After much-animated discussion and debate here at the NavWorld headquarters, we narrowed down our five favourite MTB trails. These trails have been shredded more than once by the team here and we recommend you do too. South Africa is one big treasure trove of exciting trails, some discovered and others still waiting to see the light of day. And, with our sunny climate allowing for riding just about every day of the year, not to mention our country's spectacularly varied landscape – many of us quite rightly consider ourselves to be in MTB heaven. That said, not all bike trails are created equal. This got us all thinking about which trails rock the best. After bouncing the topic around the NavWorld office for a few days, here's a list of the 5 favourite MTB trails we either like to ride on a regular basis, or wish we could visit more often. Where do you ride, which MTB trails do you prefer, and what would you consider your ultimate biking holiday destination to be? Why not leave a comment at the bottom of this article and let us know. Braamfontein Spruit (Johannesburg)Location: Along the Jukskei RiverGPS Coordinates (Emmarentia): S 26.1570, E 28.0014 Jozi bikers in search of some dirt hit the Braamfontein Spruit, or ‘The Spruit’ as it's known to locals. This popular sliver of greenbelt snakes through the heart of suburban Johannesburg – running from Melville Koppies in the south to Paulshof in the north. As a consequence, it appeals to a wide range of riders. For the hardcore, it can be a 60 km endurance dash, with away and return legs of 30 kilometres each. However, it's also a great, manageable trail for rookie riders starting out too. Northern parts of the trail can be quite pretty (especially during the rainy season), passing many rock pools that attract prolific bird life. No wonder it's one of the most ridden MTB routes in the country. Although little more than a single-track footpath running alongside the Jukskei River, what makes it so popular is the ability for riders to access the trail from various points along the route – namely Albert's Farm, Emmarentia, Delta Park, the Study Centre in Louise Avenue (Parkmore), Sandton Field, Riverside and Bryanston Drive. Following the trail from start to finish can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with its convoluted route. So it's advisable to first ride with someone who knows how to link the complicated network of paths between the various parks. The trail is smooth, relatively flat with few technical sections. It can also get busy – trail runners, dog walkers, kids on bicycles and hikers use the Spruit as well, so riders should be careful and yield accordingly. How to get thereThis is one of Johannesburg's most prominent greenbelts, starting on Melville Koppies in the south and ending in Paulshof in the north. The most popular stretch is between Emmarentia and Craighall, with the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens (Emmarentia) and Delta Park being popular starting and finishing points. Website: www.spruit.co.za Harkerville MTB Trails (Garden Route)Location: Between Knysna and Plettenberg BayGPS Coordinates: S 34.0467, E 23.2307 Mountain bikers visiting the Garden Route are spoilt for choice. Rivers and lagoons, lush forests and magnificent mountains, waterfalls and its awesome coastline – this veritable paradise has it all. If it wasn't for the hilly terrain you could almost call it relaxing. Before you know it, your mind starts unwinding as you ride under majestic yellowwoods and through colourful landscapes jam-packed with indigenous fynbos and birdlife. And, if you're lucky, you could even spot one of the antelope species that shyly roam the forests throughout the day. The Harkerville Trail, situated in the lush Harkerville Forest is no exception – it's natural beauty will take your breath away. Four distinct colour-coded routes have been laid out through indigenous forest, plantation and coastal fynbos – ranging from easy, to fast-flowing single-track that gets quite technical. Harkerville route optionsYellow: 13 km. Gravel forest service roads and the easiest of the routes for newbies.Blue: 11 km. The route heads along Beukespad, a forest path, and through thick forest. The returnpasses huge coastal redwood trees. The sections of single-track through the forest can gettricky for beginners.Green: 14 km. A moderately difficult trail along the Grooteiland path and Waterpad (includesa swimming hole) with an optional loop along the Harkerville coastline path. The returnalong the Perdekoppad is all single track.Red: 24 km. Undoubtedly the toughest, most exhilarating, and longest of the routes – butdefinitely one of the most scenic trails in the country that traverses deep forest, fynbos anddizzying coastal road. ...this veritable paradise has it all. If it wasn't for the hilly terrain you could almost call it relaxing. How to get thereHarkerville is on the N2 highway, 20km past Knysna en route to Plettenberg Bay. All routes