TRAVEL INFORMATION

We recommend arriving no later than Friday, 23 October in Graaff Reinet – race registration will take place on Saturday 24 October. There will be a pre-registration programme plus warm-up rides to test your bike after reassembly. The earlier you arrive, the better — to enjoy the town, acclimatise and ensure all your equipment is ready for your 750km journey.

Riders participating in the 2026 edition may make reservations for pre-event accommodation when these Optional Extras become available 9 March 2026.

We recommend flying in to Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), the closest to Graaff Reinet (3–3.5 hour drive).
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.

The closest departure airport is also Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth (PLZ) with regular connections to Cape Town and Johannesburg. It’s about 60 minutes drive from Shamwari Private Game Reserve. We offer bus transfers from Shamwari to the airport on Sunday morning (1 November).

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.

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.

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.

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 and. Due to limited availability, a small selection of accommodation packages will also be available, along with a tented village from Friday, 23 October, onwards to ensure every rider has a comfortable place to sleep. The tented village offers 2-night 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.

Once the racing is done, there’s an excellent reason to stay. The post-event packages at one of Shamwari’s luxury lodges and an unforgettable safari experience give you space and time to relax in style, explore the magnificent reserve and wind down with loved ones after a big week in the Karoo. 

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.