Gravel South Africa

Our gravel trips are made for gravel lovers who want to make a unique bike ride through one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The overwhelming flora and fauna make it a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ adventure. We cycle between 80 and 100 kilometers per day. Although we also get the necessary altitude meters for the wheels, it is perfectly doable for an experienced cyclist. We want to emphasize that Gravel Africa is not a competition. With us it is all about enjoying, in the saddle, but just as much when we rinse the dust from our lungs with a cold drink upon arrival at our lodge. Because we go on the road with a relatively small group (maximum 10 participants per trip), you really experience the trip together and that makes the experience even more beautiful.

Gravel Africa is part of Jouw Afrika Reis, a Dutch travel agency affiliated with the VVKR and VZR-Garant. In addition, we guarantee you a unique gravel experience. Our guides know the area like the back of their hand and ensure beautiful routes through varied landscapes day in, day out. Lush primeval forests, juicy vineyards, ‘western-like’ desert areas and deserted coastal roads; we encounter it all. We promise you an experience you will never forget. Everything has been thought of; personal guidance, varied routes, technical support, a follow-up car, two guides (including a Dutch-speaking one), delicious meals, comfortable, unique and small-scale accommodations. The only thing you will have to do yourself is cycle…

Don’t worry. We are supported by a support vehicle with technical support throughout the trip. Our guides are experienced mechanics and can usually fix a defect on the spot. A flat tire is plugged or replaced, a rattling derailleur is adjusted and a broken chain is expertly fixed. If it doesn’t work out, our support vehicle has bike racks. We are also supplied from the car, so no worries about running out of water. And if for whatever reason you are unable to continue cycling, you can always get into the support vehicle. That’s such a nice feeling.

We know the area we cycle through well. All accommodations where we stay are known and visited by ourselves. Sometimes it is a luxury lodge, then again a cozy guesthouse or cozy homestay. They have one thing in common: they are all accommodations where it is wonderful to recover after a day in the saddle; a nice shower, a wonderful bed and the next morning a generous breakfast. Take a look at the gallery for an impression of places where we spend the night. If a tailor-made trip is put together, the accommodations can of course be completely adapted to your own wishes and budget.

Yes, you can. You can bring your own bike on the trip. However, you will need a special bike case or bike bag. Checking in for the outward and return journey is easy via KLM. The advantage is that you ride a bike that you are used to. Of course, it is also possible to rent a gravel bike on the spot. We have good contacts and can arrange that for you. Our technically skilled guides can also adjust the rental bike to your size. In both cases, we will of course arrange the transport of the bike from the airport to the first accommodation and we will ensure that your bike case/bag is stored safely.

That is possible. We will put you in touch with the rental company we work with. They are gravel bikes from the brand specialized and there are a number of types available including the Diverge and the Crux, assembly also depends on availability. Bikes are well maintained and are regularly renewed. Bikes are rented directly by yourself, delivery and collection from the locations is further arranged in consultation with us.

Yes, this is possible if the availability of the accommodations allows it. Gravel Africa works with small-scale accommodations, such as lodges, guesthouses and homestays, and in some cases the availability of extra rooms may be limited.

Gravel Africa organizes the Cross Cape gravel trip twice a year at fixed times (April and November). The duration, program and maximum group size are fixed. In addition, we offer the possibility of tailor-made trips. Here you travel with a group of your choice (family, relatives, group of friends, cycling group, colleagues) and we put together a trip especially for you/you, tailored to your own wishes and needs. Because we have been organizing trips to South Africa for years, we can organize the perfect trip for every group.

Every day after breakfast we get on our bikes. On average we spend about six hours a day on our bikes. We stop regularly for a drink, a nice lunch or just to take pictures of the beautiful landscapes we cycle through. We usually arrive at our accommodation halfway through the afternoon. We usually still have enough time to take a nice shower, lie by the pool, have a drink on a terrace or explore the area. Sometimes we can decide to do something fun as a group. A few days a shorter cycling day is on the program. Then we are of course a bit more flexible.

Bikepacking is perhaps the ultimate gravel experience. For the time being, a bikepacking trip is not part of our standard travel offer. Such a trip is possible on a custom basis. Thanks to our good contacts, knowledge of the country and experienced guides, we can put together a bikepacking trip on request. If there is a lot of interest, we might include a standard trip in our offer. Feel free to inquire about the possibilities.

Yes. Before each trip we organize a get-together with the group. An information meeting at bicycle shop De Mechanieker in Zwolle is included in the trip. On this evening you will get to know your fellow travelers, you will receive more information about the Cross Cape trip and there is an opportunity to ask questions. Questions about, for example, the best preparation, suitable material or technical support can be answered immediately. Mechanic Henk Zuidema has a lot of knowledge and experience with gravel bikes and can advise us perfectly. In addition, we organize a Social Ride several times a year with De Mechanieker as the start and end point. That is also a good moment to get to know each other a little before we go on a trip together.

A gravel bike is ideal for the roads we will be riding on. You then combine the advantages of a racing bike (weight and comfort) and a mountain bike (tire width and control). The route can also be ridden with a mountain bike (hardtail), but we do not prefer that because of the weight and the greater rolling resistance of tires that are too wide. The roads we will be riding on are mainly gravel roads. A tire width of 40/45 millimeters and a tubeless set-up is perfect. We do not recommend a full-suspension mountain bike. We do have to conquer quite a few meters of altitude and with a bike weighing twelve kilos that is quite tough 😉

If you decide to take your own bike with you on your trip (which is preferred), a bike case is essential. You can buy one yourself (we have had good experiences with the Evoc brand), but they can also be rented from various providers. The bike sometimes has to be partially dismantled for transport. We can provide you with tips and advice. A ‘ticket’ for your bike can easily be booked (online or by phone). Upon arrival at our destination, we will of course arrange transport to the first accommodation. Together we will then neatly assemble our bikes. We will of course be happy to help you get the bike ready to ride. Our guides are technically skilled, so don’t worry!

On our Cross Cape gravel journey we will definitely encounter animals along the way. In the Diepwalle Forest we will most likely encounter monkeys (baboons). In the Kleine Karoo we will spot ostriches (ostriches) when we cycle between the vast ostrich farms. With a bit of luck we will even spot giraffes and zebras in private parks that we pass through. In addition, in the province of Western Cape you can spot beautiful birds, including the national bird of the country: Stanley’s Crane. It is good to know that it is very safe. We can enjoy all the wildlife to the fullest.

Yes, the areas where we cycle (in the province of Western Cape) are safe to cycle. We cycle mostly through nature reserves and small villages. The locals are very hospitable and friendly. Nothing to worry about. We also travel with two guides, including a local guide. He knows the area like the back of his hand.

The area we cycle in is the Western Cape province, roughly between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. DTP vaccination and Hepatitis A are recommended. It is best to contact the local GGD before your trip. They can provide you with the current advice. For example, you could consider Rabies, Yellow Fever and Hepatitis B, although this is certainly not necessary.

Yes, that is certainly possible and happens regularly! If you are in South Africa, it is very nice to extend your trip with a few days in Cape Town or a safari in a wildlife park. We are happy to explain the possibilities to you!