may be started on the N2 opposite the Garden of Eden DWAF kiosk (where you pick up your permit), or from the Harkerville Forestry Office at the Kranshoek Road Gate. Website: www.knysnacycles.co.za Garden Route Trail Park (Garden Route)Location: Between George and KnysnaGPS Coordinates: S 33.9177, E 22.8623 The Garden Route Trail Park is home to some of those legendary secret Knysna single-tracks that are always spoken about, but very seldom seen. It's located at the very foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and the Karatara River Gorge, slap bang in the middle of the Garden Route. Three carefully designed routes have been laid out to provide riders of all levels with a healthy supply of adrenalin, excitement, scenery and amazing views. Combined, they cover over 25km of hand-built single-track in the infamous farmer tradition – with flowing turns, burns, rollers and river crossings. All trails are circular, starting and ending at the Trail Cafe, and are considered moderate to ride. Garden Route Trail Park optionsForest Frenzy: 10.1 km. Elevation: 217 metres. Includes technical detail but no climbs, lots ofsingle-track along (and across) the Karatara River through the forest.Crazy Creek: 13.6 km. Elevation: 262 metres. For more experienced riders, it includes someclimbs, jumps and rhythm sections. There's also plenty of single track through theforest and couple of river crossings.Jungle Fever: 16.4 km. Elevation: 349 metres. Featuring long, testing climbs matched by fasterdownhills, this one's definitely for fitter riders. If you're after views then this is thetrail.Full Loop: A combination of all three, and well worth the effort. There's also a pumptrack designed in a never-ending loop system for you to have a blast on. Itsouter loop, designed as a BMX track, is for those wanting to test their talent and get some air. Fortunately, it's just tame enough for mere mortals who want to ride it and get a feel. How to get thereDrive 20km from Knysna towards George on the N2, turning right at the Ruigtevlei/Karatara sign. Cross the railway line and drive for 18km, then follow the sign to Barrington. At the T-junction turn right and look out for the Garden Route Trail Park on your left. Website: www.gardenroutetrailpark.com Wolwespruit MTB and Trail Park (Pretoria)Location: ErasmuskloofGPS coordinates: S 25.8130, E 28.2634 Named after the spruit that runs through it, the Wolwespruit MTB and Trail Park is well worth a visit. Granted, its three handcrafted single-track trails are relatively short. That said, they still provide more than enough flowing, adrenaline-fuelled action to keep most riders satisfied. Fitter riders, looking for a better workout can simply repeat their routes again – the fun factor on offer here makes doing two laps a serious option. Importantly, the park is also fully fenced, providing a secure environment for users to enjoy the outdoors right in the heart of Pretoria East. The trails make full use of the park's topography, offering thrilling drops, jumps, river crossings and plenty of uphill – making it an ideal location to practice one's skills and get fit at the same time. At the moment the park has 22 km of single-track, involving about 300m of climbing, and 8 km of running trails. However, plans are afoot to expand the trails into a broader network of circle routes and loops in the near future (they have 90 ha of land to play with) – the idea being to provide more berms, obstacles and generally boost the exhilaration factor for all experience levels. So, with some pretty exiting upgrades in the pipeline, this is definitely a spot to keep your eye on. Wolwespruit MTB routesGreen: 7.9 km. Easy, great for beginnersBlue: 6.5 km. IntermediateBlack: 1.5 km. Advanced Wolwespruit MTB Park also boasts three attractions that have nothing to do with their trails; one of the largest pumptracks around, a skills clinic area and a jump line for those who need a double dose of adrenaline – all designed with the sole aim of increasing rider skill levels and confidence, not to mention providing hours of fun. Trailwolf Cycles, based in the park, offers a variety of bike products and services, from workshop, to MTB skills clinics and coffee – making it a one stop coffee, service and gear shop. How to get thereFrom Pretoria take the Rigel Road off-ramp from the M1. Turn east onto Delmas Road, take the first left into Nossob Street, then take the first left again into Jochemus Street. The park entrance is at the end of the cul de sac. Website: www.wolwespruit.co.za Elgin MTB Trail (Elgin Valley)Location: GrabouwGPS Coordinates: S 34.1687, E19.0855 With an amazing array of colours, wide open spaces and varying types of terrain, the greater Grabouw area offers a true piece of mountain biking magic. In fact, both amateur and professional riders come here regularly to train for the annual ABSA Cape Epic. This iconic Western Cape event includes more than 600 kilometres of track – a large chunk of