Today is #MarketFriday, a project initiated by 
If you want to learn more about this project and would like to participate, visit today's post by
For my contribution to #MarketFriday today, I would like to take you to Giba Gorge. It's 8 KM from where I live, yet it's a place that allows you to escape from the daily hustle and bustle and rushed city life without having to make a huge "dent" in your wallet.
Giba Gorge is known for its mountain biking facilities and for hosting such events, but they also cater to a host of other activities and entertainment while they are also focused on nature conservation.
On arrival at the gate, I had to pay R20.00 to enter. At the time of writing this post, the USD/ZAR exchange rate was R16.88.
That means, in dollar value, I paid $1.18 to enter. That gave me access to Giba Gorge for the entire day.
Once inside, you can gain access to a variety of activities and/or facilities.
Depending on your budget, you can organize group activities, events, team-building events, weddings, camping, and more. You can also spend your time at leisure, while the kids play in a safe area while you enjoy a picnic or you can visit their restaurant.
Let's have a look at what you can expect.
Leaving my car in the parking area, I arrived at their reception area, where one of their friendly guides met me and gave me a lot of information about the facilities they offer as well as various trails for hiking and mountain biking.
As mentioned, you can enjoy their trails, by hiking, biking, or even on horseback if the distance is a bit intimidating. Some of the trails I saw, go up to a distance of 16 KM, although these are more aimed at mountain biking.
Once you're in, you can enjoy the day by exploring their trails on foot or on your mountain bike without spending another dime.
I didn't enquire about it, but I guess there would be a fee involved for going on horseback, as you are also accompanied by a guide who leads the horse.
Being well-known as a mountain bike park, let's start with what you can expect regarding mountain biking before we move on to hiking and more.
If you want to learn more about mountain biking and get familiar with it at any level, you can reach out to the "Dirt School". They cater to people of all ages - both kids and adults.
To my right, there was this beautiful action photo to get you all psyched up...
When I did some research for more information about Giba Gorge, I also found this video (which can also be seen on their website). It's an awesome, exhilarating action video of some experienced mountain bikers doing a trail in Giba Gorge. I really enjoyed watching it!
Any equipment or gear you might need will be available on-site in "The Shop@Giba".
Just below me was a nice mountain bike track where they can host events, but today, some youngsters were just chilling and having fun on their bikes.
Everyone is welcome, but rules are there to keep you safe.
Okay, let's go hiking for now.
I chose a trail that would take me to a waterfall, almost 5 KM into the forest.
On my way out of "base camp", approaching the trail I had in mind, I passed by the main restaurant. You can first have a meal here before heading out or come hang out here when you have returned from the trail of your choice.
We'll pay them a visit at a later stage to check out their prices.
Just below the restaurant is a huge picnic area with some very nice playing areas where the little ones can also entertain themselves. Oh yes, and did I say Giba Gorge is also pet friendly, so you can bring your best friend with you for a nice outing too?
As I left "base camp" to start my journey, I encountered one of the guides, who took this lady out on a trail on horseback.
Then I was out in the bush.
Then, about halfway out on the trail, a young guy was sitting under a gazebo, selling some refreshments and something to eat.
To give you a better idea of the prices, I refer to the exchange rate as at the beginning of the post to do the calculations.
- Boerewors Roll (Hot Dog) - $2.07.
- Pancakes - 3 for $1.48.
- Cold drinks - $1.18.
- Water - $0.89
If you just wanted to get something on the go, this would be the place.
But behind him was a little wooden bridge to take you across the little stream to another little restaurant in the bush.
If you didn't want to go further or needed something decent to eat, you could pay this little restaurant a visit.
I didn't stop and arrived at the little waterfall just over an hour after I have started my journey.
On my way back, I took some photos of what they can offer from this little restaurant at the halfway mark.
In the next photo, you can see the guy under his gazebo, with various boards showing what is available and can be booked/arranged if you visit the restaurant.
Another photo of the little bridge that will take you across the little stream towards the "restaurant in the bush".
Although I didn't go in to enquire about the various rates, I took some photos of the individual boards to share what you can enjoy here or book for future events/outings.
On my way back, just before getting back to "base camp", there was this obstacle course that I assume can be used for group events such as team building, etc...
As I got back after completing the trail, some mountain bikers were sitting outside "The Shop@Giba", relaxing with some ice cold drinks after they clearly had an exciting outing on their bikes on some adventurous trail.
I didn't want to start taking photos of people, but I thought the one bike that was standing against the wall right below these typical mountain bike images, would make a nice photo.
I then got back to my car, but as I left Giba Gorge behind me, I still had some dirt road ahead of me before getting back to normal civilization/city life.
I had a great time, spending just over 4 hours at Giba Gorge. Having a good time, enjoying every moment from entering the gates, hiking to the waterfall and back, and everything in between...for a whopping $1.18.
Thank you for reading my post. I do appreciate it!