Four MTB routes60 · 35 · 19 · 8 km
Routes →30-31 OCTOBER 2026 · THOMAS RIVER HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Thomas River Mountain Bike Challenge & Multitrust Trail Run
THE AMATHOLE DISTRICT · EASTERN CAPE
Welcome to
Thomas River.
A place where conservation, farming heritage, country hospitality and outdoor adventure come together.
31
OCT 2026MTB Challenge & Trail Run
Two trail runs19 km · 8 km
Routes →Country weekendSpit braai · Friday 30 October
Details →Online entries openSecure card payment or EFT
Enter →
Wild landscapes. Quiet roads. Genuine country hospitality.
DISCOVER THOMAS RIVER
A hidden gem in the Amathole District.
Nestled among the rolling grasslands and mountain valleys of the Eastern Cape, Thomas River is a close-knit farming community shaped by history, conservation and a deep connection to the land.
Visitors come for the Thomas River Mountain Bike Challenge & Multitrust Trail Run, but soon discover that the area offers far more than a single race weekend. Here, working farms, rivers, waterfalls, indigenous vegetation and remarkable heritage sites create a peaceful country destination with something to experience in every season.
Explore the restored Thomas River Historical Village, follow quiet trails through the conservancy, enjoy birding, hosted fishing and seasonal hunting experiences on participating farms, discover old stone structures and railway history, or simply slow down and take in the wide scenic views. Thomas River welcomes families, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, history lovers and anyone searching for an authentic rural escape.
THINGS TO DO
Experience Thomas River
Adventure, nature, heritage and country life—all set against the unforgettable scenic landscape.
RIDE
Mountain biking
Ride farm roads, flowing single-track, river crossings and rugged mountain terrain, with routes for serious competitors and family riders.
Explore MTB routes →
WALK
Hiking & nature walks
Follow peaceful paths through open grassland, rocky ridges, riverine thickets and panoramic viewpoints.
CAST
Fishing & waterways
Fish selected rivers and farm dams, or explore mountain streams and hidden waterfalls. Access is hosted by participating farms and arranged in advance.
OBSERVE
Birding, wildlife & flora
Look out for grassland and wetland birds, indigenous plants and wildlife across the conservancy landscape.
REMEMBER
Historical Village & museums
Step into the past through the restored railway village, museums, historic buildings and fascinating collections.
Visit the Village website →
EXPLORE
Heritage trails & ruins
Discover old stone structures, railway remains, bridges, church buildings and traces of earlier generations.
OUTDOORS
Hunting on local farms
Several farms offer responsible, seasonal hunting experiences by prior arrangement, subject to each host farm’s availability, rules and permit requirements.
ROAM
Scenic drives & photography
Travel quiet country roads through changing light, broad valleys and sweeping views.
CONNECT
Community & country hospitality
Share genuine Eastern Cape hospitality, farming traditions and memorable evenings beneath wide country skies.
THE THOMAS RIVER CONSERVANCY
Conservation rooted in community.
The Thomas River Conservancy protects more than 31,000 hectares of privately managed farmland and natural habitat. Local farming families work together to care for water sources, indigenous vegetation, wildlife and the open landscapes that make this corner of the Eastern Cape so special.HISTORY LIVES HERE
Thomas River Historical Village
The beautifully preserved Historical Village is the home of the annual MTB Challenge and Trail Run. Its railway heritage, museums, stone buildings, church and collections offer visitors an engaging glimpse into the history of Thomas River and the wider district.
VISIT · EXPLORE · STAY