Optional Extras
While the entry fee covers everything you will need to enjoy the full Nedbank Gravel Burn experience, from start to finish, we do also offer additional services for a little more comfort, convenience and even an extra treat.
RESERVE YOUR OPTIONAL EXTRAS HERE
Select the button that applies to you and you’ll be directed to our Quicket page, where you’ll select and manage your optional extras.
For ease of convenience, please use the same email address used for purchasing your 2025 Nedbank Gravel Burn entry.
THE MOORINGS
For the smoothest start to your Nedbank Gravel Burn journey, book an exclusive package at our Official Race Hotel — The Moorings. We recommend arriving no later than Friday 24 October – especially if you’re travelling internationally — to enjoy Knysna, acclimatise and ensure all your equipment is ready for your 800km journey. Race registration will take place on Saturday and there will be a pre-registration programme plus warm-up rides to test your bike.
EXCLUSIVE PRE-RACE ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES:
24-26 October including daily breakfast and dinner on 25 October
Choose from the following options:
- Executive Room (Single Occupancy): USD 399 / ZAR 6,740 SOLD OUT
- Executive Room (Double Occupancy): USD 429 / ZAR 7,290 SOLD OUT
- 2-Bedroom Villa (Sleeps 4): USD 1,009 / ZAR 17,190 SOLD OUT
If you need help finding alternate accommodation, you’re welcome to reach out to Knysna Tourism at info@visitknysna.co.za.
GETTING TO THE RACE, AND HOME AGAIN
REGISTRATION
Saturday, 25 October 2025
10:00 – 15:00
The Moorings, Knysna
ARRIVING AT NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN
Flying In
Fly into George Airport, the closest to Knysna (approx. 1-hour drive).
Please book your shuttle directly with one of these providers:
Zeelie Taxis
EZ Shuttle
Garden Route Express Shuttles
Make sure to inform them you are travelling with a bike box if applicable.
Travelling from Cape Town by Bus
If you are planning to explore Cape Town before the event or are a Cape Town local you can join our direct shuttle from Cape Town to The Moorings, Knysna (approx. 6 hour scenic drive). Departs from Southern Sun The Cullinan hotel (special booking rate below).
- Friday, 24 October – Departs at 11:00
- Saturday, 25 October – Departs at 07:00
Bikes can be boxed or unboxed, but no empty bike boxes will be transported.
Cost Cape Town – Knysna: USD 90 / ZAR 1,490
Includes: 1 x passenger, 1 x bag, 1 x bike.
Add-on: For the return to Cape Town, we offer a bike transfer from Shamwari Private Game Reserve to Cape Town and recommend that riders fly from Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth Airport to Cape Town. (See below for transfer options from Shamwari to Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth – this airport transfer needs to be booked separately).
Cost (bike only) Shamwari – Cape Town: USD 40 / ZAR 590
Includes: 1x bike boxed or unboxed. This offer is exclusive to riders who booked the transfer from Cape Town to Knysna. Bikes will be available for collection in Cape Town on Monday afternoon and Tuesday.
Special Cape Town Accommodation Rate for Riders
Southern Sun The Cullinan is offering an exclusive rate for Nedbank Gravel Burn riders. Rates include breakfast:
- Single occupancy: ZAR 2,400 per night
- Double/sharing: ZAR 2,650 per night
Email Siyabonga at Southern Sun The Cullinan to book.
Self-Drive
Drive to Knysna in your own car and have it waiting for you at the finish line at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
We’ve partnered with Wise Move to offer a secure car carrier service.
Advantages:
- No one drives your car – your vehicle is securely transported on a carrier
- No added mileage – avoid the extra 330km of wear and tear
- No fuel costs – your tank stays full
- Peace of mind – your car arrives safely, with no road-time risk
This is a convenient, reliable solution if you want to have your own car available at the finish.
Cost: USD 240 / ZAR 4,000
This service applies to standard private vehicles only (including SUVs, bakkies, and vans). Buses, coaches, and commercial vehicles are not eligible for this service. Kindly reach out to support@wisemove.co.za if you have any questions related to your vehicle and this service offering.
DEPARTING FROM NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN
The Nedbank Gravel Burn ends on Sunday, 2 November. Racing finishes on Saturday, 1 November – your entry includes the final night so you can enjoy the Burn Celebration on Saturday evening and depart on Sunday after breakfast.
Flying Out
Bus shuttles to Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth Airport are available on Sunday morning (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
| Sunday, 2 November – Depart: Shamwari | Arrive: Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth Airport |
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
Please allow enough time for potential traffic delays.
Cost: USD 35 / ZAR 490 per person
Includes: 1 x passenger, 1 x bag, 1 x boxed / bagged bike.
Rental Cars
If you are planning on extending your stay in South Africa, rental cars are available at Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth Airport.
