Enter · 2026
Getting there and home
The race starts in Robert Sobukwe Town / Graaff-Reinet and finishes at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, both in the Eastern Cape.
When to arrive
Arrive by Friday, 23 October, especially if you're travelling internationally. Registration is in person at Union High School in Graaff-Reinet (times may change slightly). Arriving early gives you time to enjoy the town, acclimatise and check your bike after reassembly.
Graaff-Reinet, founded in 1786, is South Africa's fourth-oldest town and was known by that name for almost 240 years. It has recently been renamed Robert Sobukwe Town, after the anti-apartheid leader who was born there.
- Recommended arrival in Graaff-Reinet
- Mandatory Registration, Union High School, Graaff-Reinet, 10:00–16:00
- Rider Welcome and Briefing, Union High School, 16:00 (don’t miss it: meet your fellow riders and Lapa mates, and get everything you need to know for the week ahead)
- Stage 1
- Stage 6, then the Night Burn at Shamwari
- Stage 7 and the Burn Celebration at Shamwari
- Breakfast, then departures (shuttles to Gqeberha airport)
Flying and shuttles
Fly into Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (PLZ), about 3–3.5 hours' drive from Graaff-Reinet and an hour from Shamwari. Our shuttles run from the airport to Graaff-Reinet before the race and from Shamwari back to the airport after it. Bikes on the shuttles must be bagged or boxed. Leave plenty of time for your flight when choosing a departure from Shamwari.
| Date | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, 22 Oct | 13:00 | 17:00 |
| Fri, 23 Oct | 11:00 | 15:00 |
| Fri, 23 Oct | 14:00 | 18:00 |
| Sat, 24 Oct | 09:30 | 13:30 |
| Date | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, 01 Nov | 05:00 | 06:30 |
| Sun, 01 Nov | 07:00 | 08:30 |
| Sun, 01 Nov | 09:00 | 10:30 |
| Sun, 01 Nov | 10:00 | 11:30 |
Getting your bike there
Domestic flights into Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth have limited space for bikes, especially in race week, and a bike left behind in Johannesburg or Cape Town at International Arrivals can cost you your start. VIP Bicycle Logistics take bikes to the start by road, in secure trailers. Bookings with VIP are now closed. If you've booked, this is how it works.
Bring ID: you show it and sign the register to collect your bike. VIP doesn't insure the bikes it carries, so check that your own insurance covers your bike in transit. VIP confirms each booking by email and adds you to a WhatsApp group for updates.
Not booked with VIP? Fly with your bike: book it with the airline and get written confirmation.
Driving
For many riders the Karoo road trip is part of the experience. Drive to Graaff-Reinet and have your car waiting at the finish: Wise Move transport it on a car carrier, so no one drives it, there's no extra 250 km of wear and no fuel cost. Standard private vehicles only (including SUVs, bakkies and vans).
USD 295 / ZAR 4,899 car carrier, Graaff-Reinet to Shamwari
Questions about your vehicle? Email Wise Move at [email protected].
Where to stay
Most places in Graaff-Reinet are within walking distance of registration. Rooms are reserved for riders at Camdeboo Cottages and Profcon Resort: mention that you're a registered rider when you book.
Other options: Sundays Karoo Guest House, Somerset Stables, De Kozhuise, Riverbend Cottages, Leopards Valley Guest Cottages, 34 on West (self-catering house), Langhuis Guest House, eKaroo Cypress Cottage, Queen Manor. For help, contact Graaff-Reinet Tourism at [email protected].
Tented village (bookings closed for 2026)
For overflow, a tented village at the Union High School fields from Friday, 23 October.
USD 120 / ZAR 1,990 one night
USD 150 / ZAR 2,390 two nights
After the race, stay on at Shamwari: see Optional Extras.