The Founder of Cape Epic recently announced a brand new South African gravel stage race making it's deput in 2025. The 7-day event takes place in the Eastern Cape and all entries include a full service all-inclusive experience. We chatted with race coordinators to get a closer look at what this adventure will look like.
To learn more, visit Gravel Burn.
Gravel Burn is an upcoming 7-day, 850-kilometer (528-mile) full-service gravel stage race scheduled for October 26 to November 1, 2025, in South Africa. The event traverses the Great Karoo—a vast semi-desert region—and concludes at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
As a full-service race, Gravel Burn offers comprehensive support to riders, encompassing tent setup, meal preparation, bike cleaning, and more, allowing participants to concentrate on the ride and the experience. Each night, riders will stay in "Burn Camps," providing opportunities to relax, recover, and engage with fellow cyclists.
Q&A with event organizers:
What is the land and elevation like and what should people expect from October weather in South Africa?
Gravel Burn explores South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a region chosen to showcase the country’s most dramatic, remote, and under-explored landscapes. Starting in the popular seaside town of Knysna, the route winds through lush coastal forests and rolling hills before climbing into the semi-arid Great Karoo, renowned for its expansive plains, rugged passes, and breathtaking vistas. As riders approach the finish at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the scenery shifts once more into African bushveld—the home of the iconic Big 5 wildlife.
Spanning 850 km, the course offers a stunning variety of scenery and road surfaces—from wide, open “Champagne Gravel” to remote and narrow paths—with an elevation gain of approximately 11,000 m.
October marks late spring in South Africa, bringing mild and warm conditions. In Knysna and its surroundings, daytime temperatures typically range between 68-77°F, with cooler evenings. As the route transitions into the Karoo, riders can expect more extreme conditions: daytime highs can reach 95°F, while temperatures drop sharply after sunset, creating pleasantly cool evenings. Riders should prepare for these fluctuations with sun protection, hydration strategies, and warmer clothing for nights in the Burn Camps.
Who is This For and Will Non-Racers Feel Out of Place?
Gravel Burn welcomes both competitive cyclists and those drawn to gravel riding for the adventure, experience, and scenery rather than the podium. Elite athletes and seasoned gravel racers will relish the challenge of the course and the competitive field, while fit adventure enthusiasts will discover their own rhythm and joy in the landscapes, camaraderie, and immersive journey.
The Gravel Burn experience strikes a unique balance: demanding 'Karoo Days' of endeavour—tackling a challenging route and competitive field—followed by magical 'Karoo Nights' under pristine starry skies, with legendary local hospitality and fireside festivities as the antidote.
With full-service luxury camps, excellent locally sourced food and beverages, and engaging evening activities, riders of all paces and focus will feel at home. Generous time limits for completing each stage ensure participants can soak up the scenery and fully immerse themselves in the region, both on and off the bike.
What Role Does the Local South African Community and Cultural Play into Gravel Burn
Local South African communities play a central role in making Gravel Burn a truly authentic experience. The route passes through towns such as Knysna, Avontuur, Willowmore, and Graaff-Reinet, each offering rich cultural encounters. Riders will have opportunities to interact with local artisans, sample traditional South African cuisine, and explore the region’s history, heritage, geology, archaeology, and biodiversity.
At each overnight Burn Camp, participants enjoy true local hospitality—from live music and storytelling to dishes inspired by and sourced from the surrounding region. Gravel Burn partners with local businesses, farms, communities, and outreach programmes to deliver a memorable rider experience while promoting sustainable tourism and economic opportunities in these often-overlooked rural areas. By staying in these communities, riders directly contribute to the local economy, while the event’s media initiatives shine a spotlight on the cultural richness of the region.
What Will Karoo Nights in the Burn Camps Be Like?
The Burn Camps are more than just overnight recovery stops—they are the heart of what makes Gravel Burn unique. Designed to balance comfort, relaxation, connection, and camaraderie, the camps provide a welcoming refuge after a demanding day in the saddle.
Riders retreat to spacious, tented accommodations, where chef-prepared meals and the warmth of communal campfires await. The camps cater to all: there’s space for racers who want to prepare optimally for the next stage, but the prevailing atmosphere is one of camaraderie, storytelling, and shared adventure.
With massage services, bike technicians, and other essential amenities on hand, riders can choose how to spend their time—whether relaxing, connecting with others, or gearing up for the challenges of the day ahead.
