VIDEO: Giba Gorge MTB Park is a cut above the rest

IF you are wanting to experience the majesty of the outdoors, or kickstart your journey into hiking or trail running, the two new trails at Giba Gorge MTB Park should do the trick.

The environmental manager at the park, Wilbur Mahlamvu said they have never been busier as more people have taken up hiking due to the nationwide lockdown.

Mahlamvu is a literal ‘fountain of knowledge’ and, during the Highway Mail’s on-site visit to see the new trails, he was only too eager to point out the countless flora and fauna seen during the hike.

The first trail that was added to Giba Gorge’s already impressive roster is 2km and the second one, which is still being cut, is between 3km and 4km.

He said the added trails would help reduce the number of hikers who make use of the Waterfall Trail (or Baby Steps, as it is commonly known).

Mahlamvu, along with two other Giba Gorge employees, began cutting the trails through the park at the end of July.

Through sheer determination and grit, the paths are near completion.

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The shorter of the two trails runs along the river bank and will easily instill a sense of calm to anyone walking along it as the sounds of nature will completely overtake your senses, from the chirping of the birds, the whistle of the wind through the trees as the calm stream burbles along its bed.

For Mahlamvu, it was the extent of the alien invasives that had him deeply concerned.

“The plan is to remove all of the aliens found along the path and replace these with quick growing indigenous plants to help enhance the area,” he said.

Marlene De Beer, who has been running along the trails at Giba Gorge for six years said she has always felt safe and never felt threatened.

“I think it caters for everyone as its nice for people who are starting out and for those who are seriously into trail running or hiking,” she said.

Along the trails you could spot grey duiker, blue duiker, porcupine, bushbuck, bush pigs, dassies, caracal and, if you’re lucky, grey mongooses.

Nick Taschner, who has made a few of the wooden trail signs for Giba Gorge and an avid MTB rider, said, “Because its conveniently close to Pinetown and in-between Durban and the Upper Highway, visitors can get this amazing experience without having to go very far. There are so many facilities here, from riding a bike and walking to hiking and picnics. There is a lot on offer here.”

The shorter of the two trails has not yet been named and Mahlamvu said they are torn between the Riverrun Trail or the Riverbank Trail. During your next visit, cast your vote and let them know which one you would prefer.

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.