The name of this little village in the heart of Pondoland means “the place of beans”. Its fertile soils support the rolling green fields of the huge Magwa tea plantation – one of the largest tea plantations in South Africa and the world.

There are a variety of mapped trails in the Mbotyi vicinity for both the experienced cyclist looking for a challenge and the leisure cyclist looking for a gentle meander around the area. These trails take you through the forest, up on to the grassland escarpment as well as through the magnificent tea plantation.

On your bike

The first route is up to Magwa Falls. Pack a snack and ride out to absorb the beauty of this natural wonder. This route is 42km long, out and back, and follows gravel roads all the way. The views are not something to be missed.

There is also a nice loop taking you up the same hill out of Mbotyi and then past Angel Falls instead. Then the gravel turns South for an awesome downhill, meandering through a small rural village all the way to the FM Tower. From here you descend along fishermen-paths to the beach. You will cross a small lagoon, and then finally find your way back to the Mbotyi Hotel.

Off the bike

There are a lot of other activities to be done. Birding, hiking, canoeing, fishing, horse trails, the list is endless…

GPS: 31 27 53.8 South / 29 43 52.9 East