If you are looking for a cycling or mountain biking holiday with the family or a bunch of friends, Knysna offers some of the best cycling routes, MTB trails and family rides on the Garden route.
It is the base for the Knysna Marathon the Knysna Cycle Tour and many other famous races but you needn’t be an advanced cyclist to enjoy these routes as there are numerous trails for the whole family to enjoy. Whether it’s easy scenic routes you are looking for, or more advanced “technically challenging” single tracks or even roadbiking you are after, Knysna offers something for all competencies.
To top it off, what could be more attractive than finding somewhere to stay that allows you to literally wake up, hop onto your bike and go cycling?
The Light House is a holiday vacation rental sleeping 10 people in total and nestled within the stunning Simola Country Estate and only a few minutes drive from The River Club which also boasts its own river access, and leisure facilities open to the public. This holiday rental borders the World renowned Simola Golf course so not only can you cycle and hike through the beautiful hills and forests surrounding this property, but you can also enjoy the 5 Star hotel facilities and golf course only minutes away.
Honestly, what could be better than jumping into the family size pool to cool off in Summer after a long day cycling, hiking or golfing or popping up to Simola Golf and Country Estate for a luxury spa treatment and sauna to warm your aching muscles in Winter?
The Little Unknown is the perfect forest getaway – for couples, small families or friends. With over 175,000 hectares of indigenous forest for as far as you can see, you are guaranteed as much nature as you can handle.
The Little Unknown is an intimate place where one can enjoy peace & privacy away from all the distractions of a busy and bustling world.
The location, ambiance and beautifully designed forest accommodation can be your bolt-hole for an intimate getaway or your base for an action-packed adventure break on The Garden Route.
Here are some of the best Knysna cycle routes to explore around Simola from this property, both on your doorstep and further afield. In fact, The Oyster Festival 15km, 50km and 80km MTB races all take place on exactly these routes starting on the “Top Of Simola” or “T.O.S” as the cyclists say!
The Contours – This ride starts from the “Top of Simola”. There are a selection of single-tracks maintained by local residents, which contain different “STRAVA” segments (Recommended GPS app which tracks your rides and routes. It also allows you to search for local routes). The numerous trails are varying levels of difficulty, so we recommend talking to any of the local Bike Shops, who will hand out maps and advice, and organise group rides (usually free of charge); Knysna Cycle Works, Ultimate Cycling, Bespoked
Forest family dam ride – This ride is guided by Knysna Cycle in July but can be done alone. Please contact them for more information on +27 (0)79 796 7834
The ride starts and finishes from the top of the Simola hill.
There are two routes, one is 20 km and the other 30 km of scenic cycling into the forests (partly pine plantations and partly indigenous forest) above Simola. You will pass some of Knysna’s dams and whilst the 20km ride is for MTB riders of all ages and competencies, including children aged 12 years and older, the 30km ride is for more advanced and experience riders.
There are a LOT of cycling trails through the forest from Simola, but as they are not as well marked out as Harkerville, or Homtini we recommend some kind of guidance.
Homtini Trail – The Homtini Trail starts near the Goudveld Forest Station (where permits can be obtained) outside Rheenendal, some 25km from Knysna.
This ride is a distance of 19km and takes about 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Novice
Petrus Se Brand – This A to B route starts at the Diepwalle SANParks Office (where permits can be obtained) off the R339 (the Prince Alfred Pass road to Uniondale). This is another true Knysna forest experience – in fact, for pure forest thrills, many locals rate this route on remote old logging roads a favourite.
The distance of this route is: 22.5km and takes about 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Harkerville Routes – made up of The Red, Green, Blue & Yellow Routes and start and finish at the Harkerville carpark on the way to Plettenberg Bay.
The Red Route
The distance of this route is: 24km
Time: 3-5 hours
Advanced
The Green Route
The distance of this route is: 14km
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Blue Route
The distance of this route is: 11km
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Yellow Route
The distance of this route is: 13km
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Novice
Dav1es Property Management offers the perfect family accommodation to use as a base to explore the wonders of the Garden Route. Have a look at our availability chart and book you next holiday today to take pleasure in these magical worlds around us!
