The best traffic-free bike rides around Durban

There are 24 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Durban featured in this guide. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 15 moderate and 8 difficult options, ensuring a suitable ride for most cyclists.

Durban's no-traffic routes offer diverse terrain. You'll find flat coastal promenades, particularly along the iconic Golden Mile, offering refreshing ocean breezes. Venturing inland, routes traverse picturesque rolling hills and expansive sugarcane fields. Some more challenging routes might lead into areas like the Valley of a Thousand Hills, presenting significant elevation changes and rural landscapes.

Yes, Durban offers options suitable for families. The flat coastal promenades, such as those along the Durban Beachfront and Golden Mile, are ideal for easy, relaxed cycling with children. While this guide focuses on touring routes, areas like Giba Gorge MTB Park also offer family-friendly facilities and graded trails suitable for various skill levels, though some sections may not be strictly 'no-traffic' for touring bikes.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Durban are designed as loops. For example, you can explore routes like the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, Auch – Auch loop from Seissan or the 13th century bridge loop from Lasseube-Propre, which offer scenic circular journeys without retracing your path.

Durban's routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Along the coast, you'll enjoy ocean views. Inland, you might encounter lush indigenous forests, rivers like the Umbilo, and even waterfalls in reserves such as Paradise Valley. Specific routes may pass by historical points of interest like the 13th century bridge or the Moulin de Durban.

Durban enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, making it suitable for outdoor activities like touring cycling in most seasons. The dry winter months (May to September) often offer cooler temperatures and less humidity, which can be more comfortable for longer rides. However, the lush landscapes are particularly vibrant during the summer rainy season.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 8 difficult routes available. These routes often feature significant elevation changes, particularly in areas bordering the Valley of a Thousand Hills. An example is the Sansan paleosite loop from Ornézan, which includes substantial climbs and descents.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes in Durban are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, from coastal paths to rolling hills, and the opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty and cultural sites away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, several routes offer proximity to interesting attractions. For instance, some routes might take you near the historic city of Auch, or the unique Sansan paleosite. The region also boasts natural reserves like Kenneth Stainbank and Paradise Valley, which, while primarily for hiking, offer beautiful scenery complementing a cycling trip.

The no-traffic touring routes around Durban vary in length and duration. You can find shorter rides, such as the 13th century bridge loop from Lasseube-Propre, which is about 24 km and takes around 1.5 hours. Longer routes, like the 13th century bridge – Moulin de Durban loop from Pavie, can extend over 50 km and take more than 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.