Giba, Karkloof, Holla - Advice needed

[BigDL]

I am down in KZN for three days next week for work, staying in Howick (due to closeness to Karkloof), but keen to try Giba (never been there) and/or Holla trails.

 

My question is around safety. Is it safe to ride Giba and Holla alone, as early as possible or as late as possible in the day? Karkloof i have ridden alone many times (although not this year) and assume that it is still safe

 

Any assistance much appreciated.

 

Thanks

[KenG]

Hi Wahoofish

 

I ride Giba all the time, weekends,weekdays, early, late, day and night. Never had a problem. You'll be fine.

[Ryanpmb]

All three are relatively safe to ride. Although riding in groups is always preferable.

[BigDL]

Thanks - Much appreciated

[Fruity]

Only been to Holla once, so can't really say anything on that one, although I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Only rode in Karkloof for the MTB classic, the 45km to be exact - not sure what the other rides are like, but out of all the rides I've done, the 45 Karkloof is still my favorite, very scenic too... As for Giba, never had a problem there. I've found one or two trails to be quite challenging, but apart from that, I've had no worries at Giba.

[Super_mil]

I am down in KZN for three days next week for work, staying in Howick (due to closeness to Karkloof), but keen to try Giba (never been there) and/or Holla trails.

 

My question is around safety. Is it safe to ride Giba and Holla alone, as early as possible or as late as possible in the day? Karkloof i have ridden alone many times (although not this year) and assume that it is still safe

 

Any assistance much appreciated.

 

Thanks

I'd honestly give Holla a skip, unless you're in the area. It is at least a 1.5hr drive from Howick.

 

Karkloof & Giba are all safe (touch wood). Don't forget to check out the Howick trails (also safe) they really are awesome. St Ives (also safe) is also very close by and has good riding.

 

I often head out to ride in Howick after work so feel free to drop me a PM if you're keen to tag along.

Consider bringing a light as things are getting dark quite early these days and if you have a mechanical late afternoon you could have trouble finding your way out. Starting to get dark from about 17h30'ish.

[Chro Mo]

Ride Holla and Giba often - never had a problem.

 

Never hurts t0 be vigilant, though.

 

Holla Pink, Red and Maroon for the win!!!

[Cube120]

Here is another alternative since you are in Howick...Virginia Farm in the Eston area.Great teails,very very safe and wonderful hospitality from the owner.Depending on the time available to you there are various options available to ride.Well worth a visit.

[Lance Roberts]

I ride at Giba all the time and I've also had no problems so far, but I always "touch wood" when saying anything like that in good old South Africa... I've heard of a few incidents on the Shongweni side, but not in Giba itself. I think it's pretty good because most of the people that work there also stay in the area and they are pretty loyal to the boss so that they can keep their jobs.

 

Also been to Holla a few times and had no problems so far.

[tombeej]

I worked in Giba Gorge for 2 years and rode the trails all the time, and often on my own on night rides. Completely safe and never heard of an incident in the 2 years I worked there.

 

Holla also very safe. 

 

Wahoofish, coming from Gauteng, riding here will feel like the weirdest place compared to what you're used to. E.g. when you ride at Holla, the only thing you'll have to learn re. the locals is to quickly drop the Gauteng thing of never greeting strangers because every person you pass will be greeting you. The gogos will call across from the next hilltop if they see you in the distance and the kids often line up so that they can high-5 you as you go past, etc. Not kidding - that's exactly how it is.

 

I've spent a lot of time out in the sticks on my own on my bike in KZN. Never felt safer (in fact, safer out there than in the built-up areas).

[BigDL]

Great, thanks for all the advice. Much appreciated.

[Chro Mo]

Here is another alternative since you are in Howick...Virginia Farm in the Eston area.Great teails,very very safe and wonderful hospitality from the owner.Depending on the time available to you there are various options available to ride.Well worth a visit.

Rode Virginia in January. ...WOW! Great riding. Good facilities.

[RyanD]

I would stick to Karkloof and Howick, my favorite place to ride

[BMXER]

If you are in Howick, ride karkloof. Giba not worth the effort in comparison.

[BigDL]

I would stick to Karkloof and Howick, my favorite place to ride

Thanks, have ridden Karkloof a few times and have always loved it. Am working in Pmb and Pinetown, hence the keenness to explore the other trails. Had a look at the Virginia farm website as well, but just looks too far out for an early morning or late afternoon ride.

 

Will certainly try and bang out a couple of Karkloof rides at least.

[RyanD]

They have a new super 20 route. It's good. All of karkloof is good. Have fun bud