ENTRIES ARE OPEN:
RACE WEEK: 26 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2025

7 DAYS | 850KMPURE SOUTH AFRICAN GRAVEL

Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 850km full-service gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. Starting in coastal forests, the route heads into the breathtaking Great Karoo – a famously vast, semi-desert region. Riders rest each night in remote camps under star-filled skies and, on the final day, greeted by Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife.

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.

Entries for Gravel Burn 2025 are now open.

After clicking ENTER NOW, select whether you’re entering as a South African / Namibian rider, or as an international rider.

Important: A non-qualifying international rider entering as a South African or Namibian risks forfeiting their entry.

GET THE SCOOP

GRAVEL BURN NEWS

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. 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, 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 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 Gravel Burn and is working with many 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 approximately 160km 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 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 Gravel Burn?’ as it is 'Who is 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.

Kevin Vermaak

FOUNDER

Richard McMartin portrait

Richard McMartin

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Neil Gardiner portrait

Neil Gardiner

BRAND & MARKETING

Steve Thomas portrait

Steve Thomas

ROUTE DESIGN

Jennifer Welzel portrait

Jennifer Welzel

EVENT OPERATIONS

Pax Mosterd portrait

Pax Mosterd

LOCAL LOGISTICS LEAD

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR GROWING TEAM?

Send us your CV and a brief introduction and let’s start the conversation!

NEWSLETTER

SIGN UP NOW

Entries open 3 December at 3:00pm SAST – get all the details on Entry Packages, Optional Extras and the latest news.

ENTER NOW

Please select the correct box to begin your registration process.

South African and Namibian riders paying in South African Rand (ZAR) must enter their ID or passport numbers and present their identification document on registration day in Knysna. All international riders pay in US Dollars.

Important: If an international rider incorrectly registers as a South African or Namibian, their entry may be forfeited.

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