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.
RESERVING YOUR OPTIONAL EXTRAS
For ease of convenience, use the same email address used for purchasing your 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn entry.
GRAAFF REINET
For the smoothest start to your Nedbank Gravel Burn journey, we recommend arriving no later than Friday 23 October – especially if you’re travelling internationally — to enjoy this historic town, acclimatise and ensure all your equipment is ready for your 750km journey. Race registration will take place on Saturday and there will be a pre-registration programme. More info to follow.
GETTING TO THE RACE, AND HOME AGAIN
Whether you’re flying in or making the road trip, we offer a selection of travel-related extras to help simplify your journey to the start in Graaff Reinet and from the finish at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
If you’d like to get in touch with Graaff Reinet Tourism for local accommodation options, activities, or general town information, please visit their website directly or reach out to Nadia at gravelburnstay@graaffreinet.co.za. They’ll be best placed to assist with up-to-date recommendations and local insights.
Rider Registration | Union High School, Graaff Reinet | Saturday 24 October 10:00 – 16:00 Times are subject to change slightly
Fly In, Fly Out
The closest airport for scheduled flights is Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth (PLZ). Pre-event shuttles will operate from Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth Airport to Graaff Reinet (GR), with return shuttles running from Shamwari Private Game Reserve to Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth Airport after the event.
Gqeberha (PLZ Airport) to Graaff Reinet
Cost (Rider Only): USD 70 | ZAR 1190
Cost (Rider & Bike): USD 105 | ZAR 1690
Thursday, 22 October
| PLZ Departure Time | GR Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| 13:00 | 17:00 |
Friday, 23 October
| PLZ Departure Time | GR Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| 11:00 | 15:00 |
| 14:00 | 18:00 |
Saturday, 24 October
| PLZ Departure Time | GR Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| 09:30 | 13:30 |
Shamwari Private Game Reserve to Gqeberha (PLZ Airport)
Cost (Rider Only): USD 35 | ZAR 490
Cost (Rider & Bike): USD 40 | ZAR 590
Sunday, 1 November
| Shamwari Departure Time | PLZ Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
Remember to pre-book your shuttle and allow enough time for unexpected traffic delays when choosing your departure time from Shamwari. When booking, you’ll need to specify whether you are travelling with your bike or are sending your bike separately (see below), as pricing varies accordingly. All bikes must be bagged or boxed.
Note that some flights into Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth have limited capacity for bicycles, especially during peak event periods – make sure to prebook your bike with the airline and get written confirmation. We strongly recommend instead considering VIP Bicycle Logistics (see HERE) to help ensure your bike arrives on time and avoiding the risk of being delayed or left behind at Johannesburg or Cape Town airport.
Bike Transport
Make your travel to and from the event easier by letting Barend and his team at VIP Bicycle Logistics look after your bike transport. Follow the link below to secure your booking.
Cost: ZAR 1,550 (to the event & back from your selected bike shop)
NB for international riders arriving by air: Due to the limited capacity of the airlines to transport a large number of bikes on some of their domestic flights, VIP Bicycle Logistics offers a dedicated bike transfer service from both Johannesburg and Cape Town airports directly to Graaff Reinet. No matter which international destination you travel from, on arrival in South Africa, all passengers must collect their bags and clear customs at point of entry (usually Johannesburg or Cape Town). A representative of VIP Bicycle Logistics will meet you at international arrivals to collect your bike. Thereafter, you proceed to domestic check-in & departures with your other bags. Your bike will arrive in Graaff Reinet by 08:00 on Saturday, 24 October.
This service is available for flights arriving in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 21, 22 and 23 October until 12:00 (midday) sharp.
Cost: ZAR 895 (one way only)
Drive In, Drive Out
For many riders, the road trip is the best way to get to Graaff Reinet. The Karoo drive is part of the experience, wide horizons and plenty of good stops along the way.
🔥 Good roads deserve good music. Look out for the Nedbank Gravel Burn roadtrip playlist ahead of the event.
Car Carrier Service Drive to Graaff Reinet in your own car and have it waiting for you at the finish in Shamwari Private Game Reserve. We’ve partnered with Wise Move to offer a secure car carrier service.
Cost: USD 295 | ZAR 4899
Advantages:
- No one drives your car – your vehicle is securely transported on a carrier
- No added mileage – avoid the extra 250km of wear and tear
- No fuel costs – your tank stays full
- Peace of mind – your car arrives safely, with no road-time risk
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 email Wisemove if you have any questions related to your vehicle and this service offering.
arrive to thrive
Pre-Event Accommodation
To acclimatise to the Karoo and also to soak up the charm of this beautiful, quaint town, (with most spots conveniently within walking distance) we advise reserving local accommodation. We recommend contacting one of the below establishments for a comfortable stay in Graaff-Reinet.
Accommodation has been reserved for Nedbank Gravel Burn riders at Camdeboo Cottages and Profcon Resort. To secure your booking at either property, please mention that you are a registered rider when making your reservation.
Additional accommodation options can be found below.
| Sundays Karoo Guest House | Somerset Stables | De Kozhuise |
| Riverbend Cottages | Leopards Valley Guest Cottages | 34 on West *self-catering house |
| Langhuis Guest Housee | Karoo Cypress Cottage | Queen Manor |
Please reach out to Graaff-Reinet tourism at gravelburnstay@graaffreinet.co.za for further recommendations or assistance with bookings.
A tented village will be available at the Union High School fields from Friday, 23 October, offering 2- or 1-night stays.
