Optional Extras
While the entry fee covers everything you will need to enjoy the full Gravel Burn experience, from start to finish, we do also offer additional services for a little more comfort, convenience and even an extra treat. Additional nights at Shamwari Private Game Reserve and motorhomes will be available when entries open. More optional extras and add-ons will become available in March 2025.
OPTional Extras
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
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)
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 R5,500
Drop-off
Pick up 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 R8,000
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 Burn celebration party after stage 7 at Shamwari Private Game Reserve‘s Amanzi Burn Camp.
Alternatively, your driver may self-cater.
Please note that 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).
SHAMWARI SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Spoil yourself and your partner – spend your last night of 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
LONG LEE MANOR
Overlooking the magnificent plains of Shamwari, the newly redesigned Long Lee Manor boasts Edwardian styled suites and a stupendous rim-flow pool — elegance in nature. The accommodation is tastefully designed to enhance its location, while the Manor House has been lovingly restored to pay homage to the area’s rich heritage, adding a bit of romance to any stay. 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.
TRANSPORT AND TRANSFERS
BEFORE THE RACE: Transfer from George Airport (GRJ) to Knysna
The closest airport to the start is George, which has regular connecting flights from all South African International airports. Transfers can be booked directly with our local transport partner.
AFTER THE RACE: Transfer from Shamwari to Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
Our airport shuttles depart after breakfast on Sunday 2 December. If you are looking to extend your stay in South Africa, consider hiring a car at Gqeberha Airport (PLZ).
AFTER THE RACE: Personal car transfer from Knysna to Shamwari
- Drop your keys at registration and we will transfer your car to Shamwari, so you’ll have it waiting for you when you finish the race.
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.
The 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.