Mpumalanga - High & Lowlands, Panorama

CLOSEST TOWN »     Nelspruit    
DISTANCE »     Various
0 - 5 RATING »
(Riding Enjoyment)     Rated 4/5 from 1 ratings.

To rate this route, please login or register to the site.
GRADING »    
EASY  MODERATE   DIFFICULT   EXTREME

[ OVERVIEW ]

Mankele is a great place to be a mountain biker! With the awesome scenery of the luscious mountains, rivers and springs. The trails are complimented with endless wooden boardwalks & bridges that have been carefully constructed over the terrain. The adrenaline pumping trails have an excellent balance: from lung bursting climbs, disc burning descents, nail biting north shore, big drops, river crossings and fast, smooth single track.

On your bike

X-Country (Orange Route): 8.8km, 160m Accent, Technical. Used for Nationals Cross Country. Boardwalks, bush tunnels, bridges and some hairy descents are on the menu once you have climbed the unforgiving Sting. Duration 25 - 50 minutes.

2.4km Easy Beginner Route: Fast flowing single track, bridges and jeep track. This course will help you improve your single track skills. Fun track to chase each other through the tight corners.

Blue Route: 4.5km Easy - Beginner. Fast flowing single track, bridges and jeep track. This route was designed for beginners to practice there technical skills. Duration 30 minutes.

Pink Route: 4.5km, 120m Accent, Moderate. This is a shorter version of the X-Country route. Test yourself on the single track, boardwalks, river crossings and technical climb. Duration 30 - 45 minutes.

Green Route: 20km, 480m Accent, Moderate. Don’t let the distance fool you; this is 20km of single track, bush tunnels, bridges, boardwalks and lung bursting climbs. It’s a good work out while having the best time ever on two wheels. Duration 2 - 3 hours.

Red Route: 30km, 728 Accent, Intermediate. This route is an extension of the Green Route. A bit more climbing with awesome views. This is a good long ride with a bit of everything in it. You have a choice of a technical (bush tunnel) or a fun twisty single track back. Escape point is at the green route turn off. Duration 5 hours.

Purple Route: 55km, 1200m Accent, Difficult. The first 15km is a non stop battle with granny gear. The view and single track is well worth the climb. Two escape routes have been marked out. Take lots of water, food and a cell phone. Duration 5 - 8 hours.

Down Hill: 1.8km, Madness. It’s a double black. Caution - adrenaline is addictive. This is not for your average hard tail or got the gear no idea type rider. Switch backs, drop offs and rock gardens will try rip you off your bike.

Black Dot Route: Most routes have a black dot section - Very Technical. If you take the black dot route then don’t look back or complain if you loose your teeth. They are fun, but very technical and have all passed the bone breaking test.

No helmet - No ride (helmets for sale or for hire at reception).

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 06:30 - 18:00

Off your bike

Situated in the heart of Mpumalanga, South Africa. Mankele Mountain Bike Adventures is beautifully located in an indigenous forest near the Sudwala Caves and alongside the Houtbosloop River.

The property consists of sub tropical forest, open grasslands, mountains, valleys and river frontage. It is home to a wealth of bird and animal life, as well as the mountain biking enthusiast. The mixed terrain offers the perfect location for its wide variety of trails.

Come and indulge your mind, body and soul as you experience the excitement of mountain biking, the comfort of the lodge, as well as the breath taking views

ACCOMMODATION

Log Cabins: Each self catering log cabin sleeps 8 people (1 double bed, 2 single beds and 2 bunk beds - linen provided) in 3 bedrooms. There is also a dining room, lounge, 1½ bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen in each. The setting is ideal for sundowners on the deck, after a long hot day in the saddle. If that hasn’t cooled you down, the sparkling salt water pool & entertainment area will do the trick!

Canvas Tented Camps: Each canvas tent has carefully been placed in its beautiful bush setting and consists of 4 single beds (linen provided), fridge, kettle, basic cutlery, braai and wooden deck with table and chairs.

Camping: If you are more adventurous, why not try our camping facilities. The camping area is surrounded by picturesque indigenous vegetation and is next to the Houtbosloop river.

On site facilities include:
Entertainment Area (Big Screen TV with DSTV, Pool Table & Darts Board) • Shop • Kitchenette for campers • Clean Ablutions with Hot water showers • Salt Water Swimming Pools • River Tubing • Bird Watching • Picnic next to the river • Some of the best MTB & hiking Trails in SA.

Located nearby (under 10 km)
Sudwala Caves • Dinosaur Park • Restaurant & Bar • Curio Shop • Petrol Station • Tennis, Squash & Mini Golf

Tourist Attractions:
Pilgrim's Rest 90km • Kruger National Park 105km • Panorama Route (God's Window & Waterfalls) 150km

CONTACT
Route information:
Address: P.O. Box 821, White River, 1240 Telephone: 078 801 0453
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website : www.mankele.co.za

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Moderate to very technical

DURATION: varies depending on route

CONFIGURATION : Various

START POINT: Trail Centre Kiosk

TERRAIN: District road, jeep track, singletrack, steep drop-ins, switchbacks, fast contour surfing trails, wooden bridges, berms, north shore, logs, hills

MAP: Available at reception but all routes are well marked.

MORE INFORMATION: email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.mankele.co.za

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: R30 for riders, R20 for non-riders

FACILITIES: Coffee shop, swimming pools, large entertainment area. Camp sites, log cabins, permanent tented amps. Ablution and shower facilities.

BEWARE OF: Snakes, monkeys, other trail users, sunburn