Africa Traveling

About
Gravel Africa

Curious about our unique cycling tours through Africa? Discover the most beautiful gravel routes and experience adventure, nature and culture by bike. Contact us and experience your dream trip!

Gravel Africa

Gravel Africa was born from a passion for adventure and a love for gravel bikes. What started as a small-scale travel agency specializing in tailor-made trips to South and East Africa, has grown into a unique combination of adventurous gravel trips and tailor-made dream trips. With a team of experienced guides and local experts, we organize unforgettable gravel trips through South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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accommodations

Gravel Africa selects only small-scale lodges and unique country estates that match the adventurous nature of our trips. Many of these accommodations are run by local communities, which ensures an authentic and hospitable experience. We choose our accommodations strategically, close to nature reserves and along the most beautiful gravel routes, so that after a day of cycling you can enjoy peace, comfort and a good meal in a special environment.

Wildlife

During the Gravel Africa tours we cross vast areas of wilderness where wildlife roams freely. Along the way we may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes, as we cycle through savannahs, mountain passes and along rivers. Our routes take us deep into the wilderness, where we have the unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat – a pure and unforgettable experience that only Africa can offer.

Culinary

Gravel Africa is not just about cycling, it is also about enjoying the local cuisine. Whether we dine in a charming lodge, cook together on an open fire or enjoy a freshly prepared meal in the field kitchen – every meal is an experience in itself. Our guides and chefs prepare nutritious and tasty dishes daily, inspired by African cuisine. After a long day in the saddle, a well-prepared meal tastes better than ever.

The origin

Gravel Africa was born from the combination of a passion for Africa and a love for gravel bikes. While he had been discovering the most beautiful gravel routes in the Netherlands for years, it soon became clear during a trip to South Africa that this country is a true gravel paradise. With in-depth knowledge of Africa and years of experience in the region, it soon became clear that the continent is a paradise for gravel riders.

Together with a small team, we have developed routes that take you through the most breathtaking and untouched areas of the continent. From the Cape Cross route in South Africa to epic trips along the Zambezi River and through the Namibian desert – every trip is a unique experience, in which adventure, nature and local culture come together.

Why Gravel Africa?

Why choose Gravel Africa? There are many reasons, but it all starts with the unparalleled diversity of the landscapes. From lush forests and rugged mountain passes to vast savannahs and endless gravel roads – Africa has it all.

But Gravel Africa is more than a standard cycling trip. With us, it’s not about hard kilometres and strict time limits, but about the experience. Enjoying nature, the friendly interaction with fellow travellers, special encounters with the local population and spending the night in unique, atmospheric accommodations. Every day brings new impressions, challenging roads and unforgettable moments.

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Gravel Africa & Songo: Cycling with Impact

At Gravel Africa, we believe in the power of sport to change lives. That’s why we partner with Songo, an inspiring youth development program in South Africa. Songo offers underprivileged children in Stellenbosch the opportunity to build a better future through education and mountain biking. With every Gravel Africa trip, we donate a fixed amount to this project and visit Songo, where we experience the children and their passion for cycling up close. This way, your adventure contributes to a lasting, positive impact.

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Voorbereiding & Community

Before each trip, we organize an information meeting in our ‘clubhouse’ De Mechanieker in Zwolle. Here you get the chance to meet fellow travelers and learn everything about equipment, training and preparation. In addition, we regularly organize Social Rides, so that you can already get a taste of the Gravel Africa community in the Netherlands.

Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime gravel adventure? Join Gravel Africa and experience the freedom of cycling through the most beautiful landscapes of Africa!

South-Afrika

The Cape Cross takes you on a breathtaking adventure through South Africa. In eight days you cycle over endless gravel roads, through rugged mountain passes and past vast vineyards, while enjoying spectacular views and the pure beauty of the country. With atmospheric accommodations, local specialties and perfect organization, this is an unforgettable experience.

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Namibia

The Gravel Africa Namibia tour takes you through one of the most pristine and rugged landscapes in the world. In eight days you will cycle on endless gravel roads, through vast savannahs and along deep river gorges, while enjoying the silence and pure beauty of the desert. With unique overnight stays under the stars and authentic local experiences, this is an adventure you will never forget.

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Zambezi

The Zambezi Gravel Tour is an adventurous journey along one of Africa’s most iconic rivers. In eight days you will cycle through vast savannahs, along the mighty Zambezi and over endless gravel roads, while spotting wildlife and experiencing the pristine wilderness. With unique overnight stays, a boat trip on Lake Kariba and a final game drive, this is a cycling adventure that you will remember forever.

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OUR GUIDES

René de Bruijn 🇳🇱

Product Manager & Gids

René is a guide during the Gravel Africa cycling trips and lets you discover the real Africa. “The nature, the landscapes and the animals are beautiful, but what I like most is the connections that are made on the bike. Pedaling together leads to special conversations – not just about cycling, but about life itself. With Gravel Africa you forget the world around you and enjoy yourself to the fullest.”

Youri Poelemeijer 🇳🇱

Medical Doctor & Gids

Youri is a guide during the Gravel Africa cycling trips and plays an indispensable role behind the scenes. “The nature, the animals and the landscapes are impressive, but the best part is the conversations on the bike. Cycling together connects, pushes boundaries and lets you fully immerse yourself in the moment. With Gravel Africa, it’s all about enjoyment.”

Jared Cavé 🇿🇦

South African Guide

Jared has years of cycling experience and feels completely at home in the African nature. “With his humor, relaxed character and knowledge of people, he makes every ride not only adventurous, but also unforgettable.”

Matt Lachenicht 🇿🇦

South African Guide

Matt is Gravel Africa’s local guide and knows the cycling routes of South Africa like the back of his hand. “My passion is sharing the beauty of Southern Africa and my love for cycling. Every second in the saddle, together with like-minded people, is a moment to enjoy.”

Marinus Wijnbeek 🇿🇦

South African Wine Guide

Marinus is from Stellenbosch and believes that South Africa’s wine culture is as diverse as the country itself. His wine tours introduce visitors to emerging, sustainable winemakers and undiscovered regions. “I love the soil, how microclimates shape the terroir. You can taste the soul of the land in every glass.”

Phil van Wyk 🇳🇦

Technical support

Phil Van Wyk is a born and bred Namibian with a passion for adventure. After studying Sports Science at Stellenbosch University, he started guiding 21-day overland safaris and fell in love with the outdoors. “Under the Namibian sky, around the campfire, all differences fade away – there is only you, nature and what really matters.”

How does it work?

  • Describe your ideal gravel trip
  • Travel expert René helps you put together your gravel trip
  • Satisfied? Time to pack your bike case!
  • Your gravel journey begins

Let's make your gravel dream trip through Southern Africa a reality​

Fill in the contact form and Gravel Afrika Reis will contact you as soon as possible.

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