Expedition Africa – Explore Namibia and the Wonders of Africa
The 12th and final edition of Expedition Africa will take place in Namibia from May 24th to June 2nd 2024.
The previous edition was concluded only 5 months ago and served as the Adventure Racing World Championship 2023 Kouga, South Africa.
Although it is almost customary to skip a year after hosting a World Championship, when the opportunity presented itself for Expedition Africa to host an event in Namibia it was a chance which had to be taken. Namibia is so unique, and it is an area that has never been used before for an Expedition race.
The Namib Desert which forms part of the race route is the oldest desert in the World and stretches more than 2000 kilometres between Angola and Namibia.
The route has been finalised now and the total distance will be 487 kilometres, consisting of 33 km of kayaking, 336 km of mountain biking, 118 km of trekking, a 50 meter abseil and camel riding.
Namibia is vast and it is only possible to select a small area for a race of this nature. The area that was chosen connects some of the most iconic sights between the very special towns of Swakopmund and Windhoek. Many iconic da trips are possible from these towns, and teams can take these in the days between arriving at the finish line and the awards ceremony.
Entries close at the end of March so there is still time to be part of this iconic event.
Visit https://expafrica.net/expedition-africa-namibia-2024/ for details.
FACT SHEET
ONLINE ENTRY: https://expafrica.net/expedition-africa-namibia-2024/
TEAM FORMAT: Teams of 4 and team of 2
LOCATION: Namibia
DATES: Friday 24 May – Sunday 2 June 2024
REGISTRATION LOCATION: Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Windhoek.
FINISH LOCATION: The Delight Hotel, Swakopmund.
DISTANCE: 487 km (Mountain biking = 336 km, Trekking = 118 km, Kayaking = 33 km)
Turn the Race of Lifetime into the African Adventure of a Lifetime
A unique aspect of this event in Namibia is that by adding an extra week to your race you can visit, at a reasonable cost, all the iconic sights in Southern Africa. Teams can visit and experience the world renowned Etosha National Park, the Zambesi Region, Chobe National Park, Victoria falls, Zambezi White water rafting, adrenalin bungee jumping and the famous Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
Renting a self-drive 4wd vehicle, equipped with rooftop tents, will enable you to take a road trip as a group of 2 or 4 persons.
Planning a trip in this way will cut the costs dramatically of this once in a lifetime experience.
Contact Expedition Africa stephan@kinetic-events.co.za for more details or assistance on vehicle rental and upgrades to the suggested camping trip or itinerary.
Contact travel@gcnam.com for Gondwana Collection https://gondwana-collection.com/
The Race Directors have taken this trip, and can personally recommend it as a lifetime “must do” experience …
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Etosha is famous for its wildlife. The landscape is unique and varied and subsequently home to a wide variety of animals. Lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, zebra, eland and many more species of wildlife are found here.
ZAMBEZI REGION
The maze of islands and channels that make up the Zambezi Region can be attributed to four major rivers: the Cuando, Kubango, Zambezi, and Chobe. This network of water systems contributes to the immense concentration of wildlife here. This region is wedged between the countries of Angola, Zambia, and Botswana.
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
The tourist hub of Kasane is the gateway to the world-renowned Chobe National Park and its magical river cruises where teams can view endless herds of elephant, hippopotamus and buffaloes going about their daily life in the waterways, while you are meters away in your game viewing boat.
VICTORIA FALLS / ZAMBEZI WHITE WATER RAFTING
Victoria Falls also known as the “Thundering Smoke” is a waterfall on the Zambezi River. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, the Victoria Falls is classified as the largest, based on its combined width and height, resulting in the world’s largest sheet of falling water. The Victoria Falls are roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls and well over twice its width.
This trip you will do as day trip with a driver. Best is to leave you rental vehicle in Botswana. A half day rafting trip in the mighty Zambezi is a must. The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best White-Water Rafting River in the world. A deep channelled, high-volume river, the Zambezi has class 3 – 5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools.
OKAVANGO DELTA AND THE MOREMI GAME RESERVE
Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It’s the jumping-off point for the vast inland Okavango Delta. In the delta, safari camps dot the Moremi Game Reserve, which is home to hippos, lions, and rhinos. Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Deltabecomes a lush animal habitat during seasonal floods. Dugout canoes are used to navigate past birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles on waterways.
Expedition Africa Namibia. The race of a Lifetime and the End of an Era
Racers from 11 countries will line up at the start of Expedition Africa Namibia on Sunday May 26th for a unique non-stop, multi-day adventure race. Now in its 12th edition, Expedition Africa has been the iconic expedition-length adventure race on the African continent for 13 years, and this will be the last and the end of an era.
Twenty-five years ago, Heidi and Stephan Muller came into the sport of Adventure Racing as competitors. After 10 years of racing, this dynamic South African duo began organising short, urban adventure races that were loved by the local community. Seeing the need for more longer-distance events, they introduced 12 and 24 hour events, and then created Expedition Africa.
Last year, Expedition Africa hosted the 2023 Adventure Racing World Championships. With 109 teams representing 40 countries, this event was a celebration of competition, excellence, participation, and the coming together of different nationalities for the first World Championship held in Africa.