BIKE TRANSFERS
If you would like to transfer your bike to and/or from the event, please see below:
Local
If you’d like to book a bike transfer from major towns across South Africa, VIP Bicycle Transport and Logistics have got you covered. Simply reach out to Barend van Heerden, who will be happy to assist, or click on this LINK to make your booking quickly and easily.
POWER UP YOUR RECOVERY:
Hyperice Recovery
All riders get a free daily 30-minute Normatec compression session, thanks to our Official Recovery Technology Partner, Hyperice. Want your own boots for longer sessions and to take home? Grab this Nedbank Gravel Burn deal exclusively for registered riders:
- Normatec 3.0 + Backpack: ZAR 16,540 (Save 26.6%)
- Normatec Premier + Backpack: ZAR 20,815 (Save 26.2%)
Contact Danielle at Hyperice to order. International riders can collect at registration if paid in advance.
Massage Packages
If you, however, prefer a hands-on treatment, a limited number of professional massage packages are available to purchase. The package includes:
- 6 x 30-minute massages after stages 1 to 6 (no massage after stage 7)
- Delivered by qualified therapists from Peak Wellness Events
- Strapping available if needed (at an additional cost)
Cost: ZAR 5,400 / USD 340
Walk-in massages will be available on event, but only if space allows.
KEEP IT CLEAN!
The Great Karoo delivers a race route that is wild, remote and beautiful. It also means you’ll be a fair distance from a laundromat!
Each Burn Camp will have sinks, handwashing powder, and your tent will have a washing line and pegs.
Laundry Package Details
Laundry will be handled by small local laundromats, therefore capacity is capped at 200 packages.
Laundry is collected and returned from and to select Burn Camps along the route.
This means that if buying the laundry package, you will need to bring 4 sets of kit to the event to ensure a fresh kit for each stage. Each bag may include one set of kit per wash: jersey, bib shorts, and socks.
Cost: ZAR 950 / USD 60
Please refer to the schedule below for hand-in and return times:
Riding kit number | Laundry action | |
| Stage 1 | #1 | – |
| Stage 2 | #2 | Hand in Kit 1 + 2 in Graaff-Reinet (Bag A) |
| Stage 3 | #3 | Hand in Kit 3 in Blaauwater (Bag B) |
| Stage 4 | #4 | Receive Bag A in afternoon |
| Stage 5 | #1 | Receive Bag B in afternoon |
| Stage 6 | #2 | – |
| Stage 7 | #3 | – |
SPORTOGRAF PHOTO PACKAGES:
Every stage of the race will be captured by the Sportograf team. By purchasing your package in advance, you will be able to download a photo each day and, once the race is over, receive all your personal images together with the best highlights from the week.
TECH SUPPORT SORTED!
Specialized offers a neutral tech support solution during race week:
Bike Build & Boxing Service: ZAR 1,500
Flying in for the race? Let Specialized take the pressure off. Their experts will assemble your bike and have it dialed for performance – then repack it post-event so you can travel stress-free.
Bicycle Service Packages: ZAR 9,500
The most comprehensive service offering, ongoing care to keep your bike in peak condition across the entire event.
Package includes:
- Daily clean & lube
- Full mechanical servicing: comprehensive inspections and adjustments to all key components
- Wheel truing & tyre checks
- Diagnostic and noise investigation
- Expert support and personalised tuning
For more details and to book please go HERE
Please note that bookings close on 31 August!
FULL INDEPENDENCE
MOTORHOMES
We offer 2 sizes of motorhome – 4- and 6-berth. You will need to arrange a driver for your motorhome and you may share your motorhome with another entered rider. When entering, be sure to select the relevant add-on options, together with your motorhome.
USD 2,239 / ZAR 37,990
4-berth moTORhome
- 2 comfortable double beds
- Automatic transmission
- Toilet and shower
- 80lt fridge capacity
- FULL SPECS HERE
USD 2,649 / ZAR 44,990
6-berth moTORhome
- 3 comfortable double beds
- Automatic transmission
- Toilet and shower
- 80lt fridge capacity
- FULL SPECS HERE
USD 999 / ZAR 16,990
PARKING PACKAGE
- Bring your own motorhome
- Comfort and flexibility
- Convenience and value
ALL MOTORHOME Packages INCLUDE:
- Parking space in each Burn Camp of 7x8m (from Avontuur to Shamwari)
- Power supply
- Toilet tank emptying facilities at appropriate intervals
- Ablution facility access for riders staying in the motorhome area, plus 1 driver per vehicle
- Riders in the motorhome parking area will receive all items as per the Race Entry Package except for access to a canvas tent
- If you will be sharing one of these packages with other registered rider(s), please let us know the name of the other rider(s) to ensure correct accreditation is allocated
- Should you require a small sleeping tent for your driver, to pitch within your motorhome parking space, we will make these available to rent – more information to come
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All Motorhome Packages include access to ablutions for 1 driver – should you wish for your driver to share the Burn Camp experiences with you, including meals and access to social zones, please purchase a Motorhome Driver Package (see below)
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Please note: no dogs or pets allowed, in respect of the farmland and livestock.
