BREAKING GROUND
FOUNDER’S BLOG #6
We recently began carefully preparing the land for our Burn Camps – relocating foliage and stones while preserving naturally occurring Acacia and Rhus species. We’re planning water reticulation and we sunk our first borehole, striking water at 34 metres!
OUR NEW GRAVEL GRIND
Vida e Caffè has joined Nedbank Gravel Burn as Official Coffee Partner, bringing their unmistakable energy and presence to our new gravel stage race. As part of the experience, every rider will enjoy unlimited complimentary Vida e Caffè coffee throughout the event.
NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN
A NEW ERA OF CYCLING BEGINS
We’ve just announced a landmark five-year partnership with Nedbank as our Title Sponsor, officially naming the event ‘Nedbank Gravel Burn’. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our seven-day, 850km stage race.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Our Entry Package includes all you’ll need for a memorable experience. We also offer post-race Shamwari Safari Packages, motorhome options, pre-race accommodation and more.
KAROO NIGHTS
After each day of endeavour there’s a night of wonder and culture. Riders sample the local fare, forging friendships over fireside celebrations.
GRAVEL LAUNCHPAD
WeWork is the perfect environment for entrepreneurialism and innovation, where laser focus is essential. From day 1, we walked in, opened our laptops and we were ready to start building a completely new and groundbreaking event.
7 DAYS | 85OKMPURE SOUTH AFRICAN GRAVEL
- 7 days
- 850km
- 11,000m climbing
- 26 Oct – 1 Nov 2025
- Western Cape & Eastern Cape
THE START
Knysna marks the start and sets the theme – a week of contrasting vistas. We head north east through lush, indigenous forests and there’s a particular corner along the route, you’ll know it when you see it, where everything changes.
THE HEART
The vast, arid Great Karoo semi-desert landscapes – an open treasure chest of geography, geology, history, astronomy and biology, and the lessons they teach us. This is a place where life clings to the edges and the hardiest creatures thrive.
THE FINISH
The horizon shifts again and in a moment we sense that we’re now in wildlife country. It’s primal. While there’s a certain sense of pride after racing for 7 days and 850km on a gravel bike, the king of the jungle is sure to keep us in check.
PACKAGES
ALL-INCLUSIVE
FULL-SERVICE
For all the details on entry packages, what’s included, plus optional extras and add-ons, click below.
GET THE SCOOP
OUR STORIES
Vida e Caffè Powering Nedbank Gravel Burn as Official Coffee Partner
Vida e Caffè has joined Nedbank Gravel Burn as our Official Coffee Partner, bringing their unmistakable energy and presence to South Africa’s landmark new gravel
Nedbank Gravel Burn Welcomes Meerendal as Official Wine Partner
We are proud to welcome Meerendal Wine Estate as the exclusive and Official Wine Partner for the 2025 edition. The partnership brings together the raw
Disc-O-Bed joins Nedbank Gravel Burn to redefine sleep in the Karoo
Two South African-born brands have teamed up to bring new meaning to comfort in the wild. Our new partner Disc-O-Bed is the world’s leading manufacturer
BURN CAMPS
UNPLUG AND CONNECT
Karoo days are about challenging terrain and fiercely fought racing. Karoo nights are the antidote. At the end of the day’s endeavours, riders experience a full immersion into the unique hospitality, culture, local flavours and aromas, and the hidden secrets of the land in this special part of the world. When the sun sets on Burn Camp, something extraordinary ignites. Nedbank Gravel Burn is a new way of exploring the limits and connecting with the people and the land we navigate.
FOUNDER'S BLOG
KEVIN VERMAAK
20 years ago, Kevin Vermaak founded the Cape Epic and grew it into what is widely regarded as one of the world’s premiere mountain bike races. During a 2-year sabbatical he was inspired by his gravel bike adventures in the Alps. Read about Kevin’s next venture, Nedbank Gravel Burn, in his own words.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not able to attend one of our Firestarter evenings?
Have a read here, chances are that your burning questions have been answered already.
The Cape Epic and the Nedbank Gravel Burn were both founded by Kevin Vermaak. After selling the Cape Epic to The Ironman Group in 2017 – staying on in a consulting capacity – Kevin finally exited in 2022. After his non-compete ended Kevin launched the Nedbank Gravel Burn and is working with some members of the team with whom he originally built the Cape Epic.
You’ll find all the info you need on pricing on our all-inclusive package here – Entry Packages page. Be sure to also visit our Optional Extras and Add-Ons page too.
The queen stage is 142km long and all the other stages vary between 80 and 140km. Each stage has its own unique character.
We have designed a pure gravel route that is ideally suited for a classic gravel bike (off-road tyres to handle terrain and with drop bars for speed). When we all ride gravel bikes, it levels the playing field and makes it more enjoyable when riding in groups. Trust us, the route is pure gravel heaven, and you’ll want the perfect tool for the job. And wide, straight MTB-style handlebars are perhaps a little less safe when riding at speed amongst drop-bar bikes in a peloton.
The Nedbank Gravel Burn is a solo race. Riders wishing to compete for prize money must enter the Open (Racing) category. Amateurs compete for the leader jersey in their respective age-group categories: 19 – 34 years, then in 5-year increments starting from age 35).
Before we reach Shamwari Private Game Reserve, whenever our gravel roads traverse land with dangerous animals, there will be a game fence between us and the animals. On the final stage into Shamwari, there is a comprehensive safety plan for managing the riders’ safety. Shamwari employs the largest team of qualified game rangers in all of South Africa and they will ensure the safety of all our riders on this final short section through Big 5 territory.
WHO IS GRAVEL BURN?
THE TEAM
It’s as much 'What is Nedbank Gravel Burn?’ as it is 'Who is Nedbank Gravel Burn?’ Meet the team of seasoned eventing experts, some of whom have worked together for almost two decades. Add it up and that's almost a century of race innovation.
INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR GROWING TEAM?
NEWSLETTER
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