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ARWS World Championship 2023 – Eastern Cape

Welcome

See event details below!

Online Entry, Entry Procedure, Cancellations and Refunds

ENTRY PROCEDURE

ENTER HERE
  • All teams are welcome to enter.
  • Fill in online entry form.
  • Expedition Africa will contact your team with a Welcome letter and bank details soon after online entry is received.
  • Accommodation is not included in entry fee. Visit accommodation tab to book accommodation 
  • Only book return flights from Sunday 29 October onwards. Teams who book return flights before the award ceremony will be responsible for their own transfer fees to airport and will not qualify for the free team and equipment transfer. An early transfer will be at a considerable cost to teams.
  • Please do not make partial payment of entry fees, make one payment of the total entry amount.
  • Team member substitutions can still be made until end of August 2023. No charge for the substitutions.

ENTRY FEE

  • Entries and payments close 31 May 2023.
  • International teams: $ 4500 per team of four.  
  • South African teams: R 80 000 per team of four.  

ENTRY FEE INCLUDES

  • A full service Expedition Adventure, which will be the 2023 World Championship of the Adventure Racing World Series.
  • Team Logistical support.
  • Expedition Africa 2023 garments
  • Race Bib
  • Awards ceremony dinner.
  • Two Fluid double kayaks for the team and paddles if needed.
  • Spot Live tracking of teams progress.
  • Medical backup.
  • Adventure Racing World Championship medal.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Teams may cancel their entry at any stage by e-mailing the event organizers. 

  • Guaranteed 80% refund until 31 May 2023 – if a team cannot attend. (20% administration fee will be deducted from entry fee to cover costs).
  • No refunds are applicable after 31 May 2023 – if a team cannot attend.
  • Once a team submits an online entry it is accepted that teams have read, understood and accepted all the cancellations and refund conditions.
  • Only make a payment for your entry when certain that you will attend the event. Once you have made a payment, we start planning for your participation and costs are being incurred.
  • Teams are not permitted to transfer their fees paid to future events if they are not able to make this edition of the event.
  • Teams are permitted to transfer or sell their entry to another team if available. This will be a transaction between the teams. Teams must notify Expedition Africa as soon as possible in the case of a team entry being transferred or sold.
  • If two teams do not have sufficient members and decide to join together, this will be strictly considered as one team cancelling their entry. Refund policy will be as stated above, no exceptions.
  • If the race is cancelled due to acts of God, natural disasters, terrorism, or other reasons, the organizers will make every effort to refund as much of the entry fee as possible to all teams. However, all teams should be aware that any refunds will be considered after event costs have been calculated. Given the high number of fixed costs associated with organizing the race teams should also be aware that any refund is likely to be minimal. The race will not be re-scheduled.
Videos – Adventure Racing World Series World Championship 2023 – Eastern Cape, Kouga, South Africa

ARWC 2023 VIDEOS

Official Partners

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

Expedition Concept

ADVENTURE CONCEPT

  • What is Adventure Racing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=occW94DgWT4&t=17s
  • Adventure racing is a multi-discipline endurance sport where competitors compete in teams, navigating from control point to control point in a number of disciplines.
  • Disciplines include: mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, rope work and orienteering.
  • Teams are expected to navigate using a map and landmarks.
  • Teams must be able to operate in harsh remote environments in all weather conditions.
  • Teams travel throughout the day and night.  They can decide if, when and where to rest.
  • The first team to complete the whole course, with all the control points visited will be declared the winner.
  • Teams are required to complete the entire distance together (always within hearing and visual distance of each other), helping and assisting each other.
  • Teamwork and team dynamics are essential. A detailed understanding of your teammates and of your own capabilities is essential.
History of Expedition Africa
Media Partner, Team Media and Supporters

Media partner

Sleep Monsters – https://www.sleepmonsters.com/mob_index.php

TEAM MEDIA and team supporters

  • Teams may be joined at the event by team media and supporters.
  • Team media and supporters may have contact with teams only at pre-determined areas.
  • Areas of contact between team media, supporters and teams willl be outlined at briefing.
  • No contact with teams are allowed at night time on route. Night time contact only in transitions.
  • Please contact Stephan stephan@kinetic-events.co.za if you want to register yourself as a Team media or a Supporter for your team.
  • Registering will allow you to join the Team media and Supporter briefing.
  • Maps and route notes will only be provided to team media and supporters that register pre-event and attend the briefing.

