Zambezi Cycle Challenge

Everyone has their own way of taking on a challenge - and snake descent and long crossing on day three of this years Zambezi Cycle Challenge was a good showcase of this.
Some went at breakneck speed.
Some took it slow and steady.
Some stopped and worked things out before moving onwards.
And some worked things out while they were on the move.
And some misjudged slightly and ended up in the slimy water.

Here are a few. If you are not featured and want to see what you looked like, drop your bike number in the comments and we will see if we captured you in action.

Just when you think you are on the home stretch ...we throw in a rather wobbly bridge for good measure.
As well as the occasional elephant for a bit of added motivation. ( thanks to the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit scouts for looming out for us all).

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Huge Congratulations to our 2026 Zambezi Cycle Challenge - powered by Nedbank Zimbabwe winners for each category:

Racing Snakes ( and overall winners) - Team Safari Essence ( Mark van Zyl and Wessel Botha). 8:01:39
Mixed Team - Team Protune ( Stacey Hyslop and Matthew Wilkinson) . 9:21:51
Men's Silverbacks - Team Lema ( Leander Borg and Mannie Heymans) 9:24:23
Ladies - Team Moody Cows ( Bernadine Rae and Jessica Lubbe) 13:04:52

We look forward to having you back in 2027 to defend your titles.

Some more magic captures by Claire Macklin Photography and Printing .
Day 3 through her lens.
So many smiles, an occasional grimace, and many moments showing the camaraderie that is Zambezi Cycle Challenge .

There is a famous quote by Fred Rogers that says:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
We think the same sentiment applies in making an event a success. And we couldn't do it without our helpers.
Time is precious to us all but they give so freely of theirs. They are out on the course often well before the riders even start ( setting up, checking for animals, setting up waterpoints, etc) , and only leave once they know everyone is safely through.
Motorbikes, marshal points, waterpoints, game scouts, horses and guides - each one as important as the other.
They volunteer to do this - and represent the spirit of our Vic Falls community.

So please join us in thanking ( in no particular order):
Mike, AJ and Richard - motorbikes
Children in the Wilderness - Courtney, Dom, Terrence, Tinashe and Cynthia ( marshaling and waterpoint assistance)
Tag Rugby Trust - Martin and his team ( marshaling)
Garth Pritchard, Jenni Pumpe, and everyone who joined them - marshalling
Alison, and her IMPI team for the horseback patrols ( Zambezi Horse Safaris)
Shelley Cox, Calla, and their squad - marshalling
Nick Milne and family - marshalling
Round Table 7 - Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe- for marshaling
Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit and Webb - marshaling and patrol
Keith Sparkes and his WH team team - patrols
Anthea - for always jumping in where needed.
And the Pro guides who jumped in an helped when it was needed.

The Bayete Collection - waterpoint day 1 and support
bar and Mozi Grill - waterpoint day 2 and support
The Three Monkeys Vic Falls - waterpoint day team and support

And anyone else who we might have unintentionally missed out.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!

Day 2 through the lens of Claire Macklin Photography and Printing .

The quiet moments before the gala dinner.
Thank you Pure Africa for the stunning set up, Oneday Manhanga for the fabulously quirky trophies, and Liquor Supplies Victoria Falls for the wine.

Thanks Claire Macklin Photography and Printing for taking pictures and sharing them.
Have a look through - don't forget to tag or share.

A little glimpse into an epic last day of our 2026 Zambezi Cycle Challenge.
Big climbs, steep descents, the breath-taking Batoka Gorge - the ingredients you need for a fabulous (and challenging) day.
Some cyclists got to see wild dog, an African rock python and elephants along the way today.
Huge thanks to Wild Horizons and Mr Ndiweni for the transport to get all participants to the start.
Huge thanks once again to Victoria Falls Liquorama and Kiggens for getting the bikes there. And a huge round of applause to the guys who packed and unpacked 120+ bikes each day.
Thanks to The Three Monkeys Vic Falls for the mind-blowing waterpoint ( where what was on offer was a fabulous as the view).
The Long Neck Lagers were a welcome sight at the end point - thanks Andrea and Riley.
And massive thanks to Ilala Lodge Hotel for providing the perfect finish line, and the very tasty lunch - and to Nedbank Zimbabwe for the part they played in sponsoring the lunch.

Time to relax and enjoy a well deserved sundowner on a Pure Africa cruise before the gala dinner.

Well done to every single one of you who competed in the Zambezi Cycle Challenge 2026. Watch this space for more pictures.