One of the most fun and exhilarating ways to explore the great outdoors is by mountain bike – and CapeNature reserves offer a plethora of fantastic options.

Whether you’re interested in an easy ride, something more moderate or a challenging trail for experienced riders, Anysberg Nature Reserve has a scenic marked mountain bike (MTB) trail perfect for you. Be aware that there is no water or cell phone reception available on the trails.

Algeria in the Cederberg Wilderness Area has two recently built single MTB tracks for mountain bike enthusiasts to enjoy. The Rock Jumper trail is a relatively easy ride of 3.3 km (with a 110m elevation), while the Honey Badger trail at 6.6 km (230m elevation) is of moderate difficulty.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery and its Whale Trail, but it has a lot more to offer – including many MTB trails through the reserve.

The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve does not only have a 6km cycle trail to enjoy with your own mountain bike, but the adjacent conservancy also has a few MTB trails to ride. (You’ll need a separate permit from the conservancy office for the latter, though.)

View, views and more views. This is what you can expect from the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve’s moderate MTB trail among the fynbos, winding up to Groenlandberg. Apart from stunning panoramic views of the sea, you will spot nearby farms and even Hermanus on a clear day.

Up for a moderate 22km ride – taking between two and four hours – along a jeep track in beautiful nature? Then head to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Don’t forget your helmet!

To experience a vastly different typography and setting, bring your own mountain bike to explore Rocherpan, 25km north of Velddrif on the coastal road. You’ll be following the jeep track for an adventurous tour of the nature reserve.

If you’re very brave, you may want to conquer the Swartberg Pass down to Gamkaskloof, or Die Hel, in the Swartberg Nature Reservebetween the Great Karoo and Klein Karoo. All the roads here are provincial roads.

More scenic views are on offer in the striking, rugged Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve in the Breede River Valley, about 15km south of Robertson. There’s a gorgeous, marked 8km mountain bike trail that meanders through the reserve. It will take you about an hour to complete.

Finally, in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond, you’ll find a delightful moderate 22km ride along the jeep track in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve – it should take you between two and four hours to complete.

Please ensure that you bring along enough drinking water while cycling.