REGISTERED TEAM MEDIA

  • TEAM NAMAQUA: Nantie van Aswegen.
  • TEAM RUSTPROOF: Evelyn Rust /Jo Sutton.
  • TEAM TRUFFLE HUNTERS: Llewelyn Lloyd / Eric de Boor
  • TEAM NORTHERN ADVENTURE: Harri Hollo
  • TEAM BEACON RACING 1: Asia Rose
  • TEAM VISIT PENTICTON – BC WILD: Joel Perrella
  • TEAM STRONG MACHINE: Ashley Eaton
  • TEAM MOXIE RACERS: Laura Foster
  • TEAM COSTA RICA: Johana Arguello / Andrea
  • TEAM RED ANTS ADVENTURE: Tanya Barkhuisen
  • TEAM BUCO ADVENTURE: Glenn Murray
  • TEAM GREENER ADVENTURE: Jana Julian / Bjorn Bertoft

TEAM MEDIA and team supporters

Find a Team

FIND A TEAM

If you want to join an existing team, create a new team or are looking for members to fill up your team, contact us at stephan@kinetic-events.co.za and we will list your contact details below:

  • Craig Murchie. Male. Top 10 at Mac Mac 46km, 5th Overall at SOX, Ironman Kona, mountain biking, orienteering. Based in Johannesburg , South Africa. Any competitive teams looking for a member please get in touch. Contact: Hireallza@gmail.com Cell: 0832287028
  • Catalina Castañeda, from Colombia, have completed many expedition races: PC12 Colombia 2021 (5th), Winner of Travesía Bosi, Colombia 2022, Huairasinchi in Ecuador 2022 (4th), Guarani Expedition in Paraguay, ARWS World Cup 2022 (17th). Please contact: cata8741@gmail.com
  • Clelia Ponteri, Female, 22, from Milan, Italy. Wants to join a team. Needs to be a sponsored spot. Competed in World Championship Galicia and in Eco Challenge Fiji 2019, Contact: annacleliaponteri@gmail.com
  • Susan Tschäppät, Female, based in Switzerland. Has completed nine AR World Serie races so far. Wants to join a team which is aiming full-course completion. Contact: susan.t@gmx.ch

Volunteers

VOLUNTEERS

  • The best way to be part of the race if you cannot participate yourself is to become a volunteer.
  • If you are interested please contact Stephan at: +27 83 226 3265 or mail at stephan@kinetic-events.co.za
  • Volunteers just need to reach the registration venue on their own cost.
  • Volunteers will receive a race garment.
  • Accommodation will be provided. Specific details to be provided on request.
  • Come and be part of this adventure.
Team format and Teams entered

TEAM FORMAT

  • Teams of 4 members of any combination – (males and/or females)
  • Only mixed teams of four with at least one member being female will be eligible for ARWS ranking points and prize money.

TEAM LIST

To view team list: TEAM LIST – ADVENTURE RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

Location Information

LOCATION INFORMATION

  • The location will be Eastern Cape, South Africa.
  • Video of Eastern Cape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1efw5k38n0
  • Event HQ and accommodation partner will be the Cape St. Francis Resort:  https://www.capestfrancis.co.za/
  • Teams must check travel and visa requirements from their country of origin.
  • The South African Rand is the official currency of South Africa.
  • In South Africa the power plugs and sockets are of type D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • The South Africa Standard Time is consistent with UTC +2. The South Africa Standard Time does not have an associated daylight saving time.
  • Local cellphone cards can be bought on arrival at airport. Cape St. Francis Resort, the host resort has Wi-Fi.
  • Driving in South Africa is on the left side of road.
  • The official language for the event is English. French and Spanish translators will be present at all briefings.

