According to Boyd Varty (who has some experience and says this with a wry smile), “you probably won’t be into this.”
One of Africa’s lowest human populations. Herds of gemsbok and migrating desert elephant. Exceptionally beautiful grasslands and open, rocky expanses that melt into the horizon. Camping under starlight. And of course, the largest free-ranging desert-adapted black rhino population in Namibia.
No, probably not for you (he said).
But, on the off-chance that any of that did pique your interest, then how about this for an adventure; an exclusive adventure that is open to the public for the first time since its inception in 2009:
Challenge4ACause 2015 will see 16 riders given the privileged opportunity to cycle through the Damaraland desert in Namibia, terrain that is accessible to only a handful of people each year. The 6-day cycling journey sees these lucky few negotiate 336 kilometres in this journey of a lifetime, supported by a fully qualified back up crew.
Long days in the saddle seem short when you silently glide through the vast desert scenery.
Golden savannahs and outlandish geometric formations are the cornerstone of the Damaraland desert.
Setting up camp after a hard day’s riding knowing that you are spending the rest of the evening on one of the most remote places on Earth.
Over the years, members of the Londolozi team – including Boyd Varty and Richard Laburn – have been invited to take part in this event, and we are thrilled that this year, a limited number of spots have been made available to the public.
While the adventure is awe-inspiring, this event is all about fierce long-term loyalty to two causes in particular. The aim this year is to raise R1 million for the Wildlife ACT Fund and for Good Work Foundation (GWF). The Wildlife ACT Fund is focused on endangered species protection including the desert-adapted black rhinos of the Damaraland region, while the GWF – which you have probably read about on our blog – promotes digital learning in rural communities throughout South Africa.
Panoramic view of the Huab River, home to Gemsbok, Elephant, Desert Adapted Black Rhino and Lion.
The Damaraland Desert offers arguably the most evocative sunsets on the planet…
Final morning at Doro Naras rest camp, where the epic journey ends.
Interested? We have included some basic details below or you can visit http://challenge4acause.org. And for a more visual look, check out Richard and Boyd’s video from 2012.
- 25 July to 1 August 2015
- Only 16 slots available
- Each day riders can choose to ride in the ‘slower’ group or the ‘faster’ group.
- A back-up vehicle will accompany each group.
- R50 000 per rider
- E-mail: liz@challenge4acause.org
Sounds incredible! What a great initiative and way to explore a beautiful country. Thank you Ryan.