Instead of taking a year off after hosting the World Championship event, the Mullers embraced the opportunity to host one last Expedition Africa event in Namibia. For Namibian-born Heidi, it’s a fitting finale to Expedition Africa.
“This will be an emotional race for me,” she said. “Over the years Expedition Africa has taken our family to so many special places and introduced us to wonderful people from all around the world. It’s their support and love which has made Expedition Africa what it is and we felt that love at the World Championship last year when the world of adventure racing came together to celebrate with us.
“Hosting a World Championship in Africa was a dream come true, and might have been the time for Expedition Africa to finish on a high note, especially with the increasing demands of my role as CEO of the Adventure Racing World Series. But there was one more dream still to be fulfilled and that was an expedition race in Namibia!
“It’s the country of my birth and is so beautiful and spectacular, yet there has never been an expedition race there before. We had to have one last Expedition Africa, in Namibia!”
Expedition Africa Namibia
The race starts near Swakopmund, a small city that was founded by German settlers in 1892. With the Atlantic Ocean on its western edge and desert all around Swakopmund is embraced by the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert that meet the sea on this famous coastline.
The teams taking part have already been issued with a flow chart that indicates the order of the sporting disciplines – kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, rope work and camel trekking – and the distances. This chart aids the pre-race planning and packing of gear and food.
The total race distance is approximately 490 kilometres and the majority of this will be covered on mountain bikes (335km). The course, designed by Stephan Muller, will take teams into uninhabited areas which are seldom visited.
The starting 35km kayak leg will showcase the area’s coastal beauty. This bird-watching destination draws tens of thousands of coastal and marine birds from 150 species. Long-distance migrants from Europe and northern Siberia travel 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres to summer in the wetlands and lagoon around Swakopmund.
The anticipated trekking legs (120km total) will immerse the teams in the sands of the Namib Desert. One of the trekking legs includes additional teammates: camels! Teams can only hope that their camels are of a favourable disposition on race day!
In adventure racing, teams navigate by map-and-compass and the use of GPS devices is not permitted. Navigators will be challenged by the sometimes featureless terrain, and those following the event from the comfort of their homes through the live online tracking platform are certain to find themselves shouting at their screens, “No, not that way!”
Follow the race online with live GPS tracking and social media updates
Each team carries a SPOT GPS tracking unit. Family, friends and supporters around the world can follow their teams and watch the race unfold by keeping an eye on the live tracking through their computers or smart phones. Dot watching enables adventure racing to be a spectator sport as supporters can follow the progress of the teams from one checkpoint to the next throughout the day and night.
Photographers, videographers and journalists with the teams will provide followers with updates and imagery. Look for regular social media posts on Adventure Racing World Series and Expedition Africa social media channels (@expafrica and @arworldseries) and follow the race reporting on www.SleepMonsters.com
LEG 1 – KAYAK
DISCIPLINE: KAYAK DISTANCE: 33 KM |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START | Yacht Club |
CP1 | Vegetation boundary |
CP2 | Rail cart on pier |
CP3 | Beach at bird island |
FINISH – T1 | Restaurant |
LEG NOTES |
4h00: Bus, private vehicle departs to start area from Arebbusch Lodge. Teams who are driving to the Swakopmund finish line area with their own vehicles will be bussed to the start line as soon as all vehicles have arrived at Swakopmund. On arrival load finish line hotel luggage (with name tag) on transport provided. On arrival at the start teams will seal cellphones at marshal table. On arrival at the start teams will receive a flag for the flag parade from marshal. On arrival at the start teams will receive a SPOT Tracker from marshal. On arrival at the start teams will receive Map 1 for Leg 1 from marshal. Copy start area, CP1 – CP3 and T1 from the master maps. Coffee and tea and snacks will be served at the yacht club prior to the start. Kayaks and kayak bags will be placed on the beach. Team can choose any kayak; kayaks are not numbered. Prepare kayaks for the race before the flag parade and start. Leave lifejackets, paddles, and backpacks on kayaks. Pack empty kayak bag in to transport as indicated by marshal. Teams must attach an illumination device to each life jacket and front and rear of kayak before start. Wetsuit, dry suit and/or waterproof pants/suit are recommended for the paddle. Team must assess the weather conditions and water temperature on day to determine need. Pack onto kayak bag at T1. Life jacket compulsory on this leg. Race bib to be worn under lifejacket. Follow marshal instructions regarding the flag parade and start. The tide, water levels and channels will determine route of passage from Start to CP1 and CP2. Be aware and avoid ship and boat traffic on kayak leg. Avoid seals and jackals at CP2. They are wild animals. There will be three safety boats on the kayak leg. Flags will mark exit area on beach at T1. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T1 for verification. |
TRANSITION ONE – T1 |
Re-supply box A, kayak bag, medic, drinking water, toilets, and restaurant. NO electricity or sleeping facilities. |
LEG 2 – TREK
DISCIPLINE: TREK DISTANCE: 12 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 100 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 73 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T1 | Restaurant |