Designed as a simple and convenient pre-event stay, the tented village has been created to accommodate overflow and provide a comfortable alternative for riders who are unable to secure accommodation in town.
1-Night Cost: USD 120 | ZAR 1990
2-Night Cost: USD 150 | ZAR 2390
For those wishing to explore the surroundings, we recommend visiting Eastern Cape Tourism for inspiration and practical travel information. Their official platform highlights a wide range of experiences across the region, from nature reserves and cultural landmarks to spectacular beaches and local attractions, helping visitors discover what the Eastern Cape has to offer beyond the race route.
EXTEND YOUR STAY SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
- Minimum two nights stay 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
- Beverages including selected local wines, beers, and spirits
- To customize 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
| Lodge | Approximate Distance from Burn Camp | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Long Lee Manor | 5–8 km | 15 min |
| Riverdene | 6–10 km | 15 min |
| Sarili | 8–12 km | 25 min |
| Sindile | 10–15 km | 30 min |
| Bayethe | 20–30 km | 45 min |
| Eagles Crag | 25–35 km | 45 min |
SHAMWARI AIR
After the race, Shamwari Air Shuttle offers exclusive, on-demand flights from Shamwari Private Game Reserve to Cape Town International and Johannesburg OR Tambo International. Enjoy private airport lounges and seamless transfers in custom-built Land Cruisers from Shamwari’s private airstrip directly to the lodges – every detail designed for comfort, convenience, and efficiency.
To learn more, visit Shamwari’s website directly.
YOUR WELL-EARNED RECOVERY
Hyperice
All riders will have access to a complimentary daily Normatec compression session, provided by our Official Recovery Technology Partner, Hyperice.
To get your hands on a pair of Normatec compression boots to help with your recovery after the long hours in the saddle preparing for the Nedbank Gravel Burn, please contact Danielle for deals exclusive to riders.
Massage Packages
For riders who prefer a hands-on approach, a limited number of professional massage packages will be available for purchase.
Cost: USD 360 | ZAR 5700
Each standard package includes:
- Six 30-minute sports massage following stage 1-6
- Treatments delivered by qualified therapists from Peak Wellness Events
- Strapping available if required
KEEP IT CLEAN
Laundry service
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 will be managed by small local laundromats with limited capacity. Laundry will be collected from and returned to selected Burn Camps along the route. If you book the laundry package, you will need to bring four sets of kit to ensure a fresh kit for each stage. Each bag may contain one full kit per wash – jersey, bib shorts, and socks.
COST: USD 65 | ZAR 990
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 Blaauwater (Bag A) |
| Stage 3 | #3 | Hand in Kit 3 in Merino (Bag B) |
| Stage 4 | #4 | Receive Bag A in afternoon |
| Stage 5 | #1 | Receive Bag B in afternoon |
| Stage 6 | #2 | – |
| Stage 7 | #3 | – |
FULL INDEPENDENCE
MOTORHOMES
We’ve pre-booked a limited number of 4-berth and 6-berth motorhomes with MAUI that can be allocated to riders on request. Bookings are made directly with MAUI (using a Nedbank Gravel Burn booking code for a special rider rate), or with another supplier of your choice. Once your motorhome is confirmed, you’ll need to purchase a motorhome parking package through us. The parking package includes meals for one driver. Availability is limited, so we recommend getting in touch early and we’ll take it from there.
4-BERTH MOTORHOME
- 2 comfortable double beds
- Automatic transmission
- Toilet and shower
- 80lt fridge capacity
- FULL SPECS HERE
6-BERTH MOTORHOME
- 3 comfortable double beds
- Automatic transmission
- Toilet and shower
- 80lt fridge capacity
- FULL SPECS HERE
BRING YOUR OWN SET-UP
- 7x8m parking space available in each Burn Camp (including Graaff Reinet from Saturday, 24 October).
- Full access to the Burn Camps.
- Driver meals included (all rider meals for one driver).
- Power supply.
- Toilet tank emptying facilities at appropriate facilities.
- Ablution facility access for riders staying in the motorhome area, plus 1 driver per vehicle.
- Riders staying in the motorhome parking area will receive all items included in the Race Entry Package, excluding access to a canvas tent.
- If you will be sharing one of these packages with another registered rider, please let us know the name(s) of the other rider(s) to ensure correct accreditation is allocated.
- Should you require a small sleeping tent for your driver, pitched within your motorhome parking space, these will be available to rent (USD 100 / ZAR 1 500).
- Please note: no dogs or pets are allowed, in respect of the farmland and livestock.
Motorhome Parking Package (including meals for 1 non-rider)
COST: USD 1800 | ZAR 29 990
MAUI 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.
- Pick up dates: 23 or 24 October
MAUI 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.
- Drop off dates: 1, 2, or 3 November
Burn Celebration
With the final stage starting and finishing at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, family and friends can join us exclusively for the Saturday to celebrate your finish at the Nedbank Gravel Burn. A limited number of day tickets will be available, allowing guests access to the finish celebrations including the awards dinner and Burn Celebration. More details and ticket options will be shared.
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.
COST: USD 90 | ZAR 1490
TECH SUPPORT SORTED
Tech support solutions during race week will be available:
Bike Build & Boxing Service:
Flying in for the race? Let’s take the pressure off. Experts will assemble your bike and have it dialled for performance – then repack it post-event so you can travel stress-free.
Dedicated Bike Service Packages:
A comprehensive service offering, with 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
More information to follow.
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
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.