Closest Town: Louis Trichardt
Grading: Easy to Intermediate | Duration: Various
Location (Area/Province): Limpopo and Soutpansberg
Configuration: Two circuit trails of 4 km and 15 km and 45km of reserve roads.
Start Point: Start in the reserve
Access: Day visitors are welcome. Route permits cost R15 per person. Gate times are from 06:00 to 19:00
Beware of: Look out for snakes
Facilities: Ablutions. Kiosk. Swimming pool. Self-catering accommodation in 6 chalets, or at a campsite accommodating 4 tents. Bike hire.
Cell Reception: Intermittent
OVERVIEW
The management of this reserve has thoughtfully laid out two marked MTB trails ranging in distance from 4 km (Fountain Trail) to 15 km (Tabatjane Trail).
On your bike
These rides take place against a backdrop of the alluring Soutpansberg Mountain range and cover a large proportion of the total reserve area. The trails wind their way through undulating landscapes formed by riverine floodplains and climb up onto plateau areas. In addition to the scenery, non-predatory game can be viewed while you are riding. Look out for snakes. Entry level bicycles can be hired from the shop in the main camp. The reserve is also crisscrossed with 45km of gravel roads.
Off the bike
The reserve offers self-guided walking trails in addition to the MTB trails. If staying at one of the reserve’s three camps, secure your food from the monkeys and do not feed any wild animals.
CONTACT:
Route information: Ben Lavin Nature Reserve
Telephone: +27 (0)72 366 8554 or +27 (0)72 593 4124
Website: www.polokwane.info/ben-lavin-nature-reserve/
GPS: 23° 7′ 54.84″ South / 29° 56′ 25.44″ East