CP4 | Slipway parking lot |
CP5 | Wooden platform pillar |
CP6 | Palm tree boundary wall |
FINISH – T2 | Tree next to road |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T1 for verification. Collect Map 2 – Map 5 for Leg 2 – Trek and Leg 3 – Cycle from marshal at T1. Plot CP4 – CP13 and T2 and T3 from the master maps. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box in area indicated by marshal before departing T1. Collect empty kayak bag from marshal and place packed kayak bag in area indicated by marshal before departing T1. B2 – the main tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot walk next to the B2 road. The B2 road can only be crossed. Be careful on crossing the B2, the main tar road. Ensure compass is in hand from CP6 to T2. Sand gaiters recommended. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T2 for verification. |
TRANSITION ONE – T1 |
Re-supply box A, kayak bag, medic, drinking water, toilets, and restaurant. NO electricity or sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION TWO – T2 |
Re-supply box B, cycle box and drinking water.NO medic, toilet, electricity, restaurant or sleeping facilities. |
LEG 3 – CYCLE
DISCIPLINE: CYCLE DISTANCE: 55 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 521 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 401 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T2 | Tree next to road |
CP7 | Walkway on train bridge |
CP8 | Cycle track under bridge |
CP9 | Cycle track- fence corner |
CP10 | Cycle track junction |
CP11 | Stone cairn at track junction |
CP12 | Fence line at cycle track |
CP13 | Fence – Climb through |
FINISH – T3 | Resort |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T2 for verification. Helmet compulsory to be worn on head on Leg 3 – Cycle. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box in area indicated by marshal before departing T2. Place empty cycle box in area indicated by marshal before departing T2. Red flickering light on rear of cycle compulsory on this leg. MARSHAL WILL CHECK FOR LIGHT. Certain weather conditions can cause a sudden deterioration of the road surfaces overnight. Road surfaces can become significantly softer or harder and/or corrugated or smoother overnight. C34/M0044 tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot cycle next to the C34/M0044 tar road. Ensure no train on bridge when locating CP7. Be careful on desert single track, especially at night – sharp drops on tracks. Climb through fence at CP13. There are many more tracks in the desert, which are not indicated on the map. Navigate carefully. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hot water and coffee station at T3. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. |
TRANSITION TWO – T2 |
Re-supply box B, cycle box and drinking water. NO medic, toilet, electricity, restaurant or sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 |
Re-supply box A, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 4 – TREK
DISCIPLINE: TREK DISTANCE: 50 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 741 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 741 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T3 | Resort |
CP14 | Bush in riverbed |
CP15 | Grave |
CP16 | Bush in riverbed |
CP17 | Rock house |
CP18 | Tree at canyon bend |
CP19 – RE-SUPPLY BOX C | Control Point Campsite – RE-SUPPLY BOX C |
CP20 | Bush at black ridge |
CP21 | Cave |
FINISH – T3 | Resort |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. Collect Map 6 and Map 7 from marshal at T3 for Leg 4 – Trek. Plot CP14 – CP21 from the master maps. Marshal at T3 will indicate to teams the location of sleeping hall. Ensure the team carries enough food and water for Leg 4 – Trek. Leave the re-supply box A in same place as where the box was found on arrival at T3. The re-supply box does not have to be cable tied before departing T3. Leave cycles in transition area, do not pack cycle into cycle boxes if they arrive before leaving T3. RE-SUPPLY BOX C will be at CP19. Do not cable tie when leaving CP19, teams will see box again. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Sand gaiters recommended. Beware of scorpions. Check ground before lying down. Hot water and coffee station at T3. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 |
Re-supply box A, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 – ON RETURN |
Re-supply box A, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 5 – CYCLE
DISCIPLINE: CYCLE DISTANCE: 159 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 1816 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 922 M |
CONTROL POINTS ON THIS LEG: | DESCRIPTION |
START – T3 | Resort |
CP22 – RE-SUPPLY BOX C | Control point campsite – RE-SUPPLY BOX C |
CP23 | Gap in fence |
CP24 – RE-SUPPLY BOX D | Control point campsite – RE-SUPPLY BOX D |
CP25 | Power pylon on track |
CP26 | Tree at cemetery |
CP27 | Railway passage under road |
CP28 | Stone wall on hill |
CP29 | Big tree in riverbed |
FINISH – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. Collect Map 6 – Map 15 from marshal at T3 for Leg 5 – Cycle. Plot CP22 – CP29 and T4 from the master maps. Helmet compulsory to be worn on head on Leg 5 – Cycle. Leave re-supply box A in same place as where the box was found on arrival at T3. The re-supply box must be cable tied before departing T3 on Leg 5 – Cycle. RE-SUPPLY BOX C will be at CP22. (CP22 is the same location as CP19). Cable tie re-supply box on departing CP22. BEWARE: The route between CP22 and CP24 is “NO- MAN’S LAND”. It is full of emptiness, prepare. RE-SUPPLY BOX D will be at CP24. Cable tie re-supply box on departing CP24. Red flickering light on rear of cycle compulsory on this leg. MARSHAL WILL CHECK FOR LIGHT. Leg 5 is the longest of this event. Prepare well. Certain weather conditions can cause a sudden deterioration of the road surfaces overnight. Road surfaces can become significantly softer or harder and/or corrugated or smoother overnight. B2 – the main tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot cycle next to the B2 tar road. The B2 tar road can only be crossed. Be careful on crossing the B2, the main tar road. Ensure no train in railway passage under road when locating CP27. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hot water and coffee station at T4. Restaurant at T4 only open in normal trading hours. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 |
