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Expedition Africa 2026

500km Expedition race
ARWS World Champs Qualifier

Drakensberg - Kwazulu-Natal

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Registration opens 1 march 25

13 - 22 March 2026

Expedition Africa is Going Back to the Berg!

The Drakensberg will host the return of Expedition Africa to South Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the highest mountain range in South Africa. It is locally known as uKhahlamba (Barrier of Spears) and is renowned for it’s rugged cliffs and deep valleys. These mountains are steeped in Myth and Legend and have inspired many of South Africa’s greatest stories. It is time for you and your team to write yours!

Included in Entry FEE

  • ARWS Expedition Adventure Race
  • 2 Sets of Race Maps
  • Logistical support 
  • Expedition Africa garment & Race Bib
  • Awards ceremony dinner
  • Live tracking
  • A full service Expedition Adventure, part of the Adventure Racing World Series
  • Logistical support including transfers from OR Tambo airport to host venue for international teams
  • World class media team
  • Two Fluid double kayaks for the team and paddles if needed
  • Kayak bag and re-supply boxes
  • Medical backup
  • Expedition Africa medals and handmade trophies for top three teams

Entry Fee

  • Teams of 4          – R 56 000
  • Teams of 2          – R 28 000
  • Airport Transfer  – R 500 per person
  • Payment Terms:
    • 10% on entry
    • 90% end November 2025
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Event Information

Event Location

Drakensberg, South Africa :

uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park

Expected Climate

Temperatures can exceed 35°C during the day and around zero at night (especially high on the mountains).

The region is infamous for afternoon thunderstorms. During a thunderstorm in the Drakensberg, you can take cover in a low lying area or a cave

Low-lying areas 

    • Find a low-lying area, such as a meadow, clearing, or talus slope
    • Spread out about 20 feet apart from each other
    • Stay away from tall trees and rocks
 

Caves

    • If you shelter in a cave, try to be at the back and avoid the roof or walls
    • Move in and out of the cave as quickly as possible


Other tips

  • Avoid trees, which can attract lightning
  • Avoid peaks, ridges, and lone trees
  • Avoid cave entrances, as lightning can run through the ground along the most conductive path
  • It is advised to stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
 

Average High Temperature: 21.2°C (70.2°F)

Average Low Temperature: 9.2°C (48.6°F)

Average Temperature: 15.2°C (59.4°F)

Average Rainfall: 70 mm (2.76 inches) over approximately 20.9 days

Host Resort - AHA Alpine heath Resort

Aha Alpine Heath Resort offers 100 Deluxe Chalets, each beautifully appointed and equipped with all the conveniences you may need during your stay. These three-bedroom chalets can sleep six quite comfortably in one en-suite master bedroom and two double rooms (each fitted with twin beds).

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers will be arranged for teams as an additional fee. This will include following:

  • Collection at OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa – 12 March 2026
  • Transport in a luxury coach to AHA Alpine Heath Resort
  • Luggage will travel on the Coach
  • Bike boxes to be transported by Expedition Africa and will be collected at the coach pick up
  • Collection at AHA Alpine Heath Resort and transport back to OR Tambo Airport – 22 March 2026
  • If transportation is required outside of these times, please contact race organisers directly and we will see how we can accommodate you.

ADVENTURE CONCEPT

  • What is Adventure Racing: ARWS Explainer
  • 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.

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 would do if they were 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 organiser 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.

Mandatory Equipment List

  • Teams are required to carry all equipment as detailed on the mandatory equipment list.
  • This must all be presented at registration
  • If you have any queries please contact the race directors
EA 2026 Mandatory Kit List

Equipment Inspection

  • The mandatory equipment list is the minimum equipment competitors are carry with them during the event. 
  • This is to keep themselves and their team mates safe during the event and if there is an emergency.
  • Teams are to be self reliant and should not expect other teams to support them with mandatory equipment.
  • There will be equipment inspections during the race in transitions and on the course. 
  • Teams found to not be carrying the mandatory equipment will be penalised according to the ARWS rules.
The official footwear and apparel supplier
AHA Alpine Heath Resort: Race venue and host
Event partner and logistics
The official cycle box partner. Visit website to receive a 10 % discount. Discount code: ExpAfrica2026
Radbag
The official bivvy bag partner . Visit website to receive a 10 % discount. Discount code: #EAisRAD

