Shamwari takes its name from the Shona word for “friend”. Inland from Gqeberha, near the village of Paterson, the 25,000-hectare reserve spans grassland, thicket and river valleys and is home to the Big 5. Its mission is to restore the land to the ecosystem that existed before farming and hunting drove the wildlife out. Riders arrive after the traverse from the Great Karoo into game country, sleep in the final Burn Camp inside the reserve, and close the week with a 94-kilometre loop.
The Route
A day of rare privilege. Riders race 76 kilometres from the open plains into bushveld and sprint for the line at a remote windmill. After a biosecurity stop, the gates of Shamwari Private Game Reserve open for gravel bikes: a 33-kilometre liaison through game country, as rangers keep watch for predators. In camp there is a moment to recover before the festivities: the Night Burn, an after-dark chase under the stars.
The Racing
The penultimate stage is a high-stakes battle over rugged ground. General classification contenders will fight for every second on the punchy climbs, knowing the chances to challenge for the win are running out. The pressure on the leaders will be relentless, and team tactics are likely to play their part ahead of Saturday’s final 94-kilometre test.
“We started in 1992, and the whole objective and vision of Shamwari was to rewild this part of the Eastern Cape. For 364 days of the year, you can’t ride here. This is a unique opportunity in a truly special and protected place.”
Big Five gravel
Wildlife at handlebar height
Rangers watching over the riders
The Night Burn
Map and profile
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Burn Camp
Race route
Padstal
Summit
PCToyota Power Climber
KMRed Bull KM
Technical descent
River crossing
Railway crossing
Finish
Paved
Gravel
Liaison
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Padstal
Summit
Technical descent
River crossing
Railway crossing
Finish