Re-supply box A, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION FOUR – T4 |
Re-supply box B, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 6 – TREK
DISCIPLINE: TREK DISTANCE: 15 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 544 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 544 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
CP30 | Old gravesite |
CP31 | Walk through cave under rock |
CP32 | Top of chain walkway |
CP33 | Tree in saddle |
CP34 | Gap next to gate |
CP35 | Narrow passage – side of mountain |
CP36 | Ropework crew campsite |
CP37– CP 37 NOT INDICATED ON MASTER MAP | Top of abseil – NOT INDICATED ON MASTER MAP |
CP38 | The Bridge – Hole in rock |
CP39 | Start of bush path |
FINISH – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. Collect Map 15 from marshal at T4 for Leg 6 – Trek. Plot CP30 – CP39 from the master maps. Rope work equipment and helmet are compulsory on Leg 4 – Trek. Leave the re-supply box B in same place as where the box was found on arrival at T4. Re-supply box B do not have to be cable tied before departing T4 on trek. Leave cycles in transition area. There is a gap on right hand side of gate at CP34 to pass through. Helmet on head from passing gate at CP34 until bottom of Abseil. See picture of CP35 – NARROW PASSAGE – SIDE OF MOUNTAIN below. Follow bunted route from rope work crew campsite CP36 to top of abseil CP37. CP37 not on map. There are two 50-meter lines at abseil. FIRST THERE – FIRST TO ABSEIL principal will be used. Teams who have missed CP’s on route to CP37 must give right of way to teams with all CP’s visited. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hot water and coffee station at T4. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. |
TRANSITION FOUR – T4 |
Re-supply box B, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 7 – CYCLE
DISCIPLINE: CYCLE DISTANCE: 122 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 306 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 1200 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
CP40 | Bush in riverbed |
CP41 | Reservoir |
CP42 | Tunnel under railway line. |
CP43 | 24 Hour fuel station |
CP44 | Railroad cement blocks |
FINISH – T5 | Resort |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. Collect Map 15 – Map 23 for Leg 7 – Cycle from marshal at T4. Plot CP40 – CP44 and T5 from the master maps. T5 and T3 are at the same location. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box in area indicated by marshal before departing T4 on Leg 7 – Cycle. Helmet compulsory on this leg. Red flickering light on rear of cycle compulsory on this leg. MARSHAL WILL CHECK FOR LIGHT. Certain weather conditions can cause a sudden deterioration of the road surfaces overnight. Road surfaces can become significantly softer or harder and/or corrugated or smoother overnight. Climb over the gate at the exit out of conservation area towards CP40, if gate is not staffed. There is a 24-hour fuel station at CP43 for food and drink purchasing. B2 – the main tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot cycle next to the B2 road. The B2 road can only be crossed. Be careful on crossing the B2, the main tar road. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. AVOID OPEN MINING PITS IN THE AREA SURROUNDING CP41. AVOID TOWN AT CP43. Hot water and coffee station at T5. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T5 for verification. |
TRANSITION FOUR – T4 |
Re-supply box B, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION FIVE – T5 |
Re-supply box A, re-supply box C, re-supply box D, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, food and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 8 – TREK + CAMEL
DISCIPLINE: TREK + CAMEL TREK DISTANCE: 42 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 324 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 460 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T5 | Resort |
CP45 | Inside ruin |
CP46 | Bush in canyon bend |
CP47 | Power pylon between black ridges |
CP48 | Fence line corner |
CP49 – Start of Camel Trek | Bush in riverbed – Start of Camel Trek |
CP50 – End of Camel Trek | Fence line under bridge – End of Camel Trek |
CP51 | Vegetation boundary on beach |
CP52 | End of pier |
CP53 | Benches at slipway |
FINISH | Hotel entrance |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T5 for verification. Collect Map 24 – Map 25 for Leg 8 – Trek from marshal at T5. Plot CP45 – CP54 and FINISH from the master map. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box A, re-supply box C and re-supply box D in the area indicated by marshal before departing T5. Place packed cycle box in the area indicated by marshal before departing T5. Report to camel riding crew at CP49, stay on or with camel until CP50. One guide will lead the front camel on foot. In the event of “unwilling” camels, team times will be adjusted, if required. Leave camels with camel guide at CP50 and proceed on foot to CP51. Helmet compulsory to be worn on head only from CP49 to CP50 when camel riding. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at Finish for verification. Hand in SPOT GPS Tracker to marshal on arrival at Finish for verification. Teams not staying at Finish Resort will be transported to their accommodation. |
TRANSITION FIVE – T5 |
Re-supply box A, re-supply box C, re-supply box D, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
FINISH |
Event News
The 12th and final edition of Expedition Africa will take place in Namibia from May 24th to June 2nd 2024.
The previous edition was concluded only 5 months ago and served as the Adventure Racing World Championship 2023 Kouga, South Africa.
