ENTRIES are now open for the 2016 Old Mutual Wild Series iMfolozi Challenge mountain bike event on Saturday, 23 July.
The 55-kilometre ride, which takes place inside the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, is one of the most unique adventure experiences in South Africa.
Camping at the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is normally prohibited, but iMfolozi Challenge riders will receive special permission to experience two nights of camping at a purpose-built campsite.
The ride will take participants on a Big Five adventure through wilderness that is under threat from a proposed coal mine and past the old hunting pits once used by Shaka Zulu.
“This is a very rare and special experience through a reserve teeming with wildlife,” said race director, Stuart Berry. “There can’t be too many races that offer these kind of close encounters. In the past, we’ve witnessed a wild dog kill and lion sightings about 20 to 30 metres from the riders. Every year we see elephants, rhino and buffalo. At the river, crocs and hippos are usually spotted too.”
The event starts with a four to five-kilometre game track in the first 10 kilometres of the race. The route then follows the park management trail, which is mostly Jeep track. “We keep the riders off the game track as much as possible,” said Berry. “Most participants aren’t worried about their finishing time and use the opportunity to enjoy a ‘game drive by bike’. It’s incredibly social too.”
The iMfolozi Challenge supports Wildlands’ pledge to save the wild dogs of iMfolozi. There are less than 5 000 African wild dogs left in the wild today. Threatened by habitat loss, snares, poison and disease spread by domestic dogs, the ‘painted wolf’ is now endangered. By participating in this challenge, you directly contribute to the conservation of this protected species. Enter online at www.wildseries.co.za.
