Explore the trails, gravel tracks and mountain bike routes of Naries at your own pace. From gentle nature walks to longer hiking loops, trail runs and more technical MTB routes, the reserve offers a range of outdoor experiences for different fitness levels and interests.
All routes are clearly marked and free for overnight guests to enjoy. Choose an easy meander close to the lodge, head into the koppies for wide-open views and seasonal flowers, or take on a longer route through rugged Namaqua landscapes. Whether you prefer walking, running or riding, the trails offer a beautiful way to slow down, look around and experience the quiet beauty of Naries.
1. Naries Airstrip Circuit
Distance – 10.8km
Elevation Gain – 208m
Duration – 1.5hrs (MTB) / 2hrs (Trail Run)
Colour Coding – Orange
Grading – Moderate
This easy 11km cycle route mainly follows the NARIES Reserve gravel Roads. Ascend from the lodge past the Mountain Suites (keep right here) and Boma (2.2km), staying on the main road and following the GREEN MTB Signs. Descend past the Viewpoint Lapa (5.4km), looking for the gritty link to the air strip (6.3km). Continue on the track to the north of the airstrip until you rejoin the main reserve road (8.4km). Turn left, again passing the Boma as you roll along the gentle downhill back to Naries Namakwa Retreat (just under 11km) to finish your return ride.
2. Naries Nature Trail Meander
Distance – 3.29km
Elevation Gain – 71m
Duration – 1-1.5hrs (Hiking)
Colour Coding – Green
Grading – Easy
From NARIES Reception, start out on the trail in a clockwise direction, winding along the gravel road passing the Managers’ Residence. You will pass the historic Naries Cemetery (600m) on your left. Continue looping along the gradual climb until you are just above the Mountain Suites; look out for a trail split to the left (900m) from where you can take in a breathtaking panorama across the Buffels River flood plains towards the distant Atlantic Ocean. Descend past the thatched Mountain Suites to turn right onto the gravel road back towards the lodge. On your left, look out for a sign to the Self-Catering Cottages (1.7km) – follow the Green signs past the two chalets (2.1km). Keep descending towards the dam (2.6km), where you can either walk along the water’s edge, or the dam wall. An easy climb back up to the lodge awaits to return to the Manor House (3.3km)
3. Naries Koppies Trail
Distance – 4.99km
Elevation Gain – 145m
Duration – 2-3hrs (Hiking)
Colour Coding – Blue
Grading – Intermediate
Start from NARIES Lodge Reception and follow the BLUE signs in an anti-clockwise direction, keeping the self-catering chalets (250m) on your right. Ascend along the gritty trail into rocky outcrops, always following the trail markers and painted arrows or boot marks. At the high point (1.2km), there is a slightly confusing loop of about 300m; avoid this by keeping left and left again. You now start descending into a valley brimming with fynbos and succulents; there is an old Green Trail to your right, which you should avoid. Keep an eye out for gemsbok and springbok as you wind into a gradual climb, keeping right at 2.8km. At 3km, you will reach a jeep-track; turn left and keep walking for 250m, keeping left at and then right until you reach the NARIES Main Gravel Road (3.9km). Follow the winding gravel road back towards the lodge, passing the Mountain Suites on your right, until you reach the Manor House 1km later (4.99km)
4. Naries Quiver Tree Trail
Distance – 13.01km
Elevation Gain – 278m
Duration – 2-3hrs (Trail Run) or 4-5hrs (Hiking)
Colour Coding – Yellow
Grading – Intermediate
The Quiver Tree (or Kokerboom) Trail starts from NARIES Reception to follow the gravel road past the Mountain Suites (on your left). Turn left here (850m) to the Mountain Suites, and then immediately right after 20m onto the singletrack trail. Follow a clearly marked route along a slight ascent through mountain scrub; after a few hundred metres, you begin to drop towards the valley floor. Look out for a split in the trail at 3.9km; keep right here and begin to ascend towards the cliffs to the east, and pass the eponymous Quiver Tree approximately 500m later. A steep climb with a few easy scrambles awaits until you top out at the Viewpoint Hut at 5.58km for a well-deserved rest. From here, the route is flat and easy, following the Naries main gravel road as you return to the lodge. There are a few potential route options, but easiest is to just follow the main road. Pass the GEMSBOK Lapa (on your left, at 11.4km) and then rejoin the original route just past the Mountain Suites (12.2km), for a return loop of 13.1km