Limpopo Premier Mountain Biking Destination
Bushveld Trails That
Challenge, Reward and Flow
What to expect
A Highly Engaging Trails Network For All Levels Of Rider
A steadily growing network of trails expertly crafted and maintained by landowner and avid mountain biker, David Baber and his committed team.
Making the most the topography, rock features and terrain unique to the Waterberg, the trails deliver a fresh bushveld riding experience blended with wilderness freedom and familiar flow.
There’s a combination of marked routes and individual trails that cater for all riders, from novice to experienced. Sufficient distance keeps marathon and stage-race riders in the saddle for hours, while stimulating ascending and descending trails challenge XCO and Enduro racers. And tame, low-risk trails are perfect for social riders.
For the love of MTB
South African Mountain Bikers
Not only are our mountain bike trails world class, but our entire culture at Summerplace Game Reserve is built around mountain biking. Whether you’re highly competitive or a social weekend warrior, our trails and team will ensure you enjoy every ride.
Safety First
Rider safety is a priority at Summerplace Game Reserve. Not only are helmets compulsory, but they need to fit properly to protect riders in case of a fall. We also require all riders to sign an indemnity form when they pay their trail fee. Riders under the age of 18 need a parent or guardian to sign an indemnity on their behalf. The trails are designed so that you are never more than 5km from the trailhead, giving you an added sense of security.
What you can expect
World-class mountain bike trails – mostly hand-built singletrack that’s engaging and flowy. Varying gradient with more technical trails on steeper pitches – both ascending and descending. Choose to ride a marked route or mix up your favourite trails to suit your time and level of conditioning – all within the 3500-hectare reserve that’s fully fenced and secure.
Certified Instructors & Guides
Our resident team comprises five experienced, internationally certified trail guides and skills instructors. You can book them to ensure a fulfilling single-session ride or one or more progressive skills improvement sessions to enable you to ride more of our trails with confidence.
Guided rides
Discover The Very Best Of Our Reserve
While self-guided riding has always the Summerplace Game Reserve staple, we now offer guided rides, with a trained guide, for those that want to make the most of the trails best suited to their ability; or for those keen on a unique mountain biking safari, where you get to stimulate all your senses while game-spotting, birdwatching or just appreciating the bushveld experience.
You can either book a guided ride using your own bike, or you can book one of our rental bikes. We have regular mountain bikes and eBikes, all of which are from the Specialized brand, and which are designed specifically to ride trails with competence.
‘balance between intuition and mystery to deliver some of the most stimulating wilderness trail riding in the country.’
Rentals
No bike? No Problem.
We know how important it is to ride a bike that’s designed to help you climb efficiently, descend with confidence and corner with control. That’s why we chose Specialized, the world’s leading performance bicycle brand. We have a large fleet of rental bikes ranging in size to suit most visitors. Our regular bikes are Stumpjumpers and our eBikes are a combination of Turbo Levo and Turbo Levo SL models.
eBikes make it possible for even non-cyclists to experience the exhilaration of the fresh air, warm sun and stunning scenery at Summerplace. Our expert guides will give you a short pre-ride tutorial on how to make the most of your eBike and will ensure you follow a route appropriate for your ability and fitness without the anxiety of being stranded. They’re also qualified skills instructors, so will be able to offer on-the-bike advice to ensure you finish your ride with a smile.
Stumpjumper Alloy
All-new suspension kinematics and progressive geometry into a full-alloy package that’s both lightweight and extremely durable. Outfitted with a no-fuss SRAM SX 12-speed groupset, the Stumpjumper Alloy is your all-access pass for trail adventure.
Half Day Rental – R450
Full Day Rental – R900
Half Day Pick up available from 8h00-12h00 or 14h00-17h00
Full Day Pick up available from 8h00-17h00
Turbo Levo Alloy
The all-new Levo delivers the unbelievable power to ride more trails through an unequaled combination of ride quality, usable power, and ride anywhere range. Since its introduction, Levo has set the bar every other e-MTB aims for, and the new Levo raises that bar again.
Half Day Rental – R750
Full Day Rental – R1500
Half Day Pick up available from 8h00-12h00 or 14h00-17h00
Full Day Pick up available from 8h00-17h00
Turbo Levo SL Comp
The Turbo Levo SL is a new, lightweight breed
of eMTB that harnesses the quick and lively
ride of our Stumpjumper…and adds just enough
power to introduce a whole new dimension of
kick ass.
Half Day Rental – R750
Full Day Rental – R1500
Half Day Pick up available from 8h00-12h00 or 14h00-17h00
Full Day Pick up available from 8h00-17h00
The fine print
The Summerplace Restaurant
The Ultimate Trailhead
At Summerplace, every adventure begins and ends at our inviting Venue and Restaurant, the ultimate gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. More than just a trailhead, it’s where like-minded individuals come together to share their passion for the outdoors.
Fuel up or wind down with a barista-crafted cappuccino, an ice-cold Summerplace craft beer, or a refreshing gin—our drinks bar is always ready to enhance your pre- or post-ride experience.
Renowned as the best dining option in Vaalwater, our restaurant offers a carefully curated small menu featuring exceptional dishes. Vegetarian options are always available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.
Whether you’re hitting the trails or simply soaking up the ambiance, The Summerplace Venue and Restaurant is where memories are made.
There’s also ample comfortable seating inside and on the veranda, free WiFi, hot showers, clean toilets, bike parking, bike wash-bay, a swimming pool and friendly staff. The Summerplace Restaurant is the true heart of Summerplace that’s appreciated while you’re here and remembered with fondness when you leave.
View map in Trailforks
The origins
A Family’s Passion For Mountain Biking
In 2016, landowner and avid mountain biker, David Baber, began building mountain bike trails for his three kids, Ben, Josh and Lilian, who were committed teenage XCO racers.
The trails were specifically focused on helping them become highly skilled and fit and subsequently developed them all into exceptionally accomplished riders.
That was the foundation for a passion that’s never stopped growing and the Baber family members continue to pour their heart and soul into developing what has become one of the country’s premier mountain biking destinations, where every ride is stimulating and memorable.