Words: Linda Willemse | Photos & Video: Wild Frontiers & Adventure Zone
Mountain biking in the vicinity of Victoria Falls, one of the most scenic places in southern Africa, has to rate as one of the most exciting events you can do. So don’t miss the opportunity to do just that by entering the Victoria Falls Mountain Bike Challenge, which takes place from 11 to 15 June 2014.
Photo credit: Wild Frontiers & Adventure Zone
Now in its fifth year, this tough three-day event is sure to test your skills against the terrain, which comprises a combination of single track, rural farm roads and a small amount of tar nearer the town. Highlights along the routes include the Upper Zambezi River, private land concessions and game reserves, plus incredible views from the top of the Batoka Gorge. Most of the areas you will ride through are not generally accessible to the public and as such are unique to this event. You will also need to keep your senses sharpened for any encounters with the local wildlife.
On the first day, cyclists can expect rolling hills, some flat terrain and Kalahari sand as they make their way through the Zambezi National Park. Day two takes them through a private concession area with more hills and cycling over flat farmlands. The third day challenges the riders on a single trek alongside the breathtaking Zambezi Gorge and over the scenic Wild Horizons property. Tubeless tyres are a must because of the thorns.
Approximate distances are as follows:
Day 1 – 69 km
Day 2 – 89 km
Day 3 – 78 km
Whilst the Victoria Falls Mountain Bike race is a challenge for the fast, competitive riders, it is also a great event for social riders. It is fully backed up and marshalled, there are well spaced out refreshment points along the way, as well as some spectacular, unridden sections that will offer riders great views of one of Zimbabwe's most scenic areas.
The event is organised by Wild Frontiers, the same organisers of the Victoria Falls Marathon and the Kilimanjaro Marathon, and is not to be missed. Enter now to secure your place in one of Africa’s most stunning and soul-fulfilling mountain bike races on the 2014 MTB calendar.
More information
For more information on race packages and to enter, visit www.vicfallsmtbchallenge.com. Alternatively, email Wild Frontiers on
