OVERVIEW
The dramatic landscape shaping the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve –approximately 300km north of Johannesburg – locates Lindani Game Farm within one of South Africa’s most breathtaking natural environments. This 3 000ha swathe of indigenous bush veldt is a place where family fun and the great outdoors combine with rich biodiversity, offering close encounters with a wide range of mammals, birds and endemic flora.
The varied ecosystems and topography of Lindani lends itself to mountain biking exploration, and their purpose-built trails offers extremely rewarding riding. Riders may range free along more than 50km of custom-made single-track in total, aimed to satisfy both experienced riders as well as those weekend warriors amongst you. Even better, if you combine the single-track with the many farm roads and the 4×4 trails, your potential riding bumps up into a whole day affair!
On your bike
Below is some idea of what you can expect:
The 12km Topsy Turvy Trail starts right on the edge of the Melkrivier in front of Motseng Lodge, and meanders along level terrain through two breathtaking natural amphitheatres before crossing the river. From here, ascend along a steady climb to the top of a koppie to get stuck into a few of the technical stretches here. From the summit, you can link onto a farm road for a speedy descent back to the start.
Hard core gravity riders will love the 6.6km ‘As Good as it Gets’ DH Track. This rates as heaven for downhill enthusiasts, with a 200m descent from one of Lindani’s highest points all the way to the Koperspruit. You will descend via the Hidden Valley and through a natural gap to pass the Bush Camp; beware the final, technical run onto the spruit, as it demands respect.
‘Roller Coaster Ravine is an off shoot from ‘As Good as it Gets’, and in effect offers a chicken run alternative to the final white-knuckle stretch of that trail. Although the initial section is very steep and rocky, you will soon synch into a fast-paced downhill ride for the full length of the kloof. Finish with a flourish at the Koperspruit wet crossing onto the road between Stone House and The Loft.
Two more single-track sections will undoubtedly pique your interest: the ‘Easy Rider’ (4.5km) and ‘Down ‘n Out’ (5.1km). These include river crossings, a bridge or two, exceptional ‘game biking’ opportunities and the adrenalin fizz that comes with riding good single-track.
And if you are here simply to cruise the wide-open bush veldt, the endless network of gravel roads on Lindani will blow your hair back. Surfaces are firm with very little sand to worry about, with ample animal sightings and superb scenery. There are a few long climbs, but even on these the gradients are generally moderate, so feel free to saddle up with the whole family!
For all the information on their trails, go to the “Cycling” section on Lindani’s website, where you will find a 40-page PDF detailing everything you could possibly want to know.
Off the bike
Revel in the luxury of private and secluded lodges, each with its own pool; go hiking or trail running on the Green Flag trails; enjoy game viewing and birding or go canoeing on a dam.
Best Time of Year:
March to July is probably your best bet to avoid the harsh summer temperatures. Push your trip out to spring if you want to enjoy baby game viewing!
GPS: 24°03.520’ South / 28°22.261’ East
Lindani Game & Lodges on Trailforks.com
