TRAVEL INFORMATION
GETTING TO AND FROM NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN
Nedbank Gravel Burn ventures deep into South Africa’s remote landscapes, however planning your journey to the start line in Knysna and getting home again from Shamwari Private Game Reserve should be straightforward. To ensure your trip to Nedbank Gravel Burn goes as smoothly as possible, check out the information we've compiled, including the most convenient and accessible travel routes and logistics suggestions (plus info on our Optional Extras like accommodation and transfers).
We recommend arriving no later than Friday, 24 October in Knysna – race registration will take place on Saturday 25 October, 10am – 3pm at The Moorings, our official race hotel. The earlier you arrive, the better — to enjoy Knysna, acclimatise with a warm-up ride and test your bike after reassembly to ensure your equipment is ready for your 800km journey.
Riders participating in the 2025 edition may make reservations at The Moorings on our Optional Extras page.
We recommend arriving at George Airport (GRJ), the closest to Knysna – approx. 1-hour drive.
Please book your shuttle directly with one of these providers:
The closest departure airport to Shamwari is Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth (PLZ) with regular connections to Cape Town and Johannesburg – approx 1-hour drive.
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 wish to pick up a rental car to travel around South Africa after the race, we recommend you book our airport bus transfer from Shamwari to Port Elizabeth airport on Sunday morning (2 November) and pick up your rental car at Port Elizabeth airport.
If you are travelling to Knysna in your own car, we offer a convenient, reliable car transfer service from the start to Shamwari so that your own car is waiting for you at the finish at Shamwari.
We’ve partnered with Wise Move to offer a secure car carrier service.
Cost: R4000 / $240 per vehicle
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 service applies to standard private vehicles only (including SUVs and bakkies). Buses, coaches, and commercial vehicles are not eligible for this service.
Riders participating in the 2025 edition may reserve these services via our Optional Extras page.
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: Cape Town City Centre
- 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: R1290 / $80
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 Shamwari / Gqebergha/Port Elizabeth – this airport transfer needs to be booked separately).
- Cost (bike only): Shamwari – Cape Town: R590 / $35
Includes: 1x bike boxed or unboxed. This offer is exclusive to riders who booked the transfer from Cape Town to Shamwari. Bikes will be available for collection in Cape Town on Monday afternoon and Tuesday.
Riders participating in the 2025 edition may reserve these services via our Optional Extras page.
Pre-event: For the ultimate in convenience, book at our official race hotel – The Moorings – right near the startline in Knysna.
Post-event: Spoil yourself and your partner – spend your last night at 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.
Riders participating in the 2025 edition may make reservations at The Moorings and Shamwari via our Optional Extras page.