Roger and Pat de la Harpe Photography and Africa Imagery Photo Library

We are always on the lookout for great mountain biking venues and we've found an absolute cracker! The Outeniqua Nature Reserve just outside George in the Western Cape has some really lovely rides and is well worth a visit (not only for mountain biking but for hiking as well).

We parked our car at the Witfontein Picnic Area at the Outeniqua Nature Reserve offices and headed out onto the trails - our target, the radio mast on the side of Mount George. Well, that got the blood rushing around! After descending on the same road we headed east on another forestry track that turned into a giant loop, bringing us back to the parking area. Bird life was prolific and the riding easy as we passed streams, waterfalls and wonderful views. All in all about 15km of riding. Fabulous!

We stuck to the dirt roads but there are a myriad of single track options, largely put in by the Hillbillies Mountain Bike Club, which does a superb job keeping the tracks in good condition.

Do check it out. Parking lot is at S33° 56.137' E22° 25.650'