The Zambezi Cycle Challenge is back for the second year in a row, taking place from 8 – 10 July 2016 in Zimbabwe’s adventure capital – Victoria Falls.
Building on the success of the inaugural event last year, it will provide both local and international riders the opportunity to test their skills on a uniquely challenging course, whilst experiencing the very best of the Zimbabwean wilderness.
Carving its way through the lush Zambezi National Park, and along the mighty Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, the route is 150km in length, with riders covering a distance of between 50 and 80km each day.
The route for Day One has changed dramatically from the 2015 event, and will start approximately 40km south of Victoria Falls, along the Bulawayo Road. Riders will then make their way swiftly back to the town on a combination of old elephant paths, hunting tracks, and along the Masue River banks.
Day Two is much the same as last year, beginning 40km from town enroute to the Kazungula Border Post and returning to Victoria Falls, skirting the edge of the Westwood Vlei, through the Zambezi National Park and along the legendary Zambezi itself.
Last, but not least, Day Three remains unchanged from previous versions of the Zambezi Cycle Challenge, commencing 30km out of town, downstream of the Falls. A mainly single track, and extremely challenging by nature, this route takes riders back to the finish line in Victoria Falls along the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Gear up for breath-taking views of the Zambezi River below, and closer towards the end of the route, of the iconic Smoke That Thunders.
Equally, if not more, important than the Zambezi Cycle Challenge route is the primary objective of the event: to raise funds for preservation of the environment and wildlife surrounding this Natural Wonder of the World. Beneficiaries include the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, and the Children in the Wilderness programme, an educational and life skills programme for children who live in villages surrounding the town.
Praising the technical challenges presented by the race, as well as the gorgeous region in which it takes place, Ilala Lodge Hotel’s very own Jim Brown explained: “This event is a mixture of tough trails, rolling Jeep tracks and majestic scenery all taking place in the Zambezi National Park amidst herds of elephant and buffalo and near encounters with lion.”
Even more so, he went on, “Safety is well covered by professional personnel and the overall organisation is first class making this THE ‘must do bucket list’ MTB event of Central Africa.”
To find out more about the 2016 Zambezi Cycle Challenge visit their website, and to book your accommodation in Victoria Falls before or after the event, simply contact Ilala Lodge on onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com or +263(13) 44737/8/9.
Image Credits: Zambezi Cycle Challenge website
