Discover the beauty of the Bottelary region near Stellenbosch from 1 – 3 October, when the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy is hosting their first MTB & Eco-weekend. Bike, hike, sip and taste your way through this off-the-beaten track destination in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGIC
Mountain bikers have the amazing opportunity to select their dream ride from seven self-guided trail routes from different starting points varying in distance and difficulty levels. The specially marked routes will be open on Saturday 2 October and range from 18km to 36km across rolling hillsides, vineyard trails and single tracks through the indigenous Renosterveld. One of the brand new single tracks has been developed by multiple world triathlon champion Conrad Stoltz. Even if you have done tracks in the Bottelary area before, there are plenty new additions to enjoy.
Entries will be limited to between 50 and 100 riders per venue in adherence to current COVID protocols. Entry fees are from R230 – R250 and include a bottle of wine. Limited entries from Bellevue, Devonvale, Fort Simon, Jordan, Karibib, Neethlingshof and Zevenwacht. Enter at www.entryninja.com. Take note that the MTB trails are only open to weekend riders on Saturday 2 October and will run on the normal annual and day permit system from Sunday 3 October.
TRAIL RUN
Runners will have special access to the new 6.2km Polkadraai MTB loop, normally restricted to cyclists only, by entering the Smokkel Run from Karabib on Friday evening. Entries are limited to 100 runners at R220. This is a self-timed race and all finishers receive a bottle of either Smokkelman Red or White of their choosing. The race starts at 18:30 at the Somm & Co Karibib Tasting Room with food and wine available for supporters and after the race. Headlamps are mandatory. Enter at www.entryninja.com.
GUIDED HIKES
Hikers can explore the 5.6km and 6.3km hiking trails on Mooiplaas and Koopmanskloof wine estates on Sunday 3 October. Both trails offer spectacular 360-degree views of Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Table Bay and False Bay. The hikes will cost R220 per person and includes a wine tasting and bottle of wine. Entries are limited to 20 from Koopmanskloof and 35 from Mooiplaas. Book your spot on https://www.entryninja.com/events/77082-bhrc-guided-hikes
4X4 WINE ADVENTURE
Get a taste of the laid-back local lifestyle by exploring the area in the comfort of an open vintage 4×4 truck fitted with picnic tables during a 4-hour wine adventure on Saturday 2 October. Tickets are R300 per person and limited to 24 guests in total.
The wine adventure will take you along vineyard trails and farm roads between three family-owned estates on the northern slopes of the Bottelary Hills. Soak in the beautiful surroundings and taste award-winning wines at Goedehoop, Groenland and Kaapzicht wine estates. Trucks will depart from Groenland and Kaapzicht at 10:30 for the first of three wine tastings before rotating to your second stop and finally meeting up at Goedehoop Wine Estate. Here you can purchase something to eat and experience the rustic farm atmosphere before your last wine tasting. Trucks will return to the respective starting points at 14:30. Book your spot today on https://computicket-boxoffice.com/bottelary-hills-renosterveld-conservancy/4×4-wine-adventure#
GAME DRIVE AND WINE TASTING
Sit back and relax on a two-hour game drive through the 220 hectares of the Villiera wildlife sanctuary followed by an informal wine tasting of a selection of six Cap Classique, white and red wines. The sanctuary includes twelve dams plus marsh areas, which attract a huge variety of birdlife. A number of mammals have been introduced in the wildlife sanctuary including springbok, kudu, giraffe, bontebok, eland, gemsbok, black wildebeest, bush pig, Burchell’s zebra, common duiker, steenbuck, waterbuck and grysbok. Game drives can be booked on Sunday 3 October for 09:00 – 11:00 (tasting will be afterwards) or 13:00 – 15:00 (tasting will be before the drive at 12:00). The rates are R260 for adults and R130 for kids under the age of 15 with a maximum of six people per vehicle. Bookings via wine@villiera.com.
Follow our social media platforms @bottelary_hills_conservancy on Instagram and @BottelaryHillsConservancyMTB for updates on the local hospitality offered by each venue.
Take note that the MTB trails are only open to supporters of the eco-weekend on Saturday 2 October and will run on the normal annual and day permit system from Sunday 3 October.