which winds through the Elgin Valley. Elgin MTB is a collaboration between neighbouring farms Paul Cluver and Oak Valley, who have combined the trails on each of their wine estates, creating one unique and quite spectacular riding experience. Oak Valley trail optionsThe Oak Valley trails consist largely of well-maintained single-track, with bridges over farm fences and streams, making for a highly enjoyable ride. The three trails take riders through beautiful natural scenery, including forests of ancient oak trees, through vineyards, through apple and pear orchards and across rolling fields of grass pastures, set against the stunning backdrop of the protected fynbos on the slopes of the Groenlandberg Mountain.Blue: 14km. Farm roads and easy single tracksRed: 24km. Farm roads and some technical single trackBlack: 32km. Technical single tracks requiring high level of expertise Paul Cluver trail optionsThe Paul Cluver trails start in the amphitheatre, treating riders to Raka and The Swing – one a bridge built on a massive tree trunk, the other a suspension bridge. The fun continues with lots of berms, flowing singletrack with some technical riding. Look out for the Mamba, a rollercoaster ride through the river valley with 6 bridges. There are also some lung busting climbs that reward one with magnificent vistas over the Elgin valley. The Pofadder is a bermed bridge built from wine barrel slats at the foot of a waterfall, followed by more great riding and loads of singletrack.Blue Short: 8km. Elevation gain 220mBlue Long: 11km. Elevation gain 275mRed: 34km. Elevation gain 740mBlack: 43km. Elevation gain 1000m How to get thereFrom Cape Town take the N2, continuing past Somerset West and over Sir Lowry's Pass. After passing Grabouw keep an eye out for the Peregrine Farm Stall on your right and follow the sign boards. Website: www.elginmtb.co.za – (c) 2016 NavWorld

Following winding dirt trails through pristine woodland. Pounding out the miles while sucking in breathtaking vistas, chattering birdsong and our legendary wide-open skies. Or tackling a hill that, once you've crested it, actually has a view. Oh, and definitely no traffic. These are the kind of things dedicated trail runners dream about while dealing with more mundane matters – you know, like making time for family and earning a living. Happily, for most of us, the yearly slog's nearly over. With that in mind, here are 5 great trail running destinations where you can shed that accumulated stress and get yourself back to nature these holidays. Kings Kloof (Krugersdorp/Muldersdrift area) Location: 12 km from Krugersdorp.GPS coordinates: S 26.04122, E 27.78629 Catering for both mountain bikers and runners, the trails at Kings Kloof will blow you away. Combining sections of vehicle track with rugged footpaths, its routes include beautiful valleys, stream crossings, testing mountain climbs and descents. You can also expect technical S-bends, not to mention the odd scramble. The good news is that the trail network is well marked, with several route options – making it a perfect location for all types and levels of runners. As facilities are basic at best, come well prepared. Here's a brief breakdown of the 5 available routes:7 km: Mixing vehicle track, footpath and a few climbs, this route's great for beginners.14 km: Similar in technical level, but double the distance.17 km: With river crossings and plunging downhill sections, this trail demands respect.20 km: Boasting extremely technical sections and dangerous natural obstacles.22.5 km: By far the toughest trail at Kings Kloof, approach with extreme caution. How to get there:Follow the N14 towards Krugersdorp, then turn right at the 4-way traffic light at Silver Star Casino (note Sasol garage on corner). After 6km you'll see Laurentia Farm Stall to your left. Park behind the farm stall under the trees, go in and get your day entrance ticket. Website: www.kingskloofmtb.co.za Ezemvelo Nature Reserve (Gauteng/Mpumalanga border) Location: 27 km north of Bronkhorstspruit.GPS coordinates: S25.7084, E28.9297 The Ezemvelo Nature Reserve claims the crown for being one of the largest unspoilt grassland areas in South Africa – allowing you to truly experience the majesty of the African veld. The reserve also boasts spectacular cliffs, magnificent views over the Wilge River, ancient rock paintings and impressive rock formations. It's also home to various species of game, including kudu, impala, wildebeest, zebra, hyena and leopard. Three trail options exist, the shortest being the 4km Ochna trail. Then there's the 15km Protea (an extension of the Ochna trail) and, finally, the 21km Burkea (an extension of the Protea trail). All three trails are circular, starting and ending near the main camp. Whichever option you choose though, your route will comprise a combination of single and vehicle track. You'll also encounter river crossings and some tough climbs – all while taking in the breathtaking views. The reserve also has