Harrismith – at the foot of Platberg: the Free State’s own ‘Table Mountain’ – gives great MTB access to the 1400ha Platberg Mountain Reserve. A rollicking network of 4×4, mountain bike and hiking trails await exploration, including the well-marked ‘Dirty Harry MTB Challenge’ route, which definitely rates as a stunning ride. It is a timeless landmark brooding over the provincial border between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. The busy N3 toll road down to Durban and the small town of Harrismith are clustered at its feet. This monolithic, flat-topped mountain, soaring to 2,394m above sea level, has a unique ecosystem at its peak. This acts as a giant sponge, absorbing rainfall which seeps down and finally flows off sheer cliffs and kloofs as streams and waterfalls.
On your bike
Start off with a gentle ascent along the lower slopes, with a gradual climb to the foot of Donkey’s Pass, a radical 3km ascent along dual concrete strips that will enforce granny gear or push mode! Looking back, the view of the glittering Sterkfontein Dam and Drakensberg Mountains makes for a breathtaking panorama, framed by the sheer cliffs to your right. An easier option takes you straight past Donkey’s Pass on a route parallel to the cliffs; this contour road is still pretty high and ensures excellent views.
Off the bike
Hiking, 4×4 routes and exploring the Drakensberg as well as water sports or angling at the nearby Sterkfontein Dam are just some of your options.
GPS: 28° 16.456’ South / 29° 08.201’East
