On your bike

Groenlandberg MTB Trail (22 km circular): This moderate there-and-back route dips and climbs along slopes covered in magnificent fynbos. Difficult mountain climbs and steep descents into valleys along the route will take its toll, with much heavy breathing along the final ascent up to the top of Groenlandberg. The reserve, managed by Cape Nature Conservation, offers stunning views across the Indian Ocean shoreline and surrounding farmland. The rich and diverse fauna and flora of the region make this an interesting route, with the many natural obstacles adding to the challenge.

Hottentots Holland Reserve MTB Route (6 km circular): This easy route is ideal for the whole family. It starts and ends at the parking area near the reserve office, traversing sections of plantation and fynbos areas along the way. The road surface is generally good although it might be sandy in places and with a river crossing or two thrown in as part of the adventure. The trail affords picturesque views of the farmlands surrounding the towns of Villiersdorp and Vyeboom.

Off your bike

The mountain fynbos, gorges, rivers and rock pools of The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve provide endless opportunities for exploring on foot or by 4x4. There’s a 20 km long 4x4 route that ends at the reserve’s main entrance at Nuweberg, base camp for hikers, kloofers and, of course, bikers. Adventure-seekers can combine hiking with kloofing, a simple but effective method of navigating riverine terrain by jumping or sliding into icy mountain pools. The kloofing routes are open after the winter rains from October to April. Permits are needed for both kloofing and hiking and there’s even a short 6 km hiking trail for the visually impaired.

CONTACT
Route information: Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
Address: Private Bag X27, Elgin, 7180
Telephone: 028 841 4826
Email: hothol@cnc.org.za
Website : www.capenatureconservation.org.za

[ FAST FACTS ]

• GRADING: Easy
  
  
• DURATION: Up to an hour
  
  
• CONFIGURATION : Circular
  
  
• START POINT: The route starts at the parking area near the reserve office
  
  
• TERRAIN: Sandy in places, river crossings
  
  
• MAP: No maps available
  
  
• MORE INFORMATION:
  
  
• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: R25 per person payable at Hottentots Holland Reserve (028) 841 4826
  
  
• FACILITIES: No ablutions or kiosk, cell phone reception intermittent
  
  
• BEWARE OF: