Nedbank Gravel Burn has been a journey through the raw, untamed beauty of South Africa – seven days, 800 kilometers and every kind of weather the Karoo could conjure. From icy mornings and searing afternoons to dust storms and downpours, riders have battled through it all. And now, the race reaches its final and most extraordinary chapter: the finish line at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, one of the oldest conservation initiatives in the Eastern Cape.

Here, the gravel gives way to iconic African bushveld. Riders will cross the final stretch flanked by Shamwari’s legendary inhabitants, the Big 5. With buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion and leopard this might be the most unique and exciting finish line in world cycling.

Shamwari, means “my friend” in Shona. Stretching over a vast, malaria free landscape, it offers award-winning, tailor-made nature experiences and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. This five star reserve offers seven luxury lodges and direct access via Shamwari Air Shuttle (Beechcraft 1900D) via their private airstrip. It’s a sanctuary of comfort and conservation, where some riders swapped remote camping (albeit in large comfortable tents) tents for plush linen, fine dining and game-viewing tranquillity.

Shamwari’s legacy stretches back over three decades, beginning with a bold objective, yet there’s a next-generation approach to conservation. CEO Joe Cloete says, “The Eastern Cape was once teeming with wildlife, including the Big 5, just as they are currently further north in Southern Africa. Our long-term goal is to use modern methods to restore a balance of wildlife in the region. Awareness is a key part of that.” Last year Shamwari hosted 122 sky divers, landing in the reserve. “When (race founder) Kevin Vermaak and I first met, there was no doubt. To have 500 riders finish here after seven days, starting in Knysna and crossing the Karoo, Shamwari is the perfect finish.” 

Shamwari For Ruan Fick, Shamwari’s Chief Financial Officer and a long-time cycling enthusiast, the moment carries a personal meaning. “Kevin Vermaak and I sat around the table at one of our lodges over a year and a half ago,” he recalls. “It must have been one of the first conversations around the concept of a seven-day, 800km gravel ride. I’ve always loved cycling. I was riding these roads before gravel riding was even cool. And I just knew they were perfect for it. I ride every Saturday and Sunday to escape, to get away from spreadsheets.”

Speaking after Stage 6, Fick was still grinning despite seven days in the saddle. “I’ve been involved in the test rides and all the build-up and it’s just been amazing to see it all come together.”

His love of bikes is as intense as his passion for what Shamwari stands for. “A lot of people misunderstand conservation. You don’t just acquire land and put some animals on it. It’s about managing complex systems and making it all sustainable. We’ve been around for a long time and work with many reserves across Africa. The landscape and animal sightings here are very different from the rest of South Africa.”

Ruan jokes when asked what riders might expect on Stage 7. “Riding in Shamwari is a unique cycling and game-viewing experience. The lions haven’t eaten for a week, so that could make for a good media moment!”

Canadian pro Alison Jackson of EF Education-Oatly added to the excitement, checking zebra off her African adventure bingo card on the last stage. “We saw giraffe yesterday and zebra today! It was so magical. They were just running alongside us. I even ticked off a snake. All I need now is an elephant… but I’ve heard there are plenty around.”

At Shamwari, Nedbank Gravel Burn finished with fanfare as riders were welcomed across the line by traditional singers and dancers. But Saturday evening’s Burn Camp revelry will accompany the soundtrack of the wild – a fitting finale for an adventure that captures the very essence of Africa.