Northern Berg MTB Trail

Just 4hr from JHB & 3hr from Durban, our Northern Drakensberg MTB weekender is a lodge-to-lodge self-guided mountain bike tour, combining sublime single-track with majestic mountain views. Altitude, ascent and some technical descents, offer the perfect training ground for advanced riders looking to 'up their game' or train for a multi-day event, whilst easier tour options can be tailored to novice, intermediate and family riders.

The tour option described below is designed for intermediate to advanced riders.

  • Trip Duration2 Ride Days / 3 Nights* Extra days/nights avail
  • Daily DistancesRide Day 1: 30-40km / 5hrRide Day 2: 40km / 4-5hr
  • Trail Grading4/ 5 - Fitness. This trip is best suited to riders with a good level of mountain bike fitness and experience.3-4/ 5 - Technicality. One can expect some serious climbing, large amounts of single-track, and some rocky descents. Less technical alternatives can also be arranged.
  • Trail TerrainThis is as close to ‘high berg’ riding as you will get. Taking you from the plains of the Tugela River to 1800m’s above sea level, under the shadow of the mighty Drakensberg peaks where Cape Vultures soar.
  • Accommodation1 Night - Cavern Berg Hotel, Northern Drakensberg Valley1 Night - Mountain Log Cabins
  • Logistic SupportA fully-catered & luggage supported MTB Tour, which is self-guided unless you specifically want a guide.
  • Group SizePossible from 1 person
  • PricingOn a group of 4-5 persons: R6,000/pp
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At a Glance

In this Northern Drakensberg valley there is a custom built network of over 100kms of sublime singletrack linking Drakensberg accommodation establishments to one another. Because the trails are well marked and we can provide a detailed route description, most groups are happy to guide themselves, but they’d still like to have the experience of a point-to-point tour with catering and luggage transfers provided.

We generally start this trip at the Cavern hotel, and then overnight at Drak Mountain Inn (a stiff climb to get up to it- but very rewarding) – and then back to the Cavern. The route distances are 35-50km /day, and there are many variations or additional loops you can do if you wanted more or less mileage.

There is also the option of spending an extra day at Drak Mountain Inn - which comes highly recommended, as there is a fantastic day hike that you can do up and over the sandstone cliffs to visit a Cape Vulture colony or take the day to relax, go horse-riding or flyfishing in the small dams at the lodge.

  1. Day 1Arrival Day

    Self-drive drive to Cavern Hotel, Northern Drakensberg (3.5hrs from Durban/ 4hrs from JHB).

    Overnight: Cavern Hotel (Dinner provided)

  2. Day 2Ride Day 1: Approx 35km ride up to Drak Mountain Lodge.

    Sublime valley singletrack, some steep jeep-track riding and fantastic mountain views.

    Luggage transferred by vehicle to Mountain Lodge

    Overnight: Drak Mountain Lodge (Breakfast & trail lunch from Cavern. Dinner at Mountain lodge)

  3. Day 3Ride Day 2: Approx 40-60km route options back to Cavern.

    Some thrilling technical descents and world-class singletrack routes

    Recommend: booking a massage at the Cavern Spa

    Overnight: Cavern Hotel (Breakfast & trail lunch from Mountain lodge. Dinner at Cavern)

  4. Day 4Departure Day

    Join Cavern’s daily guided hikes in the morning before breakfast or some more trail riding.

    Stay for lunch at Cavern on departure day if you haven’t had lunch on your arrival day (incl).

Singletrack in the Northern Berg valley

With the Drakensberg Mountains as a backdrop

2 Nights at Cavern Berg Hotel – family friendly owner-run hotel in serene setting with plenty on the go. Standard rooms, but for just a little extra, upgrade to superior rooms with private gardens overlooking indigenous forest.

1 Night at Mountain Lodge – log cabins nestled under the sandstone cliffs with fantastic views. Deck pool for the brave. Cosy communal lounge and dining area.

Drak Mountain Lodge
  1. Can we hire bicycles?

    Yes. There is a bicycle hire venue in this valley. You are looking at about R750/bike for a 24hr period. Rentals are Bergamont Contrail 26" Dual Suspension Mountain Bikes and there are 2 x 29’ers.

  2. Can we have extra days?

    Absolutely. We recommend an extra day at Drak Mountain Lodge as there is a lovely walk to a Vulture colony and also horse-riding and fishing. An extra day-night at Cavern before or after the trip is always a treat.

  3. Is it safe to self-guide?

    Yes, the mountain bike trail network is well signed and designed for self-navigation. Our route mapping will be designed around your fitness level with extra loops possible for the fit. We can arrange a private guide if you want to, but most groups chose not to.

  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail
  • DrakensbergNorthern Berg MTB Trail

3 Night / 2 Ride Day Package

Group SizePrice (PP) 
1 Person
R8800/pp
2 Persons
R6500/pp
3 Persons
R6300/pp
4-5 Persons
R6000/pp
6-8 Persons
R5800/pp
Whats included in this tour
  • 3 Nights Accom (sharing basis): 2 nights at Cavern Hotel (Std Rooms) & 1 Night at Drak Mountain Inn (private ensuite chalet)
  • All meals: from dinner on arrival night to lunch on departure day (3 Breakfasts, 2 Packed Lunches & 1 normal, and 3 Dinners).
  • Luggage Transfers: collect from the Cavern - 4x4 transfer up to Drak Mountain Inn & return back to Cavern 
  • Multi-day MTB Trail Pass/ Permit
  • Route Description & guidelines for 2 x self-guided ride days
  • AE booking & Customisation service
Whats not included in this tour
  • MTB Bike Hire: Budget R750/bike/per day
  • Guide it is possible to arrange one but at around R2000/day, only feasible for larger groups. This is a good self-guided multi-day trail option.
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