloof |
| Location | Hermanus |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A cultural trail through the historic town of Genadendal with mountain and valley views, adaptable for biking. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Genadendal |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A two-day ride through fynbos and mountains, connecting Greyton and McGregor with scenic views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky, Steep |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Greyton |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | Remote trails in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area with rugged terrain, offering a challenging ride through fynbos and mountain landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Fynbos, Steep |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Porterville |
| Source | Web ID: 8 |
| Description | A coastal ride in Hermanus with opportunities for birdwatching and whale spotting, mostly flat and sandy. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Sandy, Coastal |
| Website | Hermanus |
| Location | Hermanus |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | Trails in the Garden Route through indigenous forest and fynbos, offering easy gradients and coastal views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Forest, Fynbos, Singletrack |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Plettenberg Bay |
| Source | Web ID: 14 |
| Description | A challenging trail through indigenous fynbos with views of the Helderberg Mountains, known for its traditional South African charm. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky, Steep |
| Website | Helderberg Farm |
| Location | Somerset West |
| Source | Web ID: 1 |
| Description | A dirt jump and pump track area in Stellenbosch, ideal for skill-building, with berms and jumps for advanced riders. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Dirt Jumps, Singletrack |
| Website | Trailforks |
| Location | Stellenbosch |
| Source | Web ID: 2 |
| Description | Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, nestled in Bottelary Hills near Stellenbosch, Western Cape, has earned a reputation as South Africa’s premier mountain biking destination, with research suggesting it remains the best trail in 2025 based on rider reviews and historical rankings. This note provides a comprehensive overview, addressing trail specifics, rider experiences, race connections, historical context, and practical details, ensuring a thorough guide for enthusiasts planning their ride.. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky, Singletrack |
| Website | MTBApp |
| Location | Stellenbosch |
| Description | While primarily in KZN, some routes extend into the Western Cape via multi-day rides, offering forest singletrack and challenging climbs. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Forest, Singletrack |
| Website | First Car Rental |
| Location | Garden Route |
| Source | Web ID: 11 |
| Description | An open trail in George with views of the Garden Route Dam and Outeniqua Mountains, great for families. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Fynbos |
| Website | George Municipality |
| Location | George |
| Source | Web ID: 1 |
| Description | A coastal trail in Walker Bay with a cave and ocean views, ideal for a scenic ride with whale-watching opportunities. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Coastal, Rocky |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Hermanus |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A gentle trail through the La Motte wine estate with forest scenery and mountain views, suitable for beginners. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Forest, Gravel |
| Website | La Motte |
| Location | Franschhoek |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail through diverse terrains including forests, vineyards, and fynbos, located in the Grabouw area. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Forest, Fynbos, Singletrack |
| Website | Lebanon Trails |
| Location | Grabouw |
| Source | Web ID: 3 |
| Description | A scenic ride around Lion’s Head with views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and Table Mountain. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Rocky, Singletrack |
| Website | Cape Town Travel |
| Location | Cape Town |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A greenbelt escape in the Northern Suburbs with trails through fynbos, suitable for short rides, though safety concerns exist. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Singletrack |
| Website | Tygerberg MTB |
| Location | Bellville |
| Source | Web ID: 5 |
| Description | A moderate trail in the Cederberg leading to a unique rock formation, with scenic mountain views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Rocky, Mountainous |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Cederberg |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | Trails in Durbanville with a variety of routes through vineyards and fynbos, ideal for families and professionals alike. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Gravel |
| Website | Meerendal |
| Location | Durbanville |
| Source | Web ID: 19 |
| Description | Trails through fynbos and mountains in Franschhoek with views of the valley, ideal for intermediate riders. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Franschhoek |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | Trails in the Montagu area with a mix of rocky climbs and singletrack descents, offering views of the Langeberg Mountains. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Singletrack |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Montagu |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A scenic loop trail offering panoramic views of Hout Bay, Noordhoek, and the Atlantic, with a challenging uphill start but rewarding descents. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Rocky |
| Website | Veldskoen |
| Location | Noordhoek |
| Source | Web ID: 12 |
| Description | World-class trails in Elgin Valley through oak woodlands, vineyards, and orchards, designed for all skill levels by Pieter Visser. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Forest |
| Website | Oak Valley |
| Location | Elgin |
| Source | Web ID: 5 |
| Description | Trails along the Olifants River Valley, combining river views with fynbos and rocky terrain, ideal for a scenic, challenging ride. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky |
