Rockwood Forest Lodge MTB Trail (Karkloof) (Closest City/Town: Karkloof / Howick)

Kwazulu - Natal - Midlands

Rockwood Forest Lodge MTB Trail

CLOSEST TOWN > Karkloof

TRAIL DESTINATION > Rockwood Forest Lodge

DISTANCE > 20km circuit

GRADING > Intermediate

OVERVIEW

The Karkloof is excellent mountain biking country. Every year there are about 10 MTB races in the greater area with the main event being the Karkloof Classic held in May each year.

On your bike

This 20 km ride follows a well-marked circuit in and around the Karkloof nature reserve, including some plantation roads and one steep, rocky climb. There are many river crossings with some sections on singletrack through the indigenous Karkloof Forest so fit proper off-road tyres to your bike. The trail passes by two waterfalls and has some spectacular views out over the Karkloof Valley. Rockwood Lodge can organize longer, guided rides for fitter riders looking for a challenge. The lodge also has bikes for hire if you don’t want the trouble of transporting your own.

Off the bike

In addition to fishing, birding and abseiling down a 54m waterfall in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, adventure junkies can swing through the indigenous forest with Karkloof Canopy Tours and perhaps come eye-to-eye with a longcrested eagle or samango monkey. Phone (033) 330 3415 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

CONTACT:

Route information: Kerry Hankock, Rockwood Forest Lodge

Address: 5 Royal Palms, 638 Essenwood Road, Durban, 4001

Telephone: 031 502 4043 or 082 800 4238

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.rockwood.co.za

GPS: 29°29′17.4″S 030°13′47.6″E

Weather: {weather Howick, South Africa}

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Intermediate

DURATION:

2-3 Hours

CONFIGURATION :

20km circuit

START POINT:

Start at Rockwood Forest Lodge

TERRAIN:

Plantation roads and single-track

MAP:

Ask at reception

CELL RECEPTION:

Not everywhere

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Day visitors by appointment only. R50.00 per person, payable to Rockwood Forest Lodge

FACILITIES:

Luxury self-catering or lodge accommodation available.

BEWARE OF:

xxx

From Durban:

Take N3.
Take Exit 103 Howick/Midmar (Karkloof Reserve) sign.
Turn RIGHT across N3 to Howick.
Follow Karkloof Reserve signs to Central Howick.
At the centre of Howick (at SupaQuick Tyres), turn RIGHT to Karkloof/Rietvlei Rd (Karkloof Reserve).
After 13kms, turn LEFT to Curry’s Post onto gravel road (Karkloof Reserve WEST).
After 3.5kms turn RIGHT onto D815 to Karkloof Reserve WEST.
Continue past Triandra Farm School on your RIGHT.
Pass through entrance marked with red PRIVATE PROPERTY sign and follow signs to ROCKWOOD FOREST LODGE/KARKLOOF RESERVE WEST.

HOW TO GET THERE

See left.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Very wet in spring