Entries open for Old Mutual Wild Series iMfolozi Challenge

ENTRIES for the 2016 Old Mutual Wild Series iMfolozi Challenge mountain bike event are open.

The 55km ride, which takes place inside the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, is one of the most unique adventure experiences in South Africa.

The ride takes participants on a great Big Five adventure through pristine wilderness that is under threat from a proposed coal mine and past the old hunting pits once used by Shaka Zulu.

“This is a very rare and special experience through a reserve teeming with wild life. There can’t be too many races that offer these kind of close encounters. In the past we’ve witnessed a wild dog kill and lion sightings about 20 to 30m from the riders. Every year we see elephants, rhino and buffalo. At the river crocs and hippos are usually spotted too,” said race director Stuart Berry.

Starting off with 4km to 5km of game track in the first 10km of the race, the route then follows the park management trail, which is mostly jeep track.

The iMfolozi Challenge supports Wildlands’ pledge to save the wild dogs of iMfolozi. Sadly, there are fewer than 5000 African wild dogs left in the African wild today. Threatened by habitat loss, snaring, poisoning and disease spread by domestic dogs, the “painted wolf” is now endangered. By participating in this amazing challenge, you directly contribute to the conservation of this beautiful protected species.

Last year, Old Mutual Wealth CEO Andrew Bradley took part in the iMfolozi Challenge for the first time.

“The ride is definitely tougher than it sounds, but it’s a fantastic experience and benefits an extremely worthy cause. Last year a hyena darted straight in front of me. Being that close to the wild is exhilarating. The work that Wildlands undertakes is deeply important and we are proud to be associated with their conservation efforts,” said Berry.

Enter at: www.wildseries.co.za