Eikenhof Dam Plantation MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Grabouw)

Western Cape - Overberg & Southern Cape

Eikenhof Dam Plantation

CLOSEST TOWN > Eikenhof Dam Plantation

TRAIL DESTINATION > MTO Plantation, Eikenhof Dam section

DISTANCE > 10–40km

GRADING > Intermediate to difficult

OVERVIEW

Overdose on a network of single and jeep tracks dueling with gravity above Eikenhof Dam. This is a working plantation with constant changes to the route

On your bike

Start at the country Club gates and follow a well-marked route with excellent variation through the pine plantations. Don’t expect this one to be bright and breezy though. Get ready for brutish climbs, seriously rocky singletrack and a handful of hair-raising downhill sections. Tree roots, wicked cambers and serious dropoffs will keep you wide awake to appreciate the awesome views across the Helderberg basin.

The trial dynamics change the whole time, as this is a working plantation, so expect something new every time you head out this way. This track is without a doubt one of South Africa’s current top Ten choices when it comes to hardcore riding.

Oude Molen Distillery has commissioned a few local mountain bikers to upgrade the trails to tie in with their annual MTB event in the area. This will ensure that riders can enjoy the forest and all its offerings, while revelling in the challenge of new routes on a regular basis.

Off the bike

The Grabouw area brims with organic farm stores, art and craft galleries and flower farms. It also boasts a selection of popular wine estates. The Hottentots Holland ranges provide the Boland Hiking Trail and Elandskloof trails that draw hikers from around the world. For those in search of further outdoor adventure, options include kloofing, horse-riding, paddling, fishing and a number of 4x4 trails. Don’t miss the Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre Summer concert series where performances are set in a natural amphitheatre amidst a stand of ancient trees.

CONTACT:

Route information: Wouter Lochner
Telephone: 083 454 1408
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.mtoecotourism.co.za
Tel: +27 21 859 1612

GPS: 34°6’55.46”S 19°2’8.08”E

Weather:

Mostly Cloudy 14 ^oC
Humidity: 67%
Wind: SW at 6 mph

Fri	5 ⇒ 16 ^oC	» Rain «
Sat	6 ⇒ 17 ^oC	» Chance of Rain «
Sun	8 ⇒ 18 ^oC	» Partly Sunny «

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Intermediate to difficult

DURATION:

2–4 hours

CONFIGURATION :

Various circular options: 10–40km

START POINT:

Eikenhof Lapas

TERRAIN:

Gravel road, jeep track and singletrack

MAP:

Available from MTO Office in Grabouw (if you’re lucky)

CELL RECEPTION:

Reasonable

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Annual permit from MTO,
day permit at gate or Elgin Country Club

FACILITIES:

Secure parking; ablutions, restaurant at Country Club

eikenhof-map

BEWARE OF:

Extreme heat; loose surface; possibility
of getting lost

HOW TO GET THERE

Follow the N2 from Cape Town, then turn left at the Orchard Farm Stall into Grabouw and left again at the bus / taxi rank (into Worcester Street). Follow the
signage to the Elgin Country Club on Eikenhof Dam.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Summer can be a bit sandy in places, and take wet-weather gear in winter – the weather here can change in the blink of an eye.