Expedition Africa lite 2027
120 & 240km Adventure Race
19 - 22 March 2027
Wepener - Free State
MTB
Trekking
Kayaking
Ropework
Navigation
ENTRIES ARE OPEN
EVENT DATES: 19 - 22 March 2027
Expedition Africa is going to the Free State
Get ready to explore one of South Africa’s hidden gems as we bring Adventure Racing to the beautiful little town of Wepener! Expect wide open landscapes, incredible hospitality, rugged terrain, flowing trails, and an unforgettable race experience.
This is more than just a race — it’s a weekend of adventure, navigation, teamwork, and pushing your limits in the heart of the Free State. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or looking to tackle your very first adventure race, Wepener promises the perfect mix of challenge and fun.
From mountain biking and trekking to navigating through stunning countryside, every kilometer will remind you why we love this sport so much.
Winners of the 2027 ARWS Africa Series will win a free entry to ARWC 2028.
Included in Entry FEE
- Adventure Race
- 2 Sets of Race Maps
- Unsupported: Exp Africa will do all event logistics
- Expedition Africa garment
- Awards ceremony
- Live tracking
Other items included
- A full service Expedition Adventure, part of the ARWS Africa Series
- Logistical support at the event
- Bus transfer service supplied at a cost for interested teams
- 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
Event Information
Race Concept
Race Concept:
- Teams of two people will complete an unmarked course of with the aid of a printed Google map and topographical maps, visiting checkpoints on foot, mountain bike and kayak.
- What is Adventure Racing: What is AR?
- Teams are expected to navigate using a map and landmarks.
- 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.
- The 240 km race is part of the ARWS Africa Series. The series winners will win a free entry to ARWC Croatia 2027
Location & Accommodation
Event Location
Wepener is a small, picturesque town in South Africa’s Free State province, situated near the border with Lesotho. Founded in 1867, it is rich in history, with roots in the conflicts between Boer settlers and the Basotho people, and later the Anglo‑Boer War.
Today, Wepener serves as a peaceful rural hub surrounded by farmland, where cattle and sheep farming, dairy production, and crop cultivation are central to daily life.
With its charming sandstone buildings, nearby nature reserves, and tranquil landscapes, Wepener offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the heritage and relaxed lifestyle of the Free State countryside.
Accommodation
Please book accommodation directly at Lord Fraser Guesthouse
Email: lordfraser.office@gmail.com
Please include Exp Africa 2027 in your email.
The race will be hosted out of this Guesthouse so we suggest booking early to get the best accommodation.
Event Schedule
Event Plan (Provisional)
-
19 March 2027
Teams Arrive at Race Start – Wepener, Free State
Registration & Gear Checks – 16:00 – 18:00
Race Briefing – 18:00 to 19:00
-
20 March 2027
Race Starts 04:30
-
21 March 2027
First Finishers
-
22 March 2027
Course Closes 09:00
Closing Breakfast 09:00 – 11:00
Teams depart 11:00
-
23 March 2027
Sign up for next Expedition Africa Adventure Race
Team Format
Team Format - All Events
- Mixed pair (1 male & 1 female)
- Male pair (2 males)
- Female pair (2 females)
- Mixed Team of 4 (240 km race only: ARWS Africa Series Category & EA Africa 2027 Champs)
- Male Team of 4
- Female Team of 4
Distance, Route, Transitions & Disciplines
Distance and Route
- Teams need to pass through all control points (CP) in order (unless specified in the route book) 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 12/24 hrs.
- Total distance: approximately 120/240 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.
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.
Equipment List & Competitor Competency
Equipment List
- If you have any queries about the equipment please contact the race director
- PFD/Life Jackets and Map boards can be rented from race organisers
- Download the equipment list here:
Competency Required
- At least two members of the team must be capable of navigating by compass and map. The team must be able to orientate a map too objects and landmarks in their surroundings.
- The teams must be able to describe what your team will do if it became lost.
- 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.
- By entering this event, teams acknowledge that they are competent in all skills as stated above to complete such an event.
Maps
Maps
- Teams will use a map to locate checkpoints to complete route.
- Maps supplied will be colour Google maps and topographical maps.
- Waterproofing of maps is essential.
- It is recommended that teams bring large zip-loc bags to waterproof maps.
- Pen or markers is recommended to prepare route on map.
- Maps will not be replaced if team misplaces maps.
Example Map
Entry Procedure
Entry Procedure
- All entries are processed via the online entry forms. These links are located above.
- Payment to only be completed if you are certain you can attend the event.
ARWS Africa Series
What is the ARWS?
The ARWS Africa series is a collection of the best mid-distance adventure races in the region, set to test athletes over 100-250km of non-stop day and night racing in spectacular locations. (Qualifiers are not part of the regional series.) All participating teams earn points towards the ARWS Africa rankings, and the Africa Champions are determined by the three best scores from the series over the calendar year.
The Champions (premier mixed team) receive a free place at the next Adventure Racing World Championship. (To qualify at least 2 of the participating team must be from Africa and go to the World Championship.)
Regional Series races are in the Endurance category defined by the International Adventure Racing Association (IARA).
is proud to be an integral part of the ARWS Africa series, finding it to be a perfect fit for their belief in sharing the simple power of being outside with everyone. Adventure racing, with its emphasis on being outside and alive, aligns seamlessly with Merrell’s commitment to fostering a love for the outdoors.
Official Partners
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations and Refunds
Teams may cancel their entry at any stage by e-mailing the event organisers.
- No refunds are applicable at any stage.
- 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.
Event Rules, Regulations & Personal Responsibility
Event Rules and Regulations
- Click HERE for the ARWS rules & regulations (download & save a copy)
- The event specific rules will override the ARWS rules if they are stricter.
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.
