Witsieshoek Mountain Bike Trails in the Drakensberg Mountains
Where there is good hiking, you’ll often find a selection of great mountain bike trails. The Drakensberg is no exception to this rule with some of the best trails to be found within South Africa. We have a winter special – well- suited to dirt- junkies with varying terrain, routes and distance.
The Blue Sky Dragon Trail
This trail is aimed at families and is a flattish 10,3 km. A high level of fitness is not required and the route consists mainly of dual tracks, some gravel roads, with lots of nice single track and savannah grasslands. From a family point of view, if you are not a regular cyclist, expect to get off your bike at some stage if you are too tired to cycle up the hill. For regular cyclist, it will be an easy route. There is a beautiful waterfall halfway where you can take a break and soak up the views.
The Red Dragon’s Tooth Trail
This trail is aimed at the weekend warrior with uphill and down hills and is 16,4 km long. You will need to have a fitness level to take on challenging short climbs and rocky surfaces especially at the end of the route. The trail has savannah grass, jeep track, gravel roads, and hard pack terrain. The routes meander through grassland with river crossings and bush tunnels with spectacular views of Fika-Patso dam and the African countryside. The rolling mountains, natural foot paths and picturesque scenery is a mountain biker’s dream!
The Black Dragon Slayer Trail
This trail is for the advanced rider. Expect steep downhills. At some places, there is compulsory portage of your bike for safety reasons and to get over a cliff. Some surfaces and descents are considered dangerous, therefore riders need to be cautious and careful. There are numerous sharp turns, climbs and fast downhills. You will cycle all the way down into the valley with some river crossings, waterfalls and bridges. Amazing sand stone structures can be seen before you start the gruelling climb out of the valley. Excellent training ground for any stage race like Sani2C. It will be one of the most exhilarating and hard 16 km that you will ever cycle with exceptional views that can only be found in the Drakensberg area. View a flythrough of the trail.
Puff the Magic Green Dragon Trail
This is the kiddies route of about 1,7 km long. Parents can sit at the lodge enjoying a drink while watching the kids cycle in a safe environment.
Trail Usage Fees
For guests at the Lodge: R75 per day
For day-visitors: R150 per day
For Runners
If mountain running is more your thing then you can take part in the Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge which takes place in September every year. This 50km challenge takes you from the Mahai campsite at the Royal Natal section of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site to the top of the Tugela Falls (the second highest single fall in the world) and back again via the Chain Ladders on the way up and the gully and Witsieshoek on the way down.