LOCATION CLIMATE

  • Due to the nature of the linear race route, the route covers a vast area. From the coastal areas the route reaches up to 300 km inland.
  • The weather fluctuates between these coastal and inland areas.
  • Minumum temperatures 11°C with maximum temperature 27°C with an average of  20°C,
  • The amount of rain in October is normal with an average of 59mm. It rains on average a total of 7 days.
  • During October inland areas will experience cloudy conditions.
  • Sunrise: 5h25. Sunset: 18h35. Day length: 13 hours 5 minutes

EASTERN CAPE GENERAL INFORMATION

In 2023, Expedition Africa will return to the Eastern Cape https://visiteasterncape.co.za/, the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces. 

The diverse Eastern Cape Province is situated between the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal and bordered by the Orange River and Drakensberg Mountains. The Kouga Local Municipality and the Sarah Baartman Municipality will be our hosts.

The key ingredients to select an ideal area for an Adventure Race of this magnitude is to find an area which is far away from any human development to ensure teams have a true wilderness experience and also be close enough to world class internet structures and fast and dependable logistical network with transitions that offers a welcome reprieve from the wild, the Eastern Cape matches this description.

The Eastern Cape in South Africa boasts some of the world’s best beaches and 800 km of unspoilt picturesque coastlines where blue oceans tumble onto quiet beaches. The Eastern Cape coastline is a mecca to all water sports enthusiasts and has a popular and thriving surfing culture. On the wilder side these beaches are unspoilt and virtually untouched. The Southern Right Whales and their calves are regularly spotted from the high dunes view, usually between May and November.

The Wild Coast of South Africa is all about natural drama. Jade-green grass ices the hills and mountains, and black rocky cliffs plummet into the wild blue waters below.

Wildlife is abundant in the Eastern Cape. The big five, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and the African Buffalo are easily spotted at numerous reserves across the  province. Malaria free luxury private reserves such as Kariega Game Reserve https://www.kariega.co.za/ as well as national reserves such as Addo Elephant Park https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/ offers a fantastic wildlife experience for visitors.

An often disregarded area of the Eastern Cape, referred to as the ‘dry heart’ of South Africa, is the Karoo Heartland. The Karoo Heartland’s rugged and intense beauty is dominated by vast, flat plains, rocky mountains, and the biggest assortment of succulents in the world. The Karoo Heartland lies at the heart of South Africa. This beautiful, water-strapped, and desolate area is a series of mountains, vast plains, star studded skies, farmland, idiosyncratic little towns reminiscent of yesteryear and space – lots of it.

The rugged beauty of the Baviaanskloof, recently awarded World Heritage Site status and the Kouga Wilderness is a vast wilderness area. This land of raw wilderness with its rocky passes, rugged gorges, indigenous forests, crystal mountain streams, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and numerous baboons roaming the area is truly one of the last true wilderness that exists. Baviaanskloof offers hours of beautiful scenery.

Host Resort, Travelling to host resort and Area Attractions

HOST RESORT

  • The Cape St. Francis Resort will play host to ARWC 2023. https://www.capestfrancis.co.za/
  • This resort is situated on the beach, surrounded by nature and a short trip away from all the attractions that the Eastern Cape offers.
  • The resort is an ideal host for a World Championship. The resort layout will ensure that all teams stay in close vicinity to the finish line. The village feeling of a finishing zone is vital to create a welcoming experience for all teams. 
  • Family and supporters are welcome to join their teams on their visit to the Eastern Cape and stay at the resort while waiting for their teams to arrive at the finish line. The waiting time can be spent on the sunny beach or a visit to a game reserve and view the Big Five.
  • The resort has two on-site restaurants, Joe Fish Restaurant and Full Stop Cafe.
  • The town centre of St. Francis Bay is 5km from the resort. A supermarket, pharmacy, hardware store and cycle shop will meet all team requirements.

TRAVELLING TO THE HOST RESORT

  • The Cape St. Francis Resort will play host to ARWC 2023. https://www.capestfrancis.co.za/
  • South African teams can travel by road to the resort.
  • International teams can enter South Africa by air via O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport and then connect with a domestic flight to the David Stuurman International Airport in Gqerbha / Port Elizabeth.
  • Ensure your cycle box is confirmed as a booked item on the domestic air transfer. In the case that teams cannot secure a flight inclusive with cycle box transport, road transport will be organized from Johannesburg Airport, (cost to be advised) to the resort, if there is a demand. Contact organisers with this request: stephan@kinetic-event.co.za
  • Teams can also book a private vehicle from Cape Town International airport and travel through the famous Garden Route to the resort and then to the David Stuurman International Airport in Gqerbha oand the take the free airport transfer to the host resort. (8 hour trip).

