Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Heidelberg)
DISTANCE » 8 km circuit
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GRADING »
EASY MODERATE DIFFICULT EXTREME
[ OVERVIEW ]
Facilities
Visitors’ Centre. Educational programmes for organized groups. Picnic site with ablutions, braai facilities, parking, exhibition hall, conference auditorium accommodating 165 delegates. Ouhout, Kiepersol and Protea group camps. Meditation hut for 9 visitors. Suikerbosrand may be accessed from the Protea Hotels self-catering resort previously known as Kareekloof. Contact (016) 365 5334.
On your bike
Between Vosloorus and Heidelberg, just off the N3 highway to Durban, you will find an unspoilt haven of nature. A reserve was established among the Suikerbosrand hills in 1974 to preserve an important water catchment area and its indigenous flora and fauna as well as irreplaceable historic and archeological sites. The ‘Race for Victory’ fun ride in May is a good opportunity to ride more of the Suikerbosrand that the options described below.
The main focus of this reserve has been environmental education, so it is only very recently that two pilot bicycle trails were introduced, confined to the Tambokies area near the main gate and Diepkloof farm house. There is also an 8 km off-road trail through the Tamboekies area which is confined to jeep tracks used to patrol the perimeter fence and aimed at novice riders. This is an extensive 13,337 ha reserve and the perimeter fence alone is 90km long, so Suikerbosrand has the potential to develop a three-day 100 km+ hut-to-hut type MTB trail. It is to be hoped that the pilot rides described are such a success that co a minute corner but are encouraged to experience the entire reserve in all its splendour astride the most environmentally responsible conveyance known to the world.
By road
The 11 km “Tamboekies” circuit is on part of the 60 km network of tarred tourist roads and will delight road cyclists for about one hour. This could – and should – be further developed into a respectable two-day road route.
Off your bike
There are also day walks and overnight hiking trails through the reserve.
[ FAST FACTS ]
GRADING: Easy to Intermediate
DURATION:
CONFIGURATION : 8km Circuit
START POINT: Start in the reserve
TERRAIN: Jeep track
MAP: Available from the main building.
MORE INFORMATION:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Day visitors welcome, but must leave by 18:00 Entry fee payable - R10 per sedan vehicle plus R20 per adult, R10 per child/pensioner. Gate times: Weekdays 7:15 to 16:00. Weekends and public holidays 7:00 to 16:00
FACILITIES: Picnic facilities. Visitors centre. Educational programmes for organized groups. Picnic site with ablutions, braai facilities, parking, exhibition hall, conference auditorium accommodating 165 delegates. Ouhout, Kiepersol and Protea group camps. Meditation hut for 9 visitors. Suikerbosrand may be accessed from the Protea Hotels self-catering resort previously known as Kareekloof. Contact (016) 365 5334.
BEWARE OF: Seek cover immediately if there is a thunderstorm brewing as there is a high incidence of lightning in this area.