Although it is almost customary to skip a year after hosting a World Championship, when the opportunity presented itself for Expedition Africa to host an event in Namibia it was a chance which had to be taken. Namibia is so unique, and it is an area that has never been used before for an Expedition race.
The Namib Desert which forms part of the race route is the oldest desert in the World and stretches more than 2000 kilometres between Angola and Namibia.
The route has been finalised now and the total distance will be 487 kilometres, consisting of 33 km of kayaking, 336 km of mountain biking, 118 km of trekking, a 50 meter abseil and camel riding.
Namibia is vast and it is only possible to select a small area for a race of this nature. The area that was chosen connects some of the most iconic sights between the very special towns of Swakopmund and Windhoek. Many iconic da trips are possible from these towns, and teams can take these in the days between arriving at the finish line and the awards ceremony.
Entries close at the end of March so there is still time to be part of this iconic event.
Visit https://expafrica.net/expedition-africa-namibia-2024/ for details.
FACT SHEET
ONLINE ENTRY: https://expafrica.net/expedition-africa-namibia-2024/
TEAM FORMAT: Teams of 4 and team of 2
LOCATION: Namibia
DATES: Friday 24 May – Sunday 2 June 2024
REGISTRATION LOCATION: Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Windhoek.
FINISH LOCATION: The Delight Hotel, Swakopmund.
DISTANCE: 487 km (Mountain biking = 336 km, Trekking = 118 km, Kayaking = 33 km)
Turn the Race of Lifetime into the African Adventure of a Lifetime
A unique aspect of this event in Namibia is that by adding an extra week to your race you can visit, at a reasonable cost, all the iconic sights in Southern Africa. Teams can visit and experience the world renowned Etosha National Park, the Zambesi Region, Chobe National Park, Victoria falls, Zambezi White water rafting, adrenalin bungee jumping and the famous Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
Renting a self-drive 4wd vehicle, equipped with rooftop tents, will enable you to take a road trip as a group of 2 or 4 persons.
Planning a trip in this way will cut the costs dramatically of this once in a lifetime experience.
Contact Expedition Africa stephan@kinetic-events.co.za for more details or assistance on vehicle rental and upgrades to the suggested camping trip or itinerary.
Contact travel@gcnam.com for Gondwana Collection https://gondwana-collection.com/
The Race Directors have taken this trip, and can personally recommend it as a lifetime “must do” experience …
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Etosha is famous for its wildlife. The landscape is unique and varied and subsequently home to a wide variety of animals. Lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, zebra, eland and many more species of wildlife are found here.
ZAMBEZI REGION
The maze of islands and channels that make up the Zambezi Region can be attributed to four major rivers: the Cuando, Kubango, Zambezi, and Chobe. This network of water systems contributes to the immense concentration of wildlife here. This region is wedged between the countries of Angola, Zambia, and Botswana.
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
The tourist hub of Kasane is the gateway to the world-renowned Chobe National Park and its magical river cruises where teams can view endless herds of elephant, hippopotamus and buffaloes going about their daily life in the waterways, while you are meters away in your game viewing boat.
VICTORIA FALLS / ZAMBEZI WHITE WATER RAFTING
Victoria Falls also known as the “Thundering Smoke” is a waterfall on the Zambezi River. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, the Victoria Falls is classified as the largest, based on its combined width and height, resulting in the world’s largest sheet of falling water. The Victoria Falls are roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls and well over twice its width.
This trip you will do as day trip with a driver. Best is to leave you rental vehicle in Botswana. A half day rafting trip in the mighty Zambezi is a must. The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best White-Water Rafting River in the world. A deep channelled, high-volume river, the Zambezi has class 3 – 5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools.
OKAVANGO DELTA AND THE MOREMI GAME RESERVE
Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It’s the jumping-off point for the vast inland Okavango Delta. In the delta, safari camps dot the Moremi Game Reserve, which is home to hippos, lions, and rhinos. Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Deltabecomes a lush animal habitat during seasonal floods. Dugout canoes are used to navigate past birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles on waterways.
Expedition Africa – Explore Namibia and the Wonders of Africa
Racers from 11 countries will line up at the start of Expedition Africa Namibia on Sunday May 26th for a unique non-stop, multi-day adventure race. Now in its 12th edition, Expedition Africa has been the iconic expedition-length adventure race on the African continent for 13 years, and this will be the last and the end of an era.
Twenty-five years ago, Heidi and Stephan Muller came into the sport of Adventure Racing as competitors. After 10 years of racing, this dynamic South African duo began organising short, urban adventure races that were loved by the local community. Seeing the need for more longer-distance events, they introduced 12 and 24 hour events, and then created Expedition Africa.
Last year, Expedition Africa hosted the 2023 Adventure Racing World Championships. With 109 teams representing 40 countries, this event was a celebration of competition, excellence, participation, and the coming together of different nationalities for the first World Championship held in Africa.
Instead of taking a year off after hosting the World Championship event, the Mullers embraced the opportunity to host one last Expedition Africa event in Namibia. For Namibian-born Heidi, it’s a fitting finale to Expedition Africa.
