Cycling in South Africa isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of exploring some of the most striking landscapes on the continent. Each region offers its own flavour of adventure: coastal roads hugged by turquoise waves, rugged mountains with rewarding climbs, forests full of winding singletrack, and wide-open bushveld where the horizon feels endless.
Wherever you ride, South Africa turns every session into a story.
Cape Town is quite possibly one of the most naturally dramatic cities in the world to ride in. Early morning loops around Sea Point and the Atlantic Seaboard feel electric — the ocean on one side, the city waking up on the other. But the real magic happens as you climb.
The iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive is a cyclist’s dream: smooth road, steep cliffs plunging into blue water, and views that look like they were built for postcards. The back roads above Camps Bay, the mountain-edge rollers around Hout Bay, and even gravel detours into Constantia’s greenbelt make the city a playground for every type of rider.
Cape Town makes you want to wake up early, clip in, and see where the day takes you.
Up the east coast, KwaZulu-Natal feels like a tropical cycling retreat. Durban’s beachfront is perfect for relaxed spins, but once you move towards Umhlanga, Ballito, or inland towards the hills, things become even more interesting. The terrain rolls gently at first, then suddenly throws in unexpected climbs, fast descents, and hidden gravel sections between sugar cane fields.
And if you’re into mountain biking, the region offers some of the most inviting trails in the country. Forest singletrack, flowing descents, and wide-open coastal viewpoints keep every ride fresh.
This is also where MultiPark comes into the picture — a convenient membership that gives riders access to several MTB parks across Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal. For cyclists who enjoy variety, it’s a simple way to explore neatly maintained trails without juggling entry fees each time.
The Drakensberg’s dramatic peaks don’t just make an impressive backdrop — they create unforgettable cycling terrain. The passes twist and climb through quiet valleys, leading to lung-testing ascents and sweeping views at the top. Gravel riders especially love this region for its long, uninterrupted gravel roads, crisp mountain air, and complete sense of escape.
Here, riding becomes less about speed and more about adventure. The landscape sets the pace.
Just outside Cape Town, the Winelands offer some of the most scenic road cycling in South Africa. The climbs are steady and rhythmic, the descents are fast and smooth, and the views — vineyards, orchards, distant mountains — make every kilometre enjoyable.
Franschhoek Pass is a must-ride: long, winding, and spectacular from bottom to top. Stellenbosch and Paarl add their own flavour with farm roads, gravel loops, and MTB trail networks tucked between wine estates. It's the kind of cycling that feels both peaceful and invigorating, especially with the golden light of late afternoon cutting across the hills.
The Garden Route blends lush forests, quiet lakes, and dramatic cliffs, making it one of South Africa’s most diverse cycling regions. Sedgefield, Wilderness, and Knysna are packed with forest trails — long stretches where the only sounds are your tyres on dirt and the distant call of birds.
Road cyclists get their share of bliss too, with ocean-edge highways and gentle inland climbs. Whether you're on gravel, MTB, or road, the route flows naturally from one beautiful landscape to another.
If you want pure, untamed beauty, the Wild Coast is an unforgettable cycling destination. The terrain is a mix of rolling hills, cliff-side paths, river crossings, and long stretches of untouched beach. It’s rugged, but incredibly rewarding — the kind of ride where the scenery hits you in waves and you realise how much of the world still feels wild.
Just outside Johannesburg, this region offers surprisingly exotic cycling escapes without needing a long-distance trip. The climbs are sharp, the descents are thrilling, and the mix of tar, gravel, and trail options means you can pick a different style of ride every weekend.
This is the part of the country where MultiPark is especially useful, giving riders access to a wide variety of MTB parks in Gauteng. With different membership options for casual riders, families, and more serious cyclists, it makes exploring the region’s trail networks much easier.
South Africa is one of those rare places where the culture, scenery, and terrain all come together to create world-class riding — whether you're chasing speed, adventure, peace, or pure exploration. From coastal roads to mountain passes, forest singletrack to gravel escapes, every region tells its own story from the saddle.
For riders based in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal, MultiPark membership offers a simple, cost-effective way to access multiple MTB parks, ensuring every ride is new, exciting, and convenient — perfect for making the most of your South African cycling adventure.
Wherever your wheels take you, South Africa makes the journey unforgettable.
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