Pick-up
Pick up your motorhome at the depot in Johannesburg or Cape Town and receive up to 2 free days of pre-race rental.
- Johannesburg pick-up: 23 or 24 October (allow 2 days of travel from Johannesburg to Knysna)
- Cape Town pick-up: 23, 24 or 25 October (the trip from Cape Town to Knysna can be completed in 1 day)
- Knysna pick-up: available only on 25 October and carries a relocation surcharge of ZAR 5,500
Drop-off
Drop off your motorhome at the depot in Johannesburg or Cape Town and receive up to 2 free days of post-race rental.
- Johannesburg drop-off: 3 or 4 November (allow 2 days of travel from Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg)
- Cape Town drop-off: 2, 3 or 4 November (the trip from Shamwari can be completed in 1 day)
- Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth drop-off: available only on 2 November and carries a relocation surcharge of ZAR 8,000
MOTORHOME DRIVER PACKAGE
USD 889 / ZAR 14,990
If you wish for the driver of your motorhome to have access to the same food and drinks as the riders, you will need to purchase a Motorhome Driver Package.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner of local Karoo cuisine, starting with lunch after stage 1 and ending with breakfast the morning after the Final Burn celebration party.
- Access to the Final Burn celebration party after stage 7 at Shamwari Private Game Reserve‘s Amanzi Burn Camp.
Alternatively, your driver may self-cater.
Please note:
- Larger supermarkets and restaurants are only available in Graaff Reinet (start location of stage 3) and Nxuba / Cradock (23km from Merino Farm Burn Camp – stage 5 and 6).
- No dogs or pets allowed, in respect of the farmland and livestock.
SHAMWARI SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Spoil yourself and your partner – spend your last night of Nedbank Gravel Burn after the Final Burn party at one of Shamwari’s luxury lodges and enjoy an unforgettable safari experience over the rest of the weekend including three game drives. Choose from four Shamwari lodges, from family-friendly to ultra luxury.
extend your stay
SAFARI
PACKAGES
- Two nights at the Shamwari lodge of your choice
- Welcome drink on arrival after stage 7
- Transfer to/from Final Burn celebration dinner in open game drive vehicle
- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner on Sunday + 2 game drives (morning & afternoon)
- Breakfast and game drive on Monday
- All beverages, including local wine and beer
- To customise and reserve your stay, email reservations@shamwari.com
BAYETHE
Bayethe Lodge offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in utter tranquillity, surrounded by the rich vegetation of the unique location. This lush vegetation provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African bush. SEE MORE HERE
Burn Celebration Dinner
The Final Burn Celebration Dinner is included in the race entry fee, as well as in the Motorhome Driver Meals package and any supporter who is included in the Shamwari Safari Package. A limited number of additional tickets for the Final Burn Celebration Dinner for friends and supporters who do not have one of these packages will be sold closer to the event.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We strive to make your race experience unforgettable, from before you arrive in Knysna to after you leave Shamwari. We also aim to make it comfortable and seamless. Here are our most commonly asked questions on exactly this.
Nedbank Gravel Burn is an all-inclusive race, with all essential services made available for the riders by the race organisers. Should you wish to bring a private supporter, we recommend the motorhome option and purchasing a Driver Package.
Knysna is approximately 500km from Cape Town, a scenic 6 hour drive along the Garden Route. Most major car rental companies offer 1-way drop off options in Knysna.
If you are travelling to Knysna in your own car, we offer a car transfer service from the start to Shamwari so that it’s waiting for you at the finish.
The closest arrival airport is George (GRJ) with regular connections from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
From George airport it takes approximately an hour by road to Knysna. An UberXL costs around R1000 or you can book with our official transfer partner – their vans will fit bike boxes and bags.
Yes, our start location Knysna is a popular tourist destination and a great spot to kick off the trip, plus it’s a great town to stay a few days ahead of the race start, to relax and acclimatise before a big week, especially for those flying in from overseas!
For maximum convenience, book at our official race hotel, right near the startline. Info on this will be available soon. To get notified as soon as it becomes available, sign up for our newsletter.
Yes, you may opt for the Shamwari Safari Package, which includes two nights, game drives and a whole lot more. It would be an auspicious way to end your race and a magical spot to relax with the family after. There will be four lodges available as an add-on extra, from family focused, to ultra luxury. See our SAFARI PACKAGES above for more details.
MORE TO COME
KNOW ALL THE OPTIONS
Other optional extras and add-ons include pre-event accommodation in Knysna at the race hotel, bike service packages, massage, personal race nutrition, photo packages and more. If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter to be notified as soon as they become available.