“This will be an emotional race for me,” she said. “Over the years Expedition Africa has taken our family to so many special places and introduced us to wonderful people from all around the world. It’s their support and love which has made Expedition Africa what it is and we felt that love at the World Championship last year when the world of adventure racing came together to celebrate with us.
“Hosting a World Championship in Africa was a dream come true, and might have been the time for Expedition Africa to finish on a high note, especially with the increasing demands of my role as CEO of the Adventure Racing World Series. But there was one more dream still to be fulfilled and that was an expedition race in Namibia!
“It’s the country of my birth and is so beautiful and spectacular, yet there has never been an expedition race there before. We had to have one last Expedition Africa, in Namibia!”
Expedition Africa Namibia
The race starts near Swakopmund, a small city that was founded by German settlers in 1892. With the Atlantic Ocean on its western edge and desert all around Swakopmund is embraced by the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert that meet the sea on this famous coastline.
The teams taking part have already been issued with a flow chart that indicates the order of the sporting disciplines – kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, rope work and camel trekking – and the distances. This chart aids the pre-race planning and packing of gear and food.
The total race distance is approximately 490 kilometres and the majority of this will be covered on mountain bikes (335km). The course, designed by Stephan Muller, will take teams into uninhabited areas which are seldom visited.
The starting 35km kayak leg will showcase the area’s coastal beauty. This bird-watching destination draws tens of thousands of coastal and marine birds from 150 species. Long-distance migrants from Europe and northern Siberia travel 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres to summer in the wetlands and lagoon around Swakopmund.
The anticipated trekking legs (120km total) will immerse the teams in the sands of the Namib Desert. One of the trekking legs includes additional teammates: camels! Teams can only hope that their camels are of a favourable disposition on race day!
In adventure racing, teams navigate by map-and-compass and the use of GPS devices is not permitted. Navigators will be challenged by the sometimes featureless terrain, and those following the event from the comfort of their homes through the live online tracking platform are certain to find themselves shouting at their screens, “No, not that way!”
Follow the race online with live GPS tracking and social media updates
Each team carries a SPOT GPS tracking unit. Family, friends and supporters around the world can follow their teams and watch the race unfold by keeping an eye on the live tracking through their computers or smart phones. Dot watching enables adventure racing to be a spectator sport as supporters can follow the progress of the teams from one checkpoint to the next throughout the day and night.
Photographers, videographers and journalists with the teams will provide followers with updates and imagery. Look for regular social media posts on Adventure Racing World Series and Expedition Africa social media channels (@expafrica and @arworldseries) and follow the race reporting on www.SleepMonsters.com
Expedition Africa Namibia. The race of a Lifetime and the End of an Era
Route Information
DISCIPLINE: KAYAK DISTANCE: 33 KM |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START | Yacht Club |
CP1 | Vegetation boundary |
CP2 | Rail cart on pier |
CP3 | Beach at bird island |
FINISH – T1 | Restaurant |
LEG NOTES |
4h00: Bus, private vehicle departs to start area from Arebbusch Lodge. Teams who are driving to the Swakopmund finish line area with their own vehicles will be bussed to the start line as soon as all vehicles have arrived at Swakopmund. On arrival load finish line hotel luggage (with name tag) on transport provided. On arrival at the start teams will seal cellphones at marshal table. On arrival at the start teams will receive a flag for the flag parade from marshal. On arrival at the start teams will receive a SPOT Tracker from marshal. On arrival at the start teams will receive Map 1 for Leg 1 from marshal. Copy start area, CP1 – CP3 and T1 from the master maps. Coffee and tea and snacks will be served at the yacht club prior to the start. Kayaks and kayak bags will be placed on the beach. Team can choose any kayak; kayaks are not numbered. Prepare kayaks for the race before the flag parade and start. Leave lifejackets, paddles, and backpacks on kayaks. Pack empty kayak bag in to transport as indicated by marshal. Teams must attach an illumination device to each life jacket and front and rear of kayak before start. Wetsuit, dry suit and/or waterproof pants/suit are recommended for the paddle. Team must assess the weather conditions and water temperature on day to determine need. Pack onto kayak bag at T1. Life jacket compulsory on this leg. Race bib to be worn under lifejacket. Follow marshal instructions regarding the flag parade and start. The tide, water levels and channels will determine route of passage from Start to CP1 and CP2. Be aware and avoid ship and boat traffic on kayak leg. Avoid seals and jackals at CP2. They are wild animals. There will be three safety boats on the kayak leg. Flags will mark exit area on beach at T1. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T1 for verification. |
TRANSITION ONE – T1 |
Re-supply box A, kayak bag, medic, drinking water, toilets, and restaurant. NO electricity or sleeping facilities. |
LEG 1 – KAYAK
DISCIPLINE: TREK DISTANCE: 12 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 100 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 73 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T1 | Restaurant |