| Website | MTB Routes |
| Location | Clanwilliam |
| Source | Web ID: 8 |
| Description | A historic route from Noordhoek to Silvermine West, with rough gravel descents and views of the peninsula. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Noordhoek |
| Source | Web ID: 3 |
| Description | A 200km multi-day gravel biking trail through the rural Overberg, offering scenic views and a mix of terrains. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Gravel, Fynbos |
| Website | MTB Routes |
| Location | Overberg |
| Source | Web ID: 4 |
| Description | A leisurely ride with gentle slopes through granite boulder landscapes, offering views of the Boland Mountains and Paarl Rock. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Fynbos |
| Website | Paarl MTB |
| Location | Paarl |
| Source | Web ID: 3 |
| Description | Trails through the vineyards and forests of this Elgin estate, offering a mix of singletrack and gravel paths with views of the Groenlandberg Mountains. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Gravel |
| Website | Paul Cluver |
| Location | Elgin |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A seasonal trail in West Coast National Park, famous for spring wildflower displays and lagoon views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Sandy |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Langebaan |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A family-friendly trail through vineyards and fynbos in Paarl, with gentle slopes and scenic views of the Paarl Valley. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Gravel, Fynbos |
| Website | Rhebokskloof |
| Location | Paarl |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A popular trail in Cape Town with views of the city and Devil’s Peak, offering a mix of climbs and descents. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Singletrack |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Cape Town |
| Source | Web ID: 11 |
| Description | A network of singletrack trails in the Garden Route, starting from Saasveld Campus, known for its technical sections. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Forest |
| Website | MTB Routes |
| Location | George |
| Source | Web ID: 4 |
| Description | A short trail in West Coast National Park with views of the lagoon and birdlife, suitable for beginners. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Coastal, Fynbos |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Langebaan |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A coastal ride to shipwreck sites in Cape Point with views of the Atlantic and False Bay. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Coastal, Sandy |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Cape Point |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A network of trails in Silvermine with fynbos, granite outcrops, and views of False Bay. Permits required. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Rocky, Singletrack |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Cape Town |
| Source | Web ID: 3 |
| Description | Trails on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, offering technical singletrack and steep climbs with views of the Winelands. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Rocky, Steep |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Stellenbosch |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A circular trail in Cape Point with coastal views and fynbos landscapes, ideal for a shorter ride. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Coastal, Fynbos |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Cape Point |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A trail in the Cederberg with unique geological formations and a mix of singletrack and jeep tracks. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Rocky, Mountainous |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Cederberg |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A coastal trail in West Coast National Park with views of the Atlantic and fynbos landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Coastal, Sandy |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Langebaan |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A challenging trail in the Swartberg Mountains with dramatic views of the Klein Karoo, featuring steep climbs. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Oudtshoorn |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | Trails through the Renosterveld plains of the Swartland, offering gravel roads and singletrack with views of the West Coast. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Terrain | Gravel, Fynbos |
| Website | MTB Routes |
| Location | Malmesbury |
| Source | Web ID: 8 |
| Description | Situated in Table Mountain National Park, these trails offer diverse routes through pine forests and fynbos, catering to all skill levels. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Forest |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Cape Town |
| Source | Web ID: 14 |
| Description | Over 120km of trails in the Cape Peninsula, catering to all skill levels, managed by the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Difficult |
| Terrain | Singletrack, Fynbos |
| Website | Tygerberg MTB |
| Location | Cape Town |
| Source | Web ID: 14 |
| Description | A multi-day route from Uniondale through the Klein Karoo, featuring gravel roads, mountain passes, and arid landscapes. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Gravel, Rocky |
| Website | MTB Routes |
| Location | Uniondale |
| Source | Web ID: 6 |
| Description | A compact trail in a 600ha reserve, perfect for family rides with diverse fynbos and scenic views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Singletrack |
| Website | MTB Routes |
| Location | Van Stadens |
| Source | Web ID: 4 |
| Description | Trails in the West Coast National Park with views of the Langebaan Lagoon, fynbos, and spring wildflowers. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Terrain | Fynbos, Sandy |
| Website | SANParks |
| Location | Langebaan |
| Source | General Knowledge |
| Description | A challenging trail in the Cederberg with narrow rock passages and stunning mountain views. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Terrain | Rocky, Steep, Singletrack |
| Website | CapeNature |
| Location | Cederberg |
| Source | General Knowledge |
