Majik Forest

Most people’s first reaction to Majik Forest is to question the spelling, but traditionally that is how it is written. Don’t question it, as no one seems to know why. Majik was one of the first trails to be built in the Northern suburbs, and for years it was the only alternative to Tokai in the area. Some may say ‘poor cousin’ to Tokai, but it is nonetheless an amazing ride in its own right.

On your bike

The trails in Majik Forest range from easy to intermediate, with distance options from 2km to 15km. As there is no fixed routing or proper directional signage at Majik, it is recommended to start riding these trails with someone who knows the area and can show you the ropes.

Built on public open space, Majik is a long narrow green belt between the wine farms of Durbanville and the residential areas of Bellville and Parow. The trails are shared by cyclists, hikers and dog-walkers, and riders should therefore be aware of other trail users (and especially their dogs). 

Entry to the trails can be made via D’Aria Winery, the Spar shopping centre in Van Riebeeckshof Road, or as for the purpose of this guide, the parking on the northern corner of Jip de Jager Drive and Van Riebeeckshof Road. Enter the trail and head upwards along jeep track to the right, past office buildings and continue to the next left-hand corner. It goes uphill here and is reasonably steep, but don’t despair!

After 1.5 km, the trail heads right again after a gate, with a bit more uphill. Continue straight on the jeep track; or, at around 2km, turn left onto some single track meandering up the hill. At 3km, the paths merge again, and you should ride to the left and around the electrical substation. At 3.8km there’s more single-track to the left; follow this flat route around the hill for 500m to where it goes up a steep bit of track. Ride (or push) up along the right of the electric fence. 

Turn right at this point and follow the amazing single track down. At the large drop-off, you have a chicken run to the right. Continue along the trail, enjoying the numerous little jumps every 10m or so back to the power station where you ride around it to the right, and then straight onto the single track again.

All that remains is 4km of single track back to the finish … but what single-track it is! Curving, whooping, berming, railing…. down, down, down you go. There are lots of cross paths and routes, but all roads lead to the bottom – so experiment at your leisure. Turn right (at 9km) over the little wooden bridge. The trail rushes down a ‘jungle’ path along the reservoir. Slow down a little as there’s bound to be a hiker or two – remember to smile and wave as you bomb out of the trees and into the finish.

Permits: As this is public land, no permits are required. However, note that after the substation there is a gate leading to Bloemendal trails and these are only available to Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club members and day visitors with permits obtained at Bloemendal Trail Park.

 Off the bike

Come to Bellville and CY, or visit the surrounding wine farms.

GPS: South 33°51’33.99” / East 18°37’36.14”

Majik Forest on Trailforks.com