CP4 | Slipway parking lot |
CP5 | Wooden platform pillar |
CP6 | Palm tree boundary wall |
FINISH – T2 | Tree next to road |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T1 for verification. Collect Map 2 – Map 5 for Leg 2 – Trek and Leg 3 – Cycle from marshal at T1. Plot CP4 – CP13 and T2 and T3 from the master maps. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box in area indicated by marshal before departing T1. Collect empty kayak bag from marshal and place packed kayak bag in area indicated by marshal before departing T1. B2 – the main tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot walk next to the B2 road. The B2 road can only be crossed. Be careful on crossing the B2, the main tar road. Ensure compass is in hand from CP6 to T2. Sand gaiters recommended. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T2 for verification. |
TRANSITION ONE – T1 |
Re-supply box A, kayak bag, medic, drinking water, toilets, and restaurant. NO electricity or sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION TWO – T2 |
Re-supply box B, cycle box and drinking water.NO medic, toilet, electricity, restaurant or sleeping facilities. |
LEG 2 – TREK
DISCIPLINE: CYCLE DISTANCE: 55 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 521 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 401 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T2 | Tree next to road |
CP7 | Walkway on train bridge |
CP8 | Cycle track under bridge |
CP9 | Cycle track- fence corner |
CP10 | Cycle track junction |
CP11 | Stone cairn at track junction |
CP12 | Fence line at cycle track |
CP13 | Fence – Climb through |
FINISH – T3 | Resort |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T2 for verification. Helmet compulsory to be worn on head on Leg 3 – Cycle. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box in area indicated by marshal before departing T2. Place empty cycle box in area indicated by marshal before departing T2. Red flickering light on rear of cycle compulsory on this leg. MARSHAL WILL CHECK FOR LIGHT. Certain weather conditions can cause a sudden deterioration of the road surfaces overnight. Road surfaces can become significantly softer or harder and/or corrugated or smoother overnight. C34/M0044 tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot cycle next to the C34/M0044 tar road. Ensure no train on bridge when locating CP7. Be careful on desert single track, especially at night – sharp drops on tracks. Climb through fence at CP13. There are many more tracks in the desert, which are not indicated on the map. Navigate carefully. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hot water and coffee station at T3. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. |
TRANSITION TWO – T2 |
Re-supply box B, cycle box and drinking water. NO medic, toilet, electricity, restaurant or sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 |
Re-supply box A, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 3 – CYCLE
DISCIPLINE: TREK DISTANCE: 50 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 741 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 741 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T3 | Resort |
CP14 | Bush in riverbed |
CP15 | Grave |
CP16 | Bush in riverbed |
CP17 | Rock house |
CP18 | Tree at canyon bend |
CP19 – RE-SUPPLY BOX C | Control Point Campsite – RE-SUPPLY BOX C |
CP20 | Bush at black ridge |
CP21 | Cave |
FINISH – T3 | Resort |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. Collect Map 6 and Map 7 from marshal at T3 for Leg 4 – Trek. Plot CP14 – CP21 from the master maps. Marshal at T3 will indicate to teams the location of sleeping hall. Ensure the team carries enough food and water for Leg 4 – Trek. Leave the re-supply box A in same place as where the box was found on arrival at T3. The re-supply box does not have to be cable tied before departing T3. Leave cycles in transition area, do not pack cycle into cycle boxes if they arrive before leaving T3. RE-SUPPLY BOX C will be at CP19. Do not cable tie when leaving CP19, teams will see box again. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Sand gaiters recommended. Beware of scorpions. Check ground before lying down. Hot water and coffee station at T3. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 |
Re-supply box A, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 – ON RETURN |
Re-supply box A, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 4 – TREK
DISCIPLINE: CYCLE DISTANCE: 159 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 1816 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 922 M |
CONTROL POINTS ON THIS LEG: | DESCRIPTION |
START – T3 | Resort |
CP22 – RE-SUPPLY BOX C | Control point campsite – RE-SUPPLY BOX C |
CP23 | Gap in fence |
CP24 – RE-SUPPLY BOX D | Control point campsite – RE-SUPPLY BOX D |
CP25 | Power pylon on track |
CP26 | Tree at cemetery |
CP27 | Railway passage under road |
CP28 | Stone wall on hill |
CP29 | Big tree in riverbed |
FINISH – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T3 for verification. Collect Map 6 – Map 15 from marshal at T3 for Leg 5 – Cycle. Plot CP22 – CP29 and T4 from the master maps. Helmet compulsory to be worn on head on Leg 5 – Cycle. Leave re-supply box A in same place as where the box was found on arrival at T3. The re-supply box must be cable tied before departing T3 on Leg 5 – Cycle. RE-SUPPLY BOX C will be at CP22. (CP22 is the same location as CP19). Cable tie re-supply box on departing CP22. BEWARE: The route between CP22 and CP24 is “NO- MAN’S LAND”. It is full of emptiness, prepare. RE-SUPPLY BOX D will be at CP24. Cable tie re-supply box on departing CP24. Red flickering light on rear of cycle compulsory on this leg. MARSHAL WILL CHECK FOR LIGHT. Leg 5 is the longest of this event. Prepare well. Certain weather conditions can cause a sudden deterioration of the road surfaces overnight. Road surfaces can become significantly softer or harder and/or corrugated or smoother overnight. B2 – the main tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot cycle next to the B2 tar road. The B2 tar road can only be crossed. Be careful on crossing the B2, the main tar road. Ensure no train in railway passage under road when locating CP27. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hot water and coffee station at T4. Restaurant at T4 only open in normal trading hours. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. |