AREA  ATTRACTIONS

Accommodation Bookings and Airport Transfers

ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS

  • Email: anita@capestfrancisresort.co.za for all accommodation bookings. 
  • Please mention that you are part of Expedition Africa AR World Championships 2023.
  • 14 night packages and 5 night packages are available.
  • The above packages can be customized according to team needs.
  • Excess luggage can be stored at resort between start and end of event.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

  • Free airport transfers for all teams from David Stuurman International Airport Gqerbha / Port Elizabeth to the Cape St. Francis Resort and back are provided in the entry fee. (Only applicable if accommodation is booked at the resort).
  • Free team transfer from on arrival date to resort and on Sunday 29 October back to airport – reserve when booking accommodation – – one bag per person – rest of quipment on equipment transfer, daily at 15h00. Teams who equipment arrives after 15h00, equipment will be stored and transported the following day at 15h00.
  • Only book return flights from Sunday 29 October onwards. Teams who book return flights before the award ceremony will be responsible for their own transfer fees to airport and will not qualify for the free team and equipment transfer. An early transfer will be at a considerable cost to teams.
  • South African teams can also use their own transport to the host resort, and park their vehicles at the resort for the duration of the race.
Dates & Times

DATES & TIMES

 (IN CASE OF TEAM ARRIVAL PRIOR TO FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER PLEASE CONTACT: stephan@kinetic-events.co.za FOR EARLIER TRANSFERS)

FRIDAY – 13 OCTOBER 2023

  • Free team transfer to resort – reserve when booking accommodation. Team transfer – one bag per person – rest of quipment on equipment transfer.
  • 15H00: Equipment transfer from David Stuurman International Airport Gqerbha / Port Elizabeth to Cape St. Francis Resort. Teams who equipment arrives after 15h00, equipment will be stored and transported the following day at 15h00.

SATURDAY – 14 OCTOBER 2023

  • Free team transfer to resort – reserve when booking accommodation. Team transfer – one bag per person – rest of quipment on equipment transfer.
  • 15H00: Equipment transfer from David Stuurman International Airport Gqerbha / Port Elizabeth to Cape St. Francis Resort. Teams who equipment arrives after 15h00, equipment will be stored and transported the following day at 15h00.

SUNDAY – 15 OCTOBER 2023

  • Free team transfer to resort – reserve when booking accommodation. Team transfer – one bag per person – rest of quipment on equipment transfer.
  • 15H00: Equipment transfer from David Stuurman International Airport Gqerbha / Port Elizabeth to Cape St. Francis Resort. Teams who equipment arrives after 15h00, equipment will be stored and transported the following day at 15h00.

MONDAY – 16 OCTOBER 2023 – FINAL DAY FOR TEAM ARIVALS

  • Final team transfers to resort – reserve when booking accommodation. Team transfer – one bag per person – rest of quipment on equipment transfer.
  • 8h00 – 17h00: Sponsor, partners and adventure tourism expo.
  • 15H00: Final Equipment transfer from David Stuurman International Airport Gqerbha / Port Elizabeth to Cape St. Francis Resort.
  • 19h00: Volunteers briefing.

TUESDAY – 17 OCTOBER 2023

  • 6h00: Event administration, Team Registration and Equipment inspection.
  • 6h00 – 17h00: Sponsor, partners and adventure tourism expo.
  • 16h00: Flag parade.
  • 17h00: Welcoming ceremony.
  • 19h00: Team race briefing.

WEDNESDAY – 18 OCTOBER 2023

  • 08h00: Team captains Questions and answers.
  • 8h00 – 17h00: Sponsor, partners and adventure tourism expo.
  • 9h00: Press conference.
  • 10h00: Team Media and Supporters briefing (need to pre-register).
  • 11h00: Event Media briefing.
  • 15h00: Packed re-supply boxes hand in.
  • 15h00: Packed cycle boxes hand in. 
  • 15h00: Packed kayak bags hand in.

