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Zambezi Man Challenge - 22 August 2008
Starting/ending Victoria Falls (5 days/4nights)
The cascades at Victoria Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world, and you now have the opportunity to participate in the Victoria Falls Marathon and explore this area fully by raft and mountain bike, in a unique extreme event. Wild Frontiers, Zambezi Elite and Wild Horizons are the official organisers of the Zambezi Man Challenge.
This exciting event will challenge your rafting skills on the Grade 5 rapids of the mighty Zambezi River followed by timed mountain bike and 42.2km marathon events.
You will raft from rapid 1 – 24 in team format in a paddleboat with an experienced river guide. This is one of the best rafting trips in the world, with some huge rapids and incredible scenery. You will paddle over 50 km, and this will take about 8 hours. Overnight camping before cycling approx 120km back to the town of Victoria Falls , through a mixture of tribal and game conservation areas , some single track and some rural roads . The full marathon (42.2km) will lead you through the town of Victoria Falls, over the border into Zambia and as you cross the bridge you will see the full majesty of the Falls and the gorges below. The route returns to Zimbabwe and continues through the outskirts of town and along the Zambezi River drive. There is a good chance of seeing some game so the National Parks staff will be monitoring the route. The finish for the race will be at the farm school situated on the outskirts of the town.
All participants should pre-enter in order to participate. All entrants, both local and foreign, will have to clear immigration on the Thursday, 21 August 2008 before 15h00 – all arranged by organisers - to get a bib number. Visa fees, if applicable, will need to be pre-paid at registration. Passports or ID are needed at registration.
Not only are the Falls themselves well worth a visit, but there are many optional activities to enjoy. Visitors can canoe on the upper Zambezi, go fishing or cruising, walk amongst the wildlife, take horseback trails, and for the extremely adventurous, go abseiling, Gorge swinging or even bungi jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge, all into the 111 metre Gorge downstream of the awesome Victoria Falls. We recommend at least an additional 2 nights will be needed to complete these activities.
A variety of other add-on options - both pre and post event - are available to our guests, to Botswana, Hwange, Lower Zambezi, Kariba etc.
This event is owned and managed by Wild Frontiers, Wild Horizons and Zambezi Elite. As such, booking for the race, and accommodation/transfers etc over the race weekend MUST be made through the above. We will also be offering unbeatable rates for all extra activities over this weekend. Apart from offering great rates, it makes sense to have the event managers in charge of your activities / transfers / entries etc. Accommodation packages are offered only with our approved sponsors – African Sun Hotels, Ilala Lodge, Masuwe Safari Lodge and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Self drive groups will be offered accommodation at the self catering Lokothula Lodges, near Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, and other venues - via the agents above. Before and after the race weekend, you may book your choice of accommodation/activities anywhere in the area, either through one of the above or directly.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Thursday – 21 August 2008
On arrival at Victoria Falls airport you will be met and transferred to The Kingdom Hotel (or your chosen accommodation venue). Assisted group check-in with welcome drinks.
Zambezi Man registration formalities to be completed on arrival. Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis.
Zambezi Man briefing at the Kingdom Hotel at 18h30 this evening.
Day 2 – Friday – 22 August 2008
Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off on the rafting event with your experienced river guide. This is a team event. Each raft will have 6 persons on board plus the guide – this event entails all members paddling the raft, the guide is on hand for safety and explanation of the routes into rapids etc. You will need to complete the whole route from rapid 1 to 24 in order to continue with the next discipline. Helmets and life jackets supplied.
Overnight camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day.
Your bikes, as well as a bag of personal effects / bike gear etc, will have been transported to the camp to await your arrival.
Day 3 – Saturday – 23 August 2008
Early morning breakfast. Start your first timed event, 120km mountain bike race back to Victoria Falls town. The course is clearly marked and you will have water points and support crew all along this route.
Overnight the Kingdom Hotel. Carbo-loading dinner at your hotel included 23 August 2008.
Race briefing this evening at 18h30 at the Kingdom Hotel.
Day 3 – Sunday – 24 August 2008
Marathon day. Start 06h30 in Zimbabwe, opposite Kingdom Hotel. Finish at stadium or school to be advised. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the finishing line before your transfer back to your hotel.
Zambezi Man prize giving will be at the Marathon AFTER Party, if you make it!
Late afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to enjoy a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River in celebration of the race. While on the boat all local drinks, wine, beers, mixers, spirits, mineral water and snacks are included. From here you will be transferred to the Marathon after Party Bash (entry fee included in Marathon entry package). There will be food stalls at the party to buy supper from. Plus Return transfers to your hotel up to a certain time.
Overnight bed and breakfast.
Day 4 – Monday – 25 August 2008
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight.
Please contact Wild Horizons (shane@wildhorizons.co.zw) for more information or visit us at www.wildhorizons.co.za
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