Hebron Farm outside Carolina, Mpumalanga offers mountain bikers some of the most challenging mountain biking in the grassland highveld region. The owners have mapped out three challenging routes on their 1200ha property and surrounding farms. The routes range from moderate to difficult, depending on distances chosen.
The Lost Hamlet of Bonnefoi (30km) is a special ride that takes you along a plateau with sweeping views of the Highveld and its endless horizons. Then, the ride takes you to an exceptional place as it descends into the little hamlet of Bonnefoi, an area that has been deserted for more than sixty years. Cars parked in garages, a post office, stables and a classic mansion, still standing intact amongst the weeds and tangled trees.
The Kalkoenkrans Waterfall ride (40km) is a demanding ride that takes you to two impressive waterfalls in the SAPPI forest region.
The Nooitgedacht Dam circuit (43km) is the easiest ride in the area, taking you along the plateau to the Nooitgedacht Dam and back.
For serious mountain bikers, it is possible to do an outstanding 100km off-road traverse to Badplaas, which is 50km away. This route is by arrangement only and requires a guide.
Getting there: from Johannesburg, take the N4 going East into Mpumalanga. At Belfast, turn right on the R33 going South to Carolina. At Carolina, take the R38 going East to Badplaas. Continue along this road. Hebron Farm is 20km along this road.