comfortable self-catering chalets, hiker huts and camping facilities. How to get thereFrom Pretoria, take the N4 towards Bronkhorstspruit, then take the second turn off to Bronkhorstspruit (just after the large Chinese temple on the right). Continue heading north on the R25, passing Bronkhorstspruit on the left. Pass the first Ezemvelo sign and continue towards Groblersdal. After 15 km turn right at the next Ezemvelo sign, then continue for a further 22 km. Website: www.ezemvelo.co.za Ingeli Forest Resort (Southern KZN) Location: 25 km from Harding.GPS coordinates: S 30.509628, E 29.406323 The up-market Ingeli Forest Resort sits in the misty belt below the Ingeli Mountain range – facing the highest point in the hilly countryside and surrounded by lush indigenous forest. Looking the other way, the land gradually descends, providing panoramic views across distant hills covered with indigenous forest, pine and gum plantations, and farmland. Basically, the place is a mountain biker and trail runner's dream. Four dedicated running trails exist, although none of them are very long (the longest being 9 km). That said, its the numerous MTB trails – developed by Hylton Turvey and his team – that dedicated trail runners will most likely to be interested in. The routes cater to all experience levels and cover the following distances: 3 km, 3.5km, 7 km, 15 km and 30 km, with loopout routes available. Whichever you pick though, you'll be rewarded with waterfalls, streams, indigenous forest, serious switch backs and plenty of single track running. There's even a cool floating bridge spanning a dam for you to pound across. The Ingeli Forest Resort also hosts the annual Ingeli Sky Marathon – a challenging mix of forest single track, climbing mountain paths, dirt vehicle tracks and cut grass paths – which forms one of the 9 South African Sky Running Series events that take place each year. How to get thereTravel South on the N2 from Durban towards Port Shepstone. At Oribi Plaza take the Kokstad, N2 off ramp. Turn right at first traffic light and follow N2 road to Kokstad. Drive past Harding, at the T-junction (about 20km from Harding) turn left. From the T-junction, travel a further 7 km before seeing Ingeli on your left hand side. Website: www.ingeliforestresort.com Hopewell Trails (Eastern Cape) Location: Outskirts of Port Elizabeth.GPS coordinates: S 33.8905, E 25.3747 Hopewell Trails operates from the 3000 ha Hopewell Conservation Estate, a nature reserve stocked with indigenous game and boasting over 130 resident bird species. The diverse landscape ranges from grassy fynbos, open savannah to sub tropical thicket valleys. Two perennial rivers also cut through the property. This privately owned, secure nature reserve is specifically geared towards mountain biking and trail running, offering many trail options to accommodate various experience and fitness levels. Here are your various trail options:7 km: A great route for beginners.20 km: For the intermediate or social user.32 km: Distance and some technical sections for the fitter and more adventurous.44 km: For advanced runners. Big climbs and descents, plus plenty of technical sections.55 km: Only for the seriously hardcore. How to get thereFollow the Cape Road from Port Elizabeth, passing the Wedgewood Golf Estate and continue for approximately 3 km. Turn right at the Hopewell Conservation Estate sign (R368). Follow the road for 3km until you get to the estate's entrance. Website: www.hopewellconservation.co.za Fynbos Trail (Western Cape) Location: Stanford, Overberg.GPS coordinates: S 34.5424, E 19.4076 Typically hiked over two or three days, the Fynbos Trail is a veritable paradise that welcomes trail runners too. It meanders up and down the hilly terrain for 26 km through hidden pockets of indigenous forest alive with birds, tumbling waterfalls, streams and, you guessed it... plenty of fynbos. Starting at the Grootbos Nature Reserve, the trail leads through coastal strandveld into the Steynsbos Milkwood forest – one of only eight milkwood forests of its type in the world. At its height, it also provides magnificent views across Walker Bay to Dyer Island, not to mention the spectacular rolling hills of the Southern Cape. The trail ends at the upmarket Grootbos Garden Lodge, where you can relax, have a good meal and recover while checking out the whales in Walker Bay. The Fynbos Trail also hosts an annual trail run event (with three different routes) every September as part of Gansbaai's spring Funky Fynbos Festival. The toughest, the 30 km King Protea Route, involves 3 steep climbs and an altitude gain of 1 229 metres. How to get thereTake the N2 from Cape Town. You have two choices: Continue on the N2 over Sir Lowry’s Pass, turning onto the R43 after the Houhoek Pass. Or follow the R44 along the coast and turn onto the R43 towards Hermanus. You then drive through Hermanus, past Stanford and continue for another 13 km. Website: www.fynbostrail.co.za – (c) 2016 NavWorld