Distance and Route

  • Route is linear, and teams need to pass through all control points (CP) in order and transitions (T).
  • There may be legs where controls can be collected in any order. These will be identified in the route book.
  • Teams who miss any CPs or transition areas will be ranked behind teams who visit all control points and transitions.
  • Winning team three to four days, last team six days.
  • The route will adhere to ARWS guidelines for a Qualifier event of 72 hours of racing time for the fastest team.
  • Total distance: approximately 500 km. Exact distance to be determined once route scouting is completed
  • Mountain biking 60 %
  • Trekking 30 %
  • Kayaking 10 %
  • ROUTE BOOK, LOGISTICAL PLANNER AND ROUTE FLOW CHART WILL BE RELEASED BEFORE EVENT with distances of individual legs.
  • All teams will be able to finish before Saturday night awards ceremony.

Transitions

  • Transition facilities, such as, medical staff, toilets, drinking water, hot water, electricity, restaurant and/or sleeping facilities are indicated in the leg summary section of the Route 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. This can be booked in advance to ensure you have a slot.

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.

Team Format

  • Teams of 4 members of any combination – (males and/or females)
  • Teams of 2 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.

Looking for Team mates?

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 franco@expafrica.net and we will list your contact details below.

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 info@expafrica.net or the race directors
  • Volunteers will receive a race garment.
  • Accommodation (no meals) will be provided. Specific details to be provided on request.
  • Come and be part of this amazing adventure.

Volunteer list

Name(Required)
Include dialling code

VOLUNTEERS LIST

  • TBC

Media Partners

Sleepmonsters

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 will be outlined at briefing.
  • No contact with teams is allowed at night time (22h00 – 04h00) on route. Night-time contact only in transitions.
  • Team media and supporters must be self-sufficient, have their own transport. Food and accommodation are for own account.
  • A detailed media plan will be presented to all registered team media and supporters with all details on the routes they can take, accommodation options, fuel supply, eating establishments etc.
  • Please contact Damon (damon@expafrica.net) 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.

PROVISIONAL PLANNING

12 March 2026 – Pick up from OR Tambo & Race Registration

13 March 2026 – Race registration and Opening Ceremony

14 March 2026 – Box and Bag drop off – Community Project

15 March 2026 – Race Starts

18 March 2026 – First Finishers

21 March 2026 – Final Finishers / Closing Ceremony

22 March 2026 – Teams depart

23 March 2026 – Sign up for next Expedition Race

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 each leg at the transition at start of leg.
  • 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.

Example Map

DOWNLOAD EXAMPLE

Cycle Shop Partner

  • The official cycle partner is TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
  • Please contact them for any cycle related questions and/or if you require any spares or cycling related products
  • They will be on route for emergency repairs and also based at an selected transition (middle of route) where you can pre-book a cycle service with them at registration.

Bike 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 30 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 x re-supply boxes (Box A, & Box B) 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 litre. (81 cm long * 37 cm wide * 40 cm high).
  • Maximum packed weight 25 kg.
  • Only boxes supplied by the organisers may be used, teams can’t use their own re-supply boxes.
  • The organisers 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 need to be secured with cable ties by the teams before being moved by the organisers.

Event Rules and Regulations

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.

The history and previous winners

  • 2011 Hermanus – Merrell Adventure Addicts
  • 2012 Port Alfred – Merrell Adventure Addicts
  • 2013 Drakensberg – Haglofs Silva
  • 2014 Port Edward/Transkei – Seagate
  • 2015 Kingdom of Swaziland – Merrell Adventure Addicts
  • 2016 Garden Route – Featherbed 
  • 2017 Kouga/Baviaans – Skylotec Adventure
  • 2018 Namaqua West Coast –  Blizzard
  • 2019 Island of Rodrigues – Greener Adventure
  • 2022 Lesotho Kingdom in the Sky – Estonia Ace Adventure / La Sportiva 
  • 2023 Kouga ARWC – SAFAT – AR World Champions
  • 2024 Namibia – Merrell Songlines

Prizes & Awards

  • First mixed team will receive a paid entry for the Adventure Racing World Championships – Raid in France 2026
  • All participants will receive Expedition Africa Drakensberg medals.
  • Top 3 teams will receive hand made Expedition Africa trophies.
  • Top Mixed All African Team will be awarded a Special hand made Trophy 

Event Rules and Regulations

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.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

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

  • No refunds are applicable at any time – 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 organisers 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 organising the race teams should also be aware that any refund is likely to be minimal. The race will not be re-scheduled.