Mountain Biking in the Vredefort Dome

Free your endorphins by snaking your way through the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site in the Free State area of the Vaal, near Parys.

There are numerous mtb trails in the Vredefort Dome WHS, accessed via Parys, offering easy to moderatley challenging to difficult trails with extreme sections, though there are few entirely extreme trails.

Thabela Thabeng 10km MTB Trail – moderate to difficult.

The Thabela Thabeng (Be Happy in the Mountains) mountain retreat in the Bergland that rims the Vredefort Dome near Parys offers a challenging mtb route that incorporates both private and public roads and varied natural terrain.  Entrance involves a nominal charge, and you can pick up a trail map at the lodge reception. The 10km circular trail will you up a fairly challenging kloof to an viewpoint and a stunning view. The descent takes via bumpy jeep tracks, hairpin bends, over rocks and various other obstacles till you reach the Venterskroon road, and the Vaal floodplains in the Vredefort Dome Conservancy.

Contact: 056 818 1116

Dampoort Farm MTB Trails – moderately challenging to difficult.

Also near Parys, the Dampoort Farm offers Intermediate to Difficult 10 or 20km trails through bush, kloofs and farmlands. You need to book in advance for these trails and you can choose a sleep-over option for a 2 day ride. Trail maps are provided at the reception. Both these trails will test your fitness and possibly puncture repair skills. Stick to the maps and take heed of advice re areas to avoid as they can be dangerous. A curiosity on this trail is a cave believed to be the den of an elusive leopard.

Contact: 056 931 0001/4

The Otters Haunt Adventure Centre Trails – easy to extreme.

Just 2km from Parys, the Otters Haunt Adventure Centre offers various MTB trails, with varying levels of difficulty from easy to extreme. Starting points for different trails (Tweezer Rocks, Oupa se Plaas ( Grandpa’s Farm ), Small Circle and Quarry) are located in different areas on the property and the trails are organised with limited participants. The easy trail is suitable for children, and they are welcomed at Otters Haunt.

Contact: 056 818 1814

The Annual Crater Cruise MTB and Cycle Race Event

The Vredefort Dome WHS is also the venue for the annual MTN Ride Crater Cruise MTB and Cycle Race Event, which takes place in October on a course between the Vaal river and the Bergland mountains that form the rim of the Dome.  The event features several races over a two day period, over various distances and for varying levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced, and for various ages, from kids to over 50’s.

More on the Crater Cruise

Find more Cycle Trails and Venues with MTB Trails in the Vaal

Note: Like most of the Highveld, the Vredefort Dome area is prone to lightning storms, which usually occur in the afternoons, so schedule rides for mornings if possible.