Adventure Racing World Series Qualifier: Expedition Africa Returns To Drakensberg

Published on March 14, 2026

Expedition Africa, 1 of nan apical escapade races successful nan world, is backmost aft a twelvemonth of nary races!!! With nan thrilling title of “Back to nan Berg”, nan South African Drakensberg Mountains will big multi-day, world people escapade racing from March 13- March 23, 2026. As a qualifying title for nan Adventure Racing World Series, participants tin expect to upland bike, trek, kayak, and ropework successful 1 of nan astir beautiful and distant locations connected nan planet.

The Drakensberg Challenge

Nestled successful South Africa, nan Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connection immoderate of nan country’s astir scenic and challenging terrain. Known arsenic “uKhahlamba” successful Zulu (meaning ‘barrier of spears’), these jagged peaks coming a formidable situation for immoderate adventurer. The 2026 version of Expedition Africa will nonstop teams connected a 500-kilometre people that will return them heavy into this beautiful, yet harsh environment.

Racers will look a daunting 14,000 meters of climbing arsenic they navigate done varied landscapes, from upland trails to fast-flowing rivers. The Drakensberg’s ecological diverseness and rich | history will beryllium connected afloat display, making nan title not only physically demanding but besides a fascinating travel done nan region’s earthy beauty.

Race Overview

Expedition Africa 2026 will dwell of 8 stages, each designed to trial nan endurance and accomplishment of competitors. Teams will title without outer assistance, relying solely connected representation and compass for navigation. The arena will characteristic respective disciplines, including:

• Mountain Biking: Riders will request to tackle reliable upland trails, pushing their bikes done rocky paths and unsmooth terrain.
• Trekking: Participants will screen agelong distances connected foot, navigating done forests, valleys, and upland ridges.
• Kayaking: Teams will paddle crossed challenging waters, adding an aquatic constituent to nan expedition.
• Ropework: A thrilling item of nan title will beryllium nan Dragon Trail ‘via ferrata’, a 400-meter roped ascent adjacent Tugela Falls, 1 of nan tallest waterfalls successful nan world.

With these divers challenges, nan title promises to beryllium a existent trial of beingness strength, intelligence toughness, and teamwork. The upwind successful nan Drakensberg is famously unpredictable, and temperatures astatine precocious elevations tin driblet rapidly, further complicating nan task for racers.

An International Lineup of Teams

The arena has drawn competitors from astir nan world, pinch 25 teams from 15 different countries. This year, immoderate teams are comprised of racers from aggregate nations, showcasing nan world entreaty of Expedition Africa. Notable teams include:

• Team Aden Gear: With members from Brazil, nan USA, and Italy, this squad will acquisition nan Drakensberg together for nan first time.
• Team Trufflehunters: A mixed-nationality squad pinch members from nan UK, South Africa, and different countries.
• Team Gym City: A apical contender from Poland pinch acquisition connected nan podium of ARWS Qualifier races.

These teams will push their limits, pinch nan fastest expected to decorativeness successful 4 days, while others whitethorn return up to six days to complete nan course. The winning squad will beryllium awarded a coveted spot astatine nan 2026 Adventure Racing World Championship successful Corsica.

Guide for Travelers: Planning a Trip to nan Drakensberg

If you’re readying to sojourn nan Drakensberg to witnesser this unthinkable title aliases to bask its earthy wonders, here’s what you request to know:

• Best Time to Visit: The Drakensberg is accessible year-round, but nan champion clip for escapade activities is during nan warmer months from September to April. The Expedition Africa title takes spot successful March, offering favorable upwind conditions for some participants and spectators.
• Accommodation: The Alpine Heath Resort, nan starting constituent of nan race, offers a scope of accommodations for visitors. For a much immersive experience, you tin book lodgings adjacent celebrated trekking routes and quality reserves.
• Things to Do: Beyond nan race, nan Drakensberg is renowned for its hiking trails, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Popular hikes see nan Tugela Falls Trail and nan Amphitheatre, a melodramatic upland formation. You tin besides bask birdwatching, stone climbing, and taste experiences successful nan adjacent villages.
• Getting There: The closest awesome airdrome is King Shaka International Airport successful Durban. From there, you tin rent a car aliases return a shuttle to nan Drakensberg region.

Follow nan Race Live

For those incapable to be successful person, nan title will beryllium extensively covered by a squad of photographers, videographers, and reporters. Live updates will beryllium disposable connected nan charismatic Expedition Africa and ARWS societal media pages, wherever you tin way nan advancement of your favourite teams and get real-time title coverage.

Conclusion

Expedition Africa is backmost to The Drakensberg! Our return is judge to create much memories for competitors and spectators alike. With nan beautiful Drakensberg arsenic nan backdrop, this title will erstwhile much induce nan champion escapade racers successful nan world to travel and acquisition 1 of nan astir stunning and chaotic places successful South Africa.

This title will besides let spectators to acquisition nan beautiful Drakensberg and of people let escapade travelers and title fans to research a magnificent portion of nan world.