| Lowveld Rules and Indemnity

Rules and Regulations

IMBA developed the “Rules of the Trail” to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations, or with traffic conditions. These rules have been adapted for the purposes of trails which traverse land of MTO Forestry (Pty) Ltd. / Safcol (SOC) Ltd.

No helmet, no ride!
Unless granted permission by MTO Trails, no permit means no ride / entry. Obtain a day permit or an annual permit as required. Both permits are available to purchase at the access gate or at www.mtotrails.com. Keep your permit with you at all times.
Use Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures. Ask access control guards for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land or forestry operations land.
Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put you and others at risk. Understand and obey all signage and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Cyclists should yield to other non-motorised trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Cyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, sudden movement, or loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. Disturbing wildlife and livestock is not acceptable.
Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding, and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Take note of emergency phone numbers.
Adhere to FDI (fire) warnings: During the months of September-April in the Cape and be aware of the danger of fire. If uncertain contact the fire protection services listed in the emergency contact numbers. If you see any signs of fire that look unusual (i.e. there is nobody on site managing the fire), contact the MTO Forestry Plantation Manager on 060 500 3001 and exit the plantation/s as quickly as possible.
NO SMOKING: Smoking whilst being on MTO Trails / Cape Nature property is strictly prohibited.
Avoid operational areas and activities: Riders are at no time to be within 1 km from any situation that may appear to be operational (i.e., harvesting activity or operational vehicles) and must not be within 1 km of any active operational area or areas indicated as operational.
MTB riders must have a valid annual number plate on their bike or proof of purchase of a valid permit. Runners, hikers, and obstacle runners must carry a valid permit.
All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult on the trails.
Do not use the trails alone.
It is your responsibility to get relevant emergency numbers and other safety service details and use them. Every person using the trails must have a valid permit and have the mySOS app downloaded.

Indemnity

By purchasing an MTO Trails permit or being on the trails, visitors acknowledge and give consent that this full indemnity applies once entering the MTO venue/trail and Safcol Trails.

MTO Trails visitors/permit holders acknowledge that they visit the premises/trails of MTO Trails and Safcol trails entirely at their own risk, and are cognisant and accept the real dangers and risks that are associated with visiting/using these trails for purposes including mountain biking, walking, running and other features/facilities at MTO Trails and Safcol Trails in addition to risks arising from activities/ presence of wild and dangerous animals/ reptiles, birds, insects and the risk of suffering bodily harm, injury or death, theft and/or loss to property which may arise as a risk of the activities and/or presence. MTO Trails permit holders/visitors accept that there are no lifesaving or medical facilities provided by MTO Trails or Safcol.

MTO Trails permit holders/visitors furthermore confirm that they are capably fit, knowledgeable and experienced to use, take part, compete in the necessary activities and features at MTO and Safcol Trails. All MTO Trails permit holders/visitors waive all claim/s of whatsoever cause or nature whether being of a negligent nature or not, or loss howsoever arising against the land managers, MTO Forestry (Pty) Ltd, Safcol (SOC) Ltd, their associates, employees or any person or company connected whether directly or indirectly with the running of the venue/trails and fellow guests/invitees, whether arising from an act of commission or omission on the part of those hereby indemnified or any one of them.

MTO Trails permit holders/visitors further acknowledge that they read and agree to adhere to the Rules and Regulations relating to being on MTO and Safcol Trails property.

Terms & Conditions:

A system of annual permit and day permits will be applied.
Should the trail be accessed or used illegally, the visitor will immediately be expelled from the property.
No vehicles other than mountain bikes will be allowed.
Vehicles of MTO Forestry (Pty) Ltd & emergency vehicles are also making use of the Jeep tracks. Be on the lookout for them at all times.
On exceptional high fire index days, cyclist might be requested by the MTO or Safcol Forestry employees to evacuate the trails.
The permit holder indemnifies MTO Forestry (Pty) Ltd and Safcol 9SOC) Ltd against any claims and/or legal proceedings instituted by himself/herself or a hired third party, which may arise from his/her entry into the plantations or utilising the trails.
Use of the trails is a privilege and an experience to be shared with many other forest users, hiker’s runners, horse riders etc. Please be considerate to them and honour their right to a peaceful and tranquil environment.

Opening Hours:

06:30 - 17:00 (Mon-Sun)

Need help?

Enquiries

info@mtotrails.co.za