Port ElizabethZwartkops Mountain Bike Trail – Port Elizabeth https://showme.co.za/port-elizabeth Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa - for all your local and tourism information; from accommodation to events, entertainment, attractions and news in Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape. | T Feed Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:18:30 +0000 hourly 1 https://showme.co.za/port-elizabeth/showme-general/zwartkops-mountain-bike-trail/ Zwartkops Mountain Bike Trail https://showme.co.za/port-elizabeth/tourism/zwartkops-mountain-bike-trail/ Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:29:35 +0000 This moderate trail features steep climbs and descents as well as spectacular views over the valley and interesting fauna & flora]]> Zwartkops Mountain Bike Trail
Directions to the Trail

Get on to the N2 travelling eastwards out of Port Elizabeth. Take the John Tallant turn off (at the Algorax Factory) and turn left at the top of the off ramp. At the T-junction turn right on to the Old Grahamstown Road, and then left at the next set of traffic lights (towards Uitenhage). Turn left again at the Redhouse Road sign & continue passed the old power station on your left hand side. Take first left after this which will take you under the M17 (the road you ultimately need to be on), so stay left and take the loop back around and left on to the M17 to Motherwell. Continue over the Zwartkops River and then take the first entrance on the left hand side – in to the Algoa Brick parking area. You are more than welcome to park your vehicle here as it is a secure area.

Start

Algoa Brick Factory Parking Area

End

Algoa Brick Factory Parking Area

Distance

22 kilometre circular trail

Duration

4-5 hours

Rating

Moderate to Difficult (beginner cyclists will walk in some areas)

Permit

None required

Take With You

Sunglasses
Helmet
Sunscreen
Camera
Binoculars
Puncture Repair Kit
Tyre liners are a must
Refreshments & water for the ride
Insect repellent

Please Note

It is highly recommended that you cycle in a group.

Description

The trail crosses through the 850ha Zwartkops Valley Nature Reserve of dense valley and indigenous bushveld vegetation. Look out for breeding colonies and fossil-rich calcareous sandstone terrain. The route is clearly marked by blue arrow and bicycle motifs on concrete bollards.

A variety of birds, including flamingos and migrant waders can be found in this area – so be on the lookout if you have an interest in ornithology! Also worth a siting are the Vervet Monkeys, Cape Grysbok and the rare Blue Duiker.

There are several steep and challenging uphill climbs and technical downhills – so be prepared for these and take plenty of water.

Contact Details

Municipal Parks & Recreation

Tel: +27 (0)41 585 9711
Email: peparks@iafrica.com

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