THURSDAY – 19 OCTOBER 2023

  • 7h00: Bus transfer to race start.

MONDAY – 23 OCTOBER TO FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 2023

  • Teams arrive at finish line.
  • 8h00 – 17h00: Sponsor, partners and adventure tourism expo.

SATURDAY – 28 OCTOBER 2023

  • 8h00 – 1st International Adventure Racing Conference. AR Technical conference.
  • 10h30 – 1st International Adventure Racing Conference. AR Race directors conference.
  • 13h00 – 1st International Adventure Racing Conference. AR Athletes conference.
  • (The conference are open to all. Registration will open 1 March 2023. All interested parties that want to register, participate, deliver presentations or submit to the agenda topics related to Adventure Racing will be able to do so from 1 March 2023. The Official invite can be downloaded here: https://expafrica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/EA-2023-ARWC-AR-Conference-Invite.docx
  • 16h00. Awards ceremony dinner.
  • 18h00. Awards ceremony.
  • 20h00. Awards ceremony celebration.

SUNDAY – 29 OCTOBER 2023

  • 6h00: International teams bus transfer to David Stuurman International Airport Gqerbha / Port Elizabeth. (TRANSFERS CAN BE ARRANGED FROM 5H00 ONWARDS DEPENDING ON TEAMS REQUESTS)
Distance, Route, Transitions and Disciplines

DISTANCE AND ROUTE

  • Route is linear, and teams need to pass through all control points (CP) and transitions (T).
  • Teams who miss any CP’s or transition areas will be ranked behind teams who visit all control points and transitions.
  • There are two short cuts on the route for slower teams. Teams who use both these shortcuts will do approximately 70 % of the route.
  • Winning team 4-5 days, last team nine days.
  • Mountain biking 65 %
  • Trekking 25%
  • Kayaking 10%
  • 10 legs with 9 transitions. 
  • Prepare body and bicycle for long cycle legs.
  • More accurate distances of individual legs will be released two weeks prior to registration and at the Expedition briefing.
  • All teams will be able to finish before Saturday night awards ceremony.
  • The route will adhere to ARWS guidelines for a World Championship of 100 hours for the winning team (Qualifier guideline = 72 hours)

TRANSITIONS

  • Transitions will have boiling water and coffee/tea stations.
  • Transition facilities, such as, medical staff, toilets, drinking water, electricity, restaurant and/or sleeping facilities are indicated in the leg summary section of the Expedition book.
  • Teams will place refuse bags in their re-supply boxes. At transitions teams must place all litter in team refuse bags; keep refuse bags in re-supply-box until end of event.
  • There will be a cycle repair facility at one transition, at approximately halfway in route.

DISCIPLINES

  • Mountain biking – teams should be prepared for a range of riding including single track, steep hills, gravel roads and sealed roads.
  • Trekking – will involve traveling by foot through rugged and diverse terrain. 
  • Kayaking – each team will receive 2 * double Fluid kayaks https://www.fluidkayaks.com/product/synergy-kayak/  NO SAILS ALLOWED
  • Orienteering – orienteering is an extremely important part of the race. The course is not marked and teams are required to navigate using maps. 
  • Ropework – teams will abseil and do related rope work activities to reach part of the route.
Maps

MAPS

  • Maps supplied will be 1:50 000 topographical maps – A3 size.
  • Each team will receive two sets of maps.
  • Expedition Africa do not have a lockdown where all the route maps are handed out to teams. Teams receive maps for following leg at each transition.
  • Teams will copy checkpoints and transition from a master map as the Expedition progresses. Information on this will be given at briefing.
  • Google maps may also be supplied for navigation on certain legs.
  • Waterproofing of maps is essential.
  • Stationary to prepare route on map is needed. Different colours pens, sellotape, scissors etc. Two sets to be placed in both re-supply boxes.
  • Maps will not be replaced if team misplaces maps.
Cycles Boxes and Re-supply boxes

CYCLE BOXES

  • Teams must provide their own waterproof cycle boxes (no cardboard boxes) for cycle transport.
  • Maximum dimensions allowed: 1400 x 800 x 300 mm (NO EXCEPTIONS)
  • Maximum weight limit for one packed cycle box is 25 kg.
  • The cycle boxes must have handles on the sides to enable the volunteers to carry it.
  • The organisers will transport the cycles from transition to transition.