TRANSITION THREE – T3 |
Re-supply box A, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION FOUR – T4 |
Re-supply box B, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 5 – CYCLE
DISCIPLINE: TREK DISTANCE: 15 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 544 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 544 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
CP30 | Old gravesite |
CP31 | Walk through cave under rock |
CP32 | Top of chain walkway |
CP33 | Tree in saddle |
CP34 | Gap next to gate |
CP35 | Narrow passage – side of mountain |
CP36 | Ropework crew campsite |
CP37– CP 37 NOT INDICATED ON MASTER MAP | Top of abseil – NOT INDICATED ON MASTER MAP |
CP38 | The Bridge – Hole in rock |
CP39 | Start of bush path |
FINISH – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. Collect Map 15 from marshal at T4 for Leg 6 – Trek. Plot CP30 – CP39 from the master maps. Rope work equipment and helmet are compulsory on Leg 4 – Trek. Leave the re-supply box B in same place as where the box was found on arrival at T4. Re-supply box B do not have to be cable tied before departing T4 on trek. Leave cycles in transition area. There is a gap on right hand side of gate at CP34 to pass through. Helmet on head from passing gate at CP34 until bottom of Abseil. See picture of CP35 – NARROW PASSAGE – SIDE OF MOUNTAIN below. Follow bunted route from rope work crew campsite CP36 to top of abseil CP37. CP37 not on map. There are two 50-meter lines at abseil. FIRST THERE – FIRST TO ABSEIL principal will be used. Teams who have missed CP’s on route to CP37 must give right of way to teams with all CP’s visited. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hot water and coffee station at T4. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. |
TRANSITION FOUR – T4 |
Re-supply box B, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 6 – TREK
DISCIPLINE: CYCLE DISTANCE: 122 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 306 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 1200 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T4 | Campsite restaurant |
CP40 | Bush in riverbed |
CP41 | Reservoir |
CP42 | Tunnel under railway line. |
CP43 | 24 Hour fuel station |
CP44 | Railroad cement blocks |
FINISH – T5 | Resort |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T4 for verification. Collect Map 15 – Map 23 for Leg 7 – Cycle from marshal at T4. Plot CP40 – CP44 and T5 from the master maps. T5 and T3 are at the same location. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box in area indicated by marshal before departing T4 on Leg 7 – Cycle. Helmet compulsory on this leg. Red flickering light on rear of cycle compulsory on this leg. MARSHAL WILL CHECK FOR LIGHT. Certain weather conditions can cause a sudden deterioration of the road surfaces overnight. Road surfaces can become significantly softer or harder and/or corrugated or smoother overnight. Climb over the gate at the exit out of conservation area towards CP40, if gate is not staffed. There is a 24-hour fuel station at CP43 for food and drink purchasing. B2 – the main tar road, cannot be used as a route choice. Teams cannot cycle next to the B2 road. The B2 road can only be crossed. Be careful on crossing the B2, the main tar road. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. AVOID OPEN MINING PITS IN THE AREA SURROUNDING CP41. AVOID TOWN AT CP43. Hot water and coffee station at T5. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T5 for verification. |
TRANSITION FOUR – T4 |
Re-supply box B, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
TRANSITION FIVE – T5 |
Re-supply box A, re-supply box C, re-supply box D, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, food and sleeping facilities. |
LEG 7 – CYCLE
DISCIPLINE: TREK + CAMEL TREK DISTANCE: 42 KM ELEVATION GAIN: + 324 M ELEVATION LOSS: – 460 M |
CONTROL POINTS | DESCRIPTION |
START – T5 | Resort |
CP45 | Inside ruin |
CP46 | Bush in canyon bend |
CP47 | Power pylon between black ridges |
CP48 | Fence line corner |
CP49 – Start of Camel Trek | Bush in riverbed – Start of Camel Trek |
CP50 – End of Camel Trek | Fence line under bridge – End of Camel Trek |
CP51 | Vegetation boundary on beach |
CP52 | End of pier |
CP53 | Benches at slipway |
FINISH | Hotel entrance |
LEG NOTES |
Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at T5 for verification. Collect Map 24 – Map 25 for Leg 8 – Trek from marshal at T5. Plot CP45 – CP54 and FINISH from the master map. Place packed and cable tied re-supply box A, re-supply box C and re-supply box D in the area indicated by marshal before departing T5. Place packed cycle box in the area indicated by marshal before departing T5. Report to camel riding crew at CP49, stay on or with camel until CP50. One guide will lead the front camel on foot. In the event of “unwilling” camels, team times will be adjusted, if required. Leave camels with camel guide at CP50 and proceed on foot to CP51. Helmet compulsory to be worn on head only from CP49 to CP50 when camel riding. AVOID RED DEMARCATED AREAS ON MAP. Hand in passport to marshal on arrival at Finish for verification. Hand in SPOT GPS Tracker to marshal on arrival at Finish for verification. Teams not staying at Finish Resort will be transported to their accommodation. |
TRANSITION FIVE – T5 |
Re-supply box A, re-supply box C, re-supply box D, cycle box, medic, drinking water, toilets, electricity, restaurant and sleeping facilities. |
FINISH |