The 2021 route once again traverses the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA), which includes South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Riding is predominantly along ancient elephant trails, allowing participants the opportunity of experiencing wonderful scenery, cultural interaction and the opportunity of seeing wildlife. Each year the route is altered to ensure that the Tour remains exciting and continues to incorporate new areas that we are allowed to traverse.

The route scouting teams will head out at the end of May to finalise the 2021 route. We will release the final details of the route one month prior to the Tour – keep a lookout for our newsletter and social media for these updates!

What we can tell you about the 2021 Route:

• We will traverse three different countries; South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, and two National Parks: Northern Tuli Game Reserve and Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site.
• There will be four consecutive riding days consisting of approximately 60-80 km of riding per day
• Expect the unexpected; thick sand, rocky hills, thickets of mopane bushveld, dotted baobabs and, last but not least, be on the lookout for wildlife.
• The route is strenuous, therefore ample training and preparation is required.
• Participants will be riding in hot temperatures and must expect to encounter technical riding sections.
• Portage over some technical areas may be required.
• Whilst we try to avoid too much sand, the reality is that sand is unavoidable given the nature of these areas and the season; it will be hot, dry and very possibly dusty.
• With the thorns that one encounters, it is a condition of entry that all bikes have tubeless conversions. Without this, the thorns may get the better of you.

Overview of 2021 Camps and Route

The route changes each year and the 2021 route will be finalised at the end of May when we will send a communication with a detailed description of the route.

• Tuesday 20 July – Arrival Day: Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (South Africa)
• Wednesday 21 July – Riding Day 1: Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (South Africa) to Shashi Wilderness Camp (Zimbabwe)
• Thursday 22 July – Riding Day 2: Shashi Wilderness Camp (Zimbabwe) to Fothergill Rock Camp (Botswana)
• Friday 23 July – Riding Day 3: Fothergill Rock Camp (Botswana) loop day
• Saturday 24 July – Riding Day 4: Fothergill Rock Camp (Botswana) to Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (South Africa)
• Sunday 25 July – Departure day