RE-SUPPLY BOXES

  • The organisers will provide teams with 2 re-supply boxes each at the start in which to pack gear and food.
  • Teams will need to plan meticulously all their equipment and sustenance, and then pack them into their re-supply boxes.
  • Size of the re-supply box is – 160 liter. (81 cm long * 37 cm wide * 40 cm high). Maximum packed weight 25 kg.
  • Only boxes supplied by the organizers may be used, teams can’t use their own re-supply boxes.
  • The organizers will move these boxes to various points on the route.
  • Boxes will be available at designated transition areas somewhere on route. The position of these transition areas will be indicated in the adventure book.
  • Re-supply boxes needs to be secured with cable ties by the teams before being moved by the organisers.
Competency Required

COMPETENCY REQUIRED

  • At least two members of the team must be capable of navigating by compass and map during the day and night. The team must be able to orientate a map, identify grid references on a map, take a bearing between two points on a map, and understand the impact of magnetic declination.
  • The teams must be able to describe what your team will do if it became lost.
  • At least one member of the team must hold a minimum qualification of Level One First Aid.
  • All team members must be suitably competent in all the disciplines included in the event as specified by the race organizer and be able to complete the event without any assistance from any person other than their own team members.
  • Swim 100 m of any stroke.
  • By entering this event, teams acknowledge that they are competent in all skills as stated above to complete such an event.
Equipment required and Inspection

EQUIPMENT

Ensure all equipment is with team when arriving for registration.

Time slots will be allocated for teams to report for equipment inspection.

Adventure Racing World Championship 2023 Equipment List

Event Rules & Regulations & Personal Responsibility

EVENT RULES & REGULATIONS

Click HERE for the ARWS rules & regulations (download & save a copy)

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

  •  I understand and acknowledge that participating in this event is a dangerous activity. I am aware and understand the activities I will be involved in. I am aware of the hazards involved and acknowledge that there is always risk of injury (including permanent injury, mental injury, paralysis and death). In my judgment I have sufficient competence, knowledge, common sense, experience, survival skills and equipment to participate in all the event activities in a manner safe to myself and others.
  • I understand and agree that, in the first instance, I am responsible for the provision of first aid to myself and those around me, I know and accept that rescue by the organisers, or emergency services, may not be possible immediately (e.g.: Night, rain, equipment failure, other rescue etc.)
  • If I get to a point in the course that I believe the level of inherent risk is unacceptable for me, and I am not confident in completing it safely, it is my responsibility to take action. I must choose an alternate route, avoid the hazard, or even withdraw from that leg or the race. I accept this self-responsibility.
  • Use common sense to “assess” areas for personal safety
  • I and my whole team have read this paragraph, understand it and indemnify the event organiser against all claims.
Eco Awareness

ECO AWARENESS

Teams are to adhere to the following stipulations at all times:

  • All waste is to be carried to the closest transition for disposal.
  • Human waste is to be buried between 20 and 25 cm below the soil surface.
  • Picking of flowers, cutting of walking sticks and/or any damage to the natural vegetation (even though they might appear to be dead) is prohibited. The making of fires, whatever the circumstances and no matter how small, are prohibited along the entire route.
  • No tree, rock etc. may be defaced in any manner.
  • Be polite and courteous to local inhabitants. Pass quietly through settlements, especially at night.
Prizes & Awards

PRIZES / AWARDS

  • R 750 000 – divided between the first 5 teams. (Teams must be in mixed category and comply with ARWS nationality rule)
  • 1st position: R 330 000
  • 2nd position: R 180 000
  • 3rd position: R 120 000
  • 4th position: R 75 000
  • 5th position: R 45 000
  • First mixed team will receive a paid entry for the Adventure Racing World Championships in 2024 in Ecuador.
  • All participants will receive Adventure Racing World Series World Championship medals.
  • Top 5 teams will receive hand made Expedition Africa trophies.