OVERVIEW
The little-known 24km Oribi Gorge is a spectacular kloof of approximately 500m deep and up to 6km wide in places. The gorge was cut over the ages by the Mzimkhulwana River on its inexorable journey to the Indian Ocean, and mountain bikers can count this as a great outdoor playground.
On your bike
Both on and off-road cycling options exist on singletrack, dirt and tar surfaces.
Fair Acres Estate (1 km and 9 km return routes) Mountain biking can be done from the Oribi Gorge Hotel on Fair Acres Estate at the top of the gorge. Nestled among sugar cane, citrus, coffee and tea farms, the hotel offers awesome views of the gorge, which is 500 m deep and 6 km wide in some sections. There are two mountain bike trails at the top. The easiest trail is well suited to families with young children cycling together from the hotel along the gravel road currently used by vehicles to the view sites. The second 9 km trail is great for intermediate riders, following the same route as the Baboon and camel hiking trails along the sheer edges of the gorge. Although slightly technical in places, this is the more popular and enjoyable ride. Guided off-road rides further afield in the vicinity of Oribi Gorge may be arranged through Wild 5 Adventures.
By road (35 km): Alternatively, fit slicks onto your MTB or dust off the old road bike. Turn left out of the estate and freewheel down the tarred road to the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve covering the bottom of the gorge. Pay a gate fee of R10 per person and cycle along the 8 km scenic road through the 1,873 ha reserve. The prolific bird life alone is a feast for the eyes. This road ride can be done as a respectable circuit of approximately 35 km if one includes the Kokstad and IZingolweni Roads.
Off the bike
Adrenaline junkies will love the Wild Five abseiling, rafting and gorge swing, while hikers and horse riders will enjoy the spectacular scenery at these world-renowned viewpoints. The Oribi Gorge Hotel is also Birder Friendly.
CONTACT:
Route information: Oribi Gorge Hotel, (039) 687 0253
Telephone: +27 (0)39 687 0253
Email: info@oribigorge.co.za
Website: www.oribigorge.co.za or www.wildfive.co.za
GPS: 30°39′47.0″ South / 030°18′33.8″ East
