Closest Town: Melkbosstrand
Grading: Easy | Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Location (Area/Province): Peninsula and Winelands and Western Cape
Configuration: Options include 7km, 21km and 25km
Start Point: Koeberg Power Station Visitors Centre
Access: Driver’s licence or ID is needed to enter the area; riding is free
Beware of: Heat in summer, snakes, radioactive bugs
Facilities: Spic and span toilets
Cell Reception: 100% coverage
OVERVIEW
The Koeberg Nature Reserve was officially proclaimed a private nature reserve in 1991, and Eskom have built and now maintain a fantastic network of hiking and mountain-bike trails on the land. As an MTB venue it is strictly a ‘beginners and family affair’, with no singletrack at all. Rather, trails are wide and perfectly maintained gravel roads.
On your bike
There are two official trails: a 7km loop and a 21km route (plus a road down to the beach which adds 4km). Trails are well marked and direction markers include the distance to avoid any nasty surprises.
The main attraction of Koeberg is the scenery and vast abundance of wildlife, including grysbok, steenbok, bontebok, springbok and duiker. If you’re really lucky, you might spot caracal (rooikat), an African wild cat or even genet as well. Many angulated tortoises cross the trails; beware of them in the early morning or late afternoon.
Off the bike
There are two hiking trails on the reserve. The Dikkop Trail is a 13km circular walk that includes pristine
strandveld, dune veld and a 2km walk along the beach.
CONTACT:
Website: www.westcoastway.co.za/koeberg-nature-reserve
Tel: +27 (0)21 550 4021/5314 (office hours)
GPS: 33°40’36.8″ South / 18°26’26.9″ East