Closest Town: Port Shepstone
Grading: Moderate | Duration: 300 minutes to 4 hours
Location (Area/Province): Holiday Coast and KZN - Natal
Configuration: 4km, 24km and 45km circular trails
Start Point: Lake Eland Game Reserve
Access: Day visitors welcome. Entry fee payable. Gate times: 07:00 to 18:00
Beware of: The whole game reserve is fenced and patrolled regularly so both you and your vehicle should be quite safe.
Facilities: Licensed restaurant. Camping and picnic sites with braai facilities. Curio Shop and kiosk at office. Picnic
Cell Reception: Good
OVERVIEW
Nestled between the legendary Mzimkhulu and Mzimkhulwana Rivers, Lake Eland Game Reserve spans an impressive 10,000ha. The mountain biking here is pretty much legendary, covering everything from scenic gorge rides to strenuous climbs along Dunstone’s Pass deep in the valley.
On your bike
The 45 km of well-maintained game-viewing roads, which wind through four distinct ecosystems, will ensure cyclists have a unique opportunity to view plains game as diverse as giraffe and blue duiker, herds of eland, blesbuck, wildebeest, zebra, shy mountain reedbuck and the elusive bushbuck.
The reserve offers everything the nature lover could wish for; scenic rides or walks overlooking the “Hell’s Gate” entrance and numerous panoramic views of the Oribi Gorge while experiencing the indigenous flora and fauna of natural forests. The opportunities for mountain bike rides cover the gentle scenic gorge views as well as the strenuous Dunstone’s Pass deep in the valley, so expect to ride anything from 4 km to 45 km.
The trails wind through four distinct ecosystems, ensuring a unique opportunity to view plains game such as giraffe, herds of eland, wildebeest, zebra, shy mountain reedbuck and the elusive bushbuck. All the trails are well marked, with the 45km route boasting enough single-track to test even experienced riders. There is also a 4km trail ideal for children.
Off the bike
The reserve also offers good bass fishing in a freshwater lake, horse trails and hiking, paint ball, a challenging 4×4 track,and a thrilling 80 suspension bridge and zip line tours.For birdwatchers, over 200 bird species have been identified.
CONTACT:
Route information: Dion Lubbe, Lake Eland Game Reserve
Address: PO Box 1820, Port Shepstone, 4240
Telephone: 031 687 0395 or 083 257 9468
Email: lakeeland@saol.com
Website: www.lakeeland.co.za
GPS: 29° 54.784’ South / 30° 56.500 ’East
