This is a truly extraordinary journey, one that promises to be as life‑defining as it is unforgettable. In true Rat Race fashion.
Starting from the beauty of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, across the wildlife‑rich waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and deep into South Africa’s vibrant interior with its rich cultures and legendary game parks. The route also leads through the mystical kingdom of Eswatini, a jewel of tradition and natural wonder.
Over the 23 days of cycling, its just over 3000km of the most inspiring terrain sub‑Saharan Africa has to offer. This is more than a ride, it’s an adventure.
STAGE 1 / NAMIBIA TO BOTSWANA
In this stage, its into a full serving of high‑quality gravel riding as the route carries us across Namibia’s signature desert & bush terrain. The surface is predominantly compacted gravel with intermittent sections of looser aggregate, requiring steady bike handling and efficient weight distribution through undulating topography. Long, open straights allow for sustained tempo riding, while occasional corrugations and sandy patches demand short bursts of controlled power and quick line‑choice decisions. The landscape is classic Namibian backcountry—wide basins, scattered scrub, and gently rising plateaus that offer huge visibility and a constant sense of progression. Covering the country over six consecutive days of riding adds a real sense of scale to the challenge; with every stage, the changing texture of the terrain and the gradual shift in ecosystem as they push toward the border. It’s an exhilarating and technically engaging introduction to the first country on our multi‑country traverse.
STAGE 2 / BOTSWANA TO SOUTH AFRICA
This stage offers a welcome shift in rhythm into smoother, faster riding on well‑maintained tarmac, allowing the riders to efficiently cover some big distances. The paved sections invite consistent cadence work and pacing, with very gentle rolling gradients that reward riders who manage their power output over longer stretches. Interspersed along the route are exceptional accommodation stops that elevate the experience beyond the riding itself—from authentic bush lodges to memorable camping setups in remote settings. One of the standout nights is to a dedicated rhino sanctuary, where the camp is positioned within conservation land, creating a rare opportunity to rest surrounded by active wildlife protection efforts. The combination of smooth road miles and thoughtfully curated overnight locations makes this stage both technically efficient and uniquely immersive.
STAGE 3 / SOUTH AFRICA TO ESWATINI
This stage marks one of the most beautiful and physically demanding sections of the route. They ride through designated game reserves, the terrain transitions between compact gravel, hard‑packed dirt, and long, sustained climbs that define the profile of this phase. These ascents require pacing, careful power management, and focused bike handling as gradients shift and surfaces vary beneath the tyres. The climbing effort is balanced by the extraordinary setting. As riders will adjust priorities as wildlife appears across open plains and bush corridors, turning the days into a true “safari on wheels.” Despite the elevation gain, the sensation is more awe than exertion. To support recovery from the accumulated climbing load, there is an exceptional rest‑day location with this stage—chosen for comfort and location it is a great environment to recharge before tackling the next segment.
The final push delivers the greatest sense of both achievement and physical challenge, as this section contains some of the route’s most sustained uphill work. After dipping wheels into Eswatini, the route climbs steadily back toward the South African border, following a series of long, graded ascents. These uphill stretches are paired with smoother tarmac and rolling rural dusty roads, allowing for efficient climbing while maintaining rhythm and stability. As the route crests and begins to trend downward, the environment shifts—the air grows heavier with coastal humidity and the first hints of ocean breeze signal that the Indian Ocean is drawing near. The journey concludes at a collection of stunning beach lodges, offering an unforgettable setting to celebrate. It’s a technically satisfying and emotionally resonant finale, culminating with the coastline appearing like a well‑earned reward.
