We don’t do “curated.” We don’t do “easy.” At Expedition Africa, we believe that the most profound human experiences happen at the intersection of total exhaustion and breathtaking beauty.
Born from a passion for the rawest corners of the South African landscape, we have grown into a global cornerstone of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS). From the legendary 500km multi-day expeditions to our high-octane regional “DIRTY” sprints, we provide the stage. You provide the soul.
Why we Race?
Adventure racing is the ultimate test of human synergy. It’s not just about how fast you can trek, cycle, or paddle—it’s about how you lead when the sun goes down, how you navigate when the map gets muddy, and how you find a second wind when the finish line is still 100 kilometers away.
Unrivaled Terrain: From the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg to the sun-scorched plains of the Karoo.
True Navigation: No GPS. No hand-holding. Just a map, a compass, and your team’s intuition.
Global Community: We are the meeting point for the world’s most elite adventurers and the proving ground for local legends.
Our Legacy, Your Journey
Founded by Heidi and Stephan Muller, Expedition Africa was built on a simple “crazy” idea: to showcase the untamed spirit of Africa through the world’s most demanding sport. Today, we are a family of athletes, volunteers, and explorers who believe that life is best lived off the beaten path.
“We don’t just host events; we build stories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re racing for a world title or just to see if you can finish—welcome to the family.”
Are you Ready to Find Your Next Adventure?
The map is marked. The wilderness is waiting. The only thing missing is you.
Franco is the owner of Never Stop Performing Sports, a thriving hockey academy in Midstream Estate where he coaches 150 young athletes each week, underscoring his commitment to youth sports development.
Franco’s journey into Adventure Racing began in 2012, introduced to the sport by his then-girlfriend and now-wife, Shirleen. Despite initial challenges in their 120km races, Franco’s dedication to rigorous training paid off. By 2015, he completed Expedition Africa Swaziland and has since participated in every expedition Africa.
Reflecting on his passion, Franco states, “Adventure racing ignites a profound drive within me, pushing me to work harder and pursue personal growth. It challenges me to forge deep connections with my team and navigate intense emotional landscapes.
As a Race Director, witnessing the emotional journey of racers—their resilience and ultimate triumph—is incredibly rewarding. The sense of accomplishment they experience crossing the finish line is why I organise races.
Damon started Adventure Racing in the early 2000s with his first expedition race in 2008 at the Bull of Africa.
Adventure racing took a back seat for a few years to accommodate Damon’s studies and then work travels. He returned to the sport and expedition racing in 2016. As has been actively racing since then along with Franco. He immigrated to the UK in November 2020. Damon’s years of adventure racing in South Africa, and his participation in the events organised by Heidi and Stephan Muller, inspired him to set up the Wolf Cub Challenge, a family-focused series of adventure races in the UK. The Wolf Cub Challenges aim to get parents and children to spend time together outdoors through participation in adventure races.
“Expedition Africa has been a huge part of my life over the past nine years and it has been a life changer in many aspects. Adventure racing is part of who I am and I want to share this sport with everyone.”
Malusi is the Chairman and Founder of the Tshenolo Group of Companies and the manager of Team Tshenolo Adventure Racing (TAR).
Introduced to Adventure Racing in March, Team Tshenolo’s members are adventure racing novices that have undertaken numerous big challenges in a short period.
With only a few regional events under their belt, the team leapt at the opportunity to participate at the AR World Championship, hosted by Expedition Africa, in October 2023. After this baptism by fire, Tshenolo completed Expedition Africa Namibia in May 2024 and are keen to race around the world.
Tshenolo have earned support and respect from the South African adventure racing community for their fortitude and determination.
“You get to find yourself by participating in sports like Adventure Racing. Being in the wilderness, without any connection to the outside world, gives one an opportunity to reflect. At times, we need to disconnect in order to reconnect.”
Expedition Africa is a multi day adventure race. Teams of four complete approximately 500 km in 4 to 7 days, on foot , Mountain bike and kayaking. Every year Expedition Africa visits a different area in Southern Africa to showcase it to the world. Expedition Africa forms part of the Adventure Racing World Series and the Winner gets a free entry into the World Championships.
Expedition Africa started 2011 in Hermanus – Western Cape. Since then we have visited Port Alfred – Sunshine Coast (2012), Drakensberg (2013), Wild Coast (2014), Swaziland (2015), Garden Route (2016), Kouga/Baviaans (2017), Namaqua West Coast (2018), the island of Rodrigues (2019) and Lesotho (2022).
The 11th edition of Expedition Africa was hosted in Kouga, Eastern Cape and was the first Adventure Racing World Championship in Africa.
The 2024 edition of Expedition Africa was hosted in Namibia.
