Closest Town: Pretoria
Grading: Easy to extreme | Duration: Depends on the distance and number of laps selected
Location (Area/Province): Gauteng and Northern Gauteng
Configuration: Circular loops of 3-12km
Start Point: Voortrekker Monument parking area
Access: Gate fee payable
Beware of: Black Diamond sections
Facilities: Kiosk, restaurant, picnic site, adequate safe parking
Cell Reception: Yes
OVERVIEW
The Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve – situated on the outskirts of Pretoria – stands as a touchstone to Afrikaner culture. The imposing edifice (erected 1835 – 1854) honours an intrepid band of Boer pioneers who trekked from the Cape Colony to escape British rule.
Spectacular 180⁰views across the reserve encompasses savannah bush veldt dotted with plains game such as zebra, blesbuck, reedbuck, springbuck, impala and black wildebeest. The trails area is located within a safe, fenced reserve with adequate parking and most of the required amenities.
On your bike
The network of MTB trails here covers the full spectrum, from Beginner to Advanced, with a few serious Black Diamond options for the adrenaline crowd. A range of starting points add to the appeal, and all riding happens within a safe, fenced-off nature reserve brimming with indigenous fauna and flora.
You can choose between loops of anything from 3km to around 12km, with ample chance to take in the panorama unfolding across the immense urban sprawl of Pretoria. Beginner routes are predominantly along jeep track, and only venture off these if you are technically hot. The technical single-track paths are fraught with gritty climbs and hard core descents, but the contour paths will at least allow you to relax for a while before hitting the next Black Diamond trail.
Off the bike
Go horse-riding in the reserve or walk the Great Trek Commemoration Route. There’s sightseeing at the Voortrekker Monument, Fort Schanskop and the garden of Remembrance. Take a picnic or visit the restaurant. Ecological training classes are held on weekends.
CONTACT:
Route Information: Voortrekker Monument
Address: PO Box 1514, Groenkloof, 0027
Telephone: +27 (0)12 326 6770 / +27 (0)12 323 0682 / +27 (0)12 325 7885
Email: marketing@vtm.org.za
Website: www.vtm.org.za
GPS: 25°46′38.2″S 028°10′46.4″E
