A Swartland MTB odyssey which is so worth the grind.
Rising dramatically from the otherwise flat expanse of the Swartland, the Koringberg MTB trail will appeal to advanced and expert level mountain biking purists in search of adrenaline, solitude and soul-stirring views. It’s a challenging circular route which is a raw, untamed experience that will leave even seasoned riders a tad breathless.
Starting at Hooggeleë Farm’s Die Ark Campsite, the unmarked trail begins with a deceptively gentle contour cruise. But don’t be too complacent. Before long, the route splits: one path lunges straight up a concrete incline that’s mightily steep; the other zigzags up a loose, rocky jeep track that tests every ounce of your climbing grit. Either way, your reward comes early at an elevation of 594 m—bird’s-eye views from the summit that stretch from Table Mountain in the south to the jagged Cederberg and Winterhoek ranges in the north.
At the top, pause to soak it up at the little lapa. From this windswept vantage point, the Swartland unfolds in patchworks of green and gold. It is, as it were, a VIP vantage point to the raw beauty of the Western Cape’s agricultural heartland.
But what goes up must come down. And this is where Koringberg earns its stripes. The descent is a thrilling singletrack rollercoaster, churning with hairpin bends and tight, technical corners that demand both nerve and finesse. Carved by local MTB fanatics, this stretch is the stuff of legends—revered by those who braved it during the Swartland FNB MTB Race a few years ago.
And so much more …
The core route covers 20 km of trail, comprised of roughly 70% jeep track and 10% single-track. But the real magic lies in the extension options. More than 50 km of secondary and farm roads snake through the region, inviting hardy riders to loop deeper into the countryside towards Piketberg or back along the railway line to the starting point. For those with an appetite for punishment, climbing back up the single-track from town offers an added test—plus another chance to ace that single-track descent rife with sharp hairpin bends.
A less hairy alternative return option is to pick up the railway line jeep track at the town’s entrance and meander back to Die Ark Campsite.
Take note that the trail is in the wild so to speak: no signage, snakes in the summer months and the occasional farm animal encounter. It also happens to be birding heaven: flocks of Blue Crane and the odd Secretary bird, Cape Longclaw, Capped Wheatear, Zitting Cisticola, African Pipit and Pied Starling. There also are Southern Black Korhaan, Common Quail, Grey-winged Francolin, Cape Spurfowl and Namaqua Sandgrouse, together with the occasional loose flocks of Grey-backed Sparrow Lark.
Koringberg MTB Trail is a rite of passage for riders who crave more than just kilometres, who chase challenge, solitude and a little wild joy. (By the way, it’s a great hiking route too!)
Where: From the N7, take the Koringberg turn-off, travel 1,5 km and then turn left at Hooggeleë Farm to Die Ark Campsite, which offers parking and basic facilities. Entrance fee is R10 pp. WhatsApp bookings are essential: Bregda on 083 5970091; or Debbie on 082 7164142; ark.koringberg@gmail.com.
Photo: marriangeorge.co.za
