Transfrontier trail run – 2022

We are proudly associated with Wildrun Africa, South Africa’s premier trail run events organiser. The biennial Namibia Crossing is a multi-stage transfrontier trail run that traverses the border between South Africa and Namibia. Over a fully-supported five days and 200km, runners explore the ancient mountain wilderness of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Overlaying the Orange River border line between South Africa and Namibia is a 5,920 sq. km arid mountain desert wilderness unlike any other in the world. This jointly-managed conservation initiative incorporates the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa and the Fish River Canyon National Park in Namibia.

This is an ancient geological and natural ecosystem that is quite simply unparalleled on Earth. What appears to be a desolate landscape is rich with desert flora clinging to life in an austere wilderness. It is the oldest and richest mountain desert in the world, holding more than a third of the world’s known succulent species.

Added to that, the route includes the largest canyon in Africa and some uniquely desert-adapted African wildlife. This ensures a wilderness running experience that is quite simply unmatched. Above all, the Namibia Crossing transfrontier trail run provides exclusive access to otherwise inaccessible parts of these parks.

Do you love running but are looking for something a little more relaxed? Consider the Wildcoast Wildrun for a coastal running holiday!

19 Jun

2022

Highlights

Marvel

at fields of quartz crystals

Gaze in awe

at ancient geological formations

Swim

in the Orange River

Be inspired

by the tenacity of life in the wilderness

Experience

life-changing moments

Experiences

Day Day 1

Registration

Upon arrival at South Africa’s Sendelingsdrif, runners register and settle into their tents.

Optional GPS and navigation tutorial and a lively introduction to the local culture

Event briefing follows with dinner to send you off for a good night’s rest.

Day Day 2

Sendelingsdrif - De Koei (42 km / vertical gain 1028m)

The first day of running covers 42km / 26 miles and takes runners over the crystal fields, through a network of canyons, to the ‘Vyf Susters’ (Five Sisters).

The route continues along a series of valleys behind these mountains, opening up on grassy plains.

An aid station provides welcome relief approximately half way and just before the climb to the top of Helskloof (Hell’s Valley) Pass.

The back half of the run follows undulating game trails to finish at the night’s camp in a dry wash.

Day Day 3

De Koei - Hakkiesdoring (33km / vertical gain 630m)

The 33km / 20.5 mile day two route touches the slopes of the big mountains of the Vandersterrberge (1300m/4,265ft+)

This gives runners a real feeling for this remote and wild southern area of the Richtersveld.

Fit and adventurous runners have the choice to add a side trip to a magnificent amphitheatre – a fortress of rock towering 150-200m straight up with a flat and sandy bottom. However, this is a tough out and back extension, for those with strong legs and a dose of tenacity!

Day Day 4

Hakkiesdoring - De Hoop (39km / vertical gain 897m)

Day 3 of running is all about granite..

The first 15km / 9 miles comprises a mix of river beds, granite gullies and flat plains.

At 15km, the 340m/1,100ft climb begins; up giant granite sheets and between giant boulders to one of the smaller of the Tatasberg summits at an altitude if 840m/2,750ft.

Over the top and down the other side to the aid station. This marks the start of an almost 1000m / 3280ft descent towards the Orange River, over a distance of 10km /6.2 miles.

The last part of the route follows the lush banks to finish at a riverside camp.

Day Day 5

De Hoop to Wilderness Hot Springs (49km / vertical gain 779m)

Today’s 49km / 30 mile route crosses into Namibia.

After a short section along the river, the route turns inland and climbs steadily to the base of Zebra Pass, so named for the clear trail created by the endemic Hartmann’s Mountain zebra.

The fun starts as the route follows a wild game trail roller coaster down towards the Fish River Canyon.

With half of the run still ahead, the last 24km is a steady battle up the canyon to the camp and a welcome rest in the natural hot spring.

Day Day 6

Wilderness Hot Springs - Ais Ais Hot Springs resort (26km / vertical gain 874m)

The shortest and final day (26km / 16 miles) begins with a few bends of the Fish River Canyon

A slot canyon suddenly swallows runners up from the river, taking you on an exploration on well-worn game trails.

Climb to a high point before winding towards the aid-station at 14km.

Descend to cross the Fish River before the steady climb up to the highest point of the day and a magnificent 360 view over the mountains

A steep and technical descent returns the route to the Fish River
and soon, cheers welcome runners in to the finish of the Namibia Crossing.

Day Day 7

Departure

Luxury coaches depart early this morning for Cape Town, arriving this evening.

We recommend international visitors pre-book a hotel in the city for tonight.

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!

What is included
Your race entry fee includes:

Fully catered race accommodation for 6 nights, individual tented accommodation with mattress

All meals, starting with dinner on arrival day, finishing with breakfast on departure day

Luxury coach transportation from Cape Town to the start and from the finish back to Cape Town

Bottled water daily for all runners

Transport of personal items between camps

All logistical support by experienced crew in 4×4 vehicles

All park fees and permits

Two Aid station check points (ACP) per day will offer a variety of refreshments and runners will be able to top up with water.

Medical support will be provided at each camp and on the course

Massage therapy is also offered (optional extra)
You will require
Sleeping bag and pillow, which will be transported daily with your kit bag to each new camp.

Personal medication

Personal running gear such as a hydration bag

Temperatures range from 10-25ºC (5-77F), but extreme days can be as low as 5ºC (41F) and over 30ºC (86F). Although this is a desert, the event is held in mid-winter and rain is common, so you will need to bring appropriate clothing for rain and chilly evenings, as well as sunscreen and a hat during the day.

A GPS is required, which will be used in conjunction with a scaled map. Short, basic GPS training before briefing will be held and GPS tracks/routes will be sent to participants before arrival at the event.

Cash for drinks which are not included

A medical form, signed by your doctor will be required by the organisers

You will need medical evacuation insurance
Important information
A valid passport is required. If you are an international participant travelling on a ‘foreign’ passport, you may need a visa for Namibia.

This is a solo run. Groups of runner will undoubtedly join up on the route, but you will not be required to run in teams.

Runners must check in with event staff at the aid stations.

Look out for leopard … or at least their tracks. No dangerous game to be concerned about.