Reviewed by: Bernard Feinauer , from Cape Town, South Africa

Summary:
The red route starts off with about 11km's of singletrack through thick forests. Really beautiful. So overgrown at some spots that you can't see the sky. Not too difficult for a semi experienced mtber, but there are some downhill sections where inexperienced cyclists might have a bit of a problem getting down safely. After the singletrack you end up at the coast with some great views down the coastline. A short and rocky uphill section follows and then you hit the jeeptrack for about 8km's on your way back. The last km or so again has some singletrack with some nice little bridges to cross. So all and all an amazing trail and an absolute must to do if you're visiting the Knysna area. It took us about 3hours to complete, stopping quite often to take a few picks. Could probably do it in 2,5 hours.

Recommended Route:
I only did the 24km red route, which appears to be the more challenging of the routes available.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Nope.

Reviewed by: Lagoona , from Cape Town

Summary:
red route is best although green is better suited to less fit (enthusiatic) riders.
Stunning view along the coast, can't beat the single track - all 11km of it. Pack a picnic basket but watch out for baboons. They ride bikes too.........usually full suspension Y-bikes or something similar. What else would you expect from an ape. I make it an annual pilgrimage to ride Harkerville on the weekend of the Knysna Cycle tour - 7th July 2002 - if it's open. Well worth the 500km trek from Cape Town.

Recommended Route:
Ride the red route and then add the black loop to make it a bit longer

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Petrus se Brand, Oyster Trail, Homtini, and anything else you can find on the South Coast!!

Reviewed by: G Flynn , from Johannesburg

Summary:
This was my first ride at Harkerville. Located in one of the most beautiful areas in the world, the track winds itself in and around forest, and a Sequoia grove. This is definetly a trail to be shared with someone speacial.

Recommended Route:
The green route> 15km (+- 2 1/4 hours). Technical enough for the hardened mountain biker, within capabilites for a novice.

Reviewed by: Andy Clemmow , from Johannesburg, South Africa

Summary:
The Harkerville red route is reputed to be the ultimate mountain bike route in Southern Africa. It starts at the Garden of Eden approximately 10 km North of Knysna. Initially the trail follows plantation access roads for about 2 km before heading off into some of the most excellent forest single track I've ridden in Africa. Caution here though, when wet, this section can get a bit boggy and the entire route is often closed for a day after particularly heavy rain. The forest trails are winding but smooth, being easy enough for the relatively inexperienced, but taken at speed they will satisfy the most crazed adreneline junky. Just when you think the pleasure can get no better, the trail pops out magically into the open overlooking the shear cliffs and sea views of the coast line. The trail follows the cliffs for another 2 km or so with magnificent views and suddenly a picnic table and chairs in the middle of the trail. From here the trail gets tough, and the climb out from the cliffs back up to the forest is tough, slow, rocky and best forgotten. Once back into the trees the going is harder but nonetheless satisying until weary you arrive back at the starting point.Although "only" 26km, this is a physically challenging route which took our group of veteran racing cyclists 2 1/2 hours without stopping for lunch. For the less fit allow at least 3 hours to complete the trail.

Recommended Route:
We followed the 26 km "red" route

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Petrus se Brand, a wicked point to point single track route finishes at the Garden of Eden, with the last 4 km being simply the best forest single track you will find anywhere. From the Garden of Eden it can be reached by riding up the fire road which runs alongside the trail.