KZN MIDLANDS - MOUNTAIN BIKING MECCA
sublime single-track and country roads
The beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers arguably the best mountain biking in South Africa. Whether you are keen on riding the handcrafted single track of Howick and the Karkloof or taking a gentle ride through attractive farmlands and quiet country roads, stopping to visit local art studios and organic deli's along the way, we can customise a fully supported or self guided Midlands tour to suit your particular needs.
Given the wide open spaces and mountainous terrain it is no surprise that the Midlands is home to many passionate mountain bikers and organisations such as the Howick Mountain Bike Club, who through a system of sanctioned access with land owners such as Sappi, have created the largest network of single-track available in the country.
The Midlands community is very proud of their natural heritage and several conservancies and conservation NGO's are highly active in the region. The result is a well managed environment and a healthy relationship between conservation and mountain biking with many of the local races contributing portions of their earnings to these organisations.
Join us on a tour and experience the rich mountain biking culture in this neck of the woods!
Short on time or need a whetting of what the Midland's has to offer, come and do a half or full day's ride with us. Route and mileage will be personalised to your fitness & mtb experience. Whether its flowing single-track, scenic farm roads and cuppuchino's, or thrilling descents that you after.... we have a route to entice. Two is the preferred minimum, but do still enquire if you on your own. Bike hire can be arranged.
Price:
½ Day Ride (2-3 hrs): R350/pp (based on a min 2pax)
Incl: professional trail guide, trail permit, refreshment + vehicle support
Full Day Ride (4-8hrs): R550/pp (based on a min 2pax)
Incl: proff trail guide, permit, trail snacks & refreshments + vehicle support
Enquire Here »
Active Escapes offer a number of multi-day MTB tours in the Midlands. Our routes are selected based on your skills, fitness and penchants, whilst also accommodating for your preference with overnight lodgings (luxury to more budget alternatives). Our 3-4 Day Midlands MTB Meander from Lotheni,through Balgowan, finishing in Howick - is a great option if you looking for charming scenery, comfy lodgings, sumptuous cuisine ... and a relatively easy 'time in the saddle'. If you keen to slot in as much single track as you can over a few days, then our routes in the Karkloof and Howick should definitely pack a punch. Multi-day roadie tours can also be arranged as can MTB tours for 'dirt roadies'... aka please avoid the single-track.
Contact us now so we can give you some itinerary suggestions and then we'll customise a multi-day trip to your wishes and budget.
Email for Tours »
Don't get to ride your bike as much as you should? When you do, you want to pack in the best of the riding that an area has to offer? That's two good reasons why you should join our Weekend Warrior tour. Accompanied by a professional trail guide (who can assist with bike surgery enroute), you will enjoy the best of the Midland's tracks packed into a full weekend of trail riding. Vehicle backup means you'll have a lift to call & we'll take care of your accommodation, meals, and organise point-to-point luggage transfers, so all you need to do is ride your bike. Coz we all wish we had more time to do just that!
Enquire Here »
The mountainous terrain and sublime single track of the Midlands provide the ideal training ground for multi-day events such as Sabie, Sani & Joburg2C as well one day marathons such as Karkloof and Hill2Hill. Whether it's base, strength, skills or endurance training you require, the daily distance, ascent and technicality of our tour will be customised to suit your needs.
Longer training tours typically start in the foothills of the Drakensberg and finish in Howick whilst shorter training weekends can be arranged with clover-leaf routes from a centrally located Midlands farmstay.
Enquire Here »
We may get older but riding bikes doesn't become any less special. Our toys also tend to become more expensive as our passion for the sport grows! Whether you are a mountain biking fanatic or weekend warrior, knowing more about your trusty steed and it's components will help you look after your investment, equip you with the requisite knowledge to make better purchasing decisions going forward, and substantially increase your enjoyment of this awesome sport. Active Escapes works with only the best mechanics (some of whom have worked for professional teams) to reveal the tricks of the trade during this practical workshop. These workshops can be organised as a day clinic or weekend affair combined with Skills Training and social rides.
Continue Reading »
Do you remember the first time you rode a bike without training wheels? It was the magic moment when you went from being a child to being a kid who could 'ride'. It set you apart, and sped up the world into a blur of trees, pavement and dirt ramps as you whizzed through childhood. Well that's what it's like each time you improve your mountain biking skills; it just keeps getting better!
The hand-crafted single track of the Natal Midlands includes technical obstacles of all kinds and our experienced instructors are able to teach the fundamentals through to the most technical riding. If you want to get the most out of your riding and learn to fully appreciate your incredible bike, then this is a must. We also offer one-on-one skills training and are able to provide clinics for women only.
Enquire Here »
View from the top of Ivanhoe Farm on the Lotheni - Howick 
Green hills, carpeted in flowers - a Spring MTB Tour in the
Learning how to corner efficiently on a Skills Training Workshop.
Ride to places 'off the beaten track' and discover the real Midlands 
