A ride to create impact on the African continent

Challenge4ACause is a unique mountain biking expedition that is one of our primary fundraisers for our impact partners. With the breathtaking Damaraland desert in Namibia as the backdrop for this adventure, few are brave enough to meet this challenge and fewer still, those who are fortunate enough to experience it.


At first glance, Challenge4ACause might seem a little extreme – cycling approximately 400km over a week through some of the harshest and most barren areas in the world – but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy and all our past riders will tell you that this is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

Challenge4ACause is an annual event which has far-reaching benefits. Together with our industry partners, we are able to provide vital support to a variety of causes that ensure that together we shape the future of our continent. We are filled with gratitude for their ongoing generosity and collaborative spirit that drives these initiatives toward our shared ambitions.


We invite you to be a part of this incredible cause and join us on an extraordinary journey. Come and be brave the immense and beguiling Damaraland, conquer your fears and in the process leave a lasting legacy in Africa.

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Map

When and where?

In 2024, the ride will take place from 16 June to 22 June. Our dedicated team will organise every part of your itinerary leaving you free to decide your arrival and departure dates from Windhoek. Namibia is a spectacular country, so should you wish to take in the dunes of Sossusvlei or the spectacular Etosha, our Rhino expert consultants will seamlessly plan your pre or post-tours to coincide with the 2024 ride dates.

We have limited space.  Max 22 pax.

C4AC 2022 journey map

Day 0

Sunday 16th June 2024
Walvis Bay → Palmwag - (Transfer)

On arrival in Windhoek, riders will be transferred approximately 6 hours northeast to Palmwag, where our adventure begins. Those lucky few who opt for the 90-minute hop will fly from Windhoek directly to Palmwag. Tonight you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow riders while making best friends with your support team.

Challenge4ACause Cyclists

Day 1

Monday 17th June 2024
Palmwag → Wêreldsend - Approx 70km

One of our favourite days on Challenge - Day 1 is a 60km ride through the Palmwag concession. Mostly undulating with magnificent scenery and game viewing from your bike, the last 20km of Day 1, is always memorable for Challenge4ACause riders and you’ll soon see why! This afternoon we’ll do some rhino tracking as we go in search of the elusive desert-adapted Black Rhino.

Namibia under the stars

Day 2

Tuesday 18th June 2024
Wêreldsend → Cliff camp - Approx 70km

Today we traverse between the Huab and Kolgap rivers to Cliff Camp. 65km could be 75km, as this is a brand new route on Challenge4ACause. The general direction of the day takes us west, with the first 40 to 50 km alternating between gradual and moderate uphills, interspersed with some great flat riding. The last 20km is downhill all the way into the Huab river, with just a little bit of sand as you enter Cliff Camp!

Riding through Namibia day 2

Day 3

Wednesday 19th June 2024
Cliff Camp→ SRT Ugab - Approx 65km

Our third day starts with a testing 10km stretch of thick sand, before turning east towards some spectacular plains.The first 40km today is all uphill, but we finish the day with a magical 25 km downhill, (well mostly downhill with a few undulating hills and flats). Day three’s finish is a spectacular 15km gorge descent with ever-changing landscapes as we arrive into SRT Ugab Camp. This is a truly remarkable day and the terrain and conditions make for marvellous riding. Once we’re done, anyone for a pool party?

SRT Ugab Camp

Day 4

Thursday 20th June 2024
STR Ugab Camp to Overhanging Cliffs - Approx 110km

Today is the longest day on Challeng4ACause starting with a 15km gorge climb out of SRT Ugab Camp. We then cover 40-50km of flat and undulating riding before turning north and descending into the Huab River. Our ride finishes off with a short sandy route up to one of our favourite camps, Overhanging Cliffs. Tonight we camp at the base of a sheer red cliff-face, which we share with small colonies of rosy-faced lovebirds. Sundowners are set in the Huab River as we go in search of desert elephants.

Sitting on a Namibian sand dune

Day 5

Friday 21st June 2024
Overhanging Cliffs to Doro Nawas - Approx 50km

From this point, there is just a river and a short mountain pass that separates us from our final destination, Doro Nawas, where we can look back on our unbelievable trip and marvel at our incredible achievements. Today we conquered the ride!

Riding through namibia day 5

Day 6

Saturday 22nd June 2024
Doro Nawas to Windhoek (Transfer)

Riders are taken on the five hour drive back to Windhoek. Or those lucky few that opt for the hop will rise a little later and fly back to Windhoek. Those who have chosen to fly, can go on a morning game-drive at Doro Nawas, where they will search for the elusive desert-adapted rhino and elephant.

Oiling bicycle gears

The Causes

Wildlife ACT

Wildlife ACT work tirelessly to protect endangered species such as the painted dog and the black rhino.

Save the Rhino Trust Namibia

Save the Rhino Trust Namibia is dedicated to protecting the critically endangered desert-adapted black rhino and its habitat.

The Goodwork Foundation

GWF is an NGO that empowers rural communities through online learning and is looking to reach 100,000 learners by 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit must I be?

Ideally you should be relatively fit and have general mountain biking skills. You are in the saddle for as much as five to seven hours a day. To find the ride comfortable, we suggest that people have a relatively active lifestyle and are active at least three to four times a week, whether it is running, hiking, cycling etc.

Who is looking after us?

A highly professional team from Namibia (Cycletec). They own one of the top cycling shops in the country and have been in the industry as professional cyclists and mountain bikers for many years. A back-up team as well as a technician are on hand to look after the bikes during each day of the challenge. They also maintain the bikes at the end of each day.

What is included / not included in the price?

All accommodation during the trip is included (as well as tents and bedding). This extends to all meals, water, drinks, and snacks for each day of the challenge. Guests are expected to provide their own clothing and any extra bedding they might require. Alcohol is available, but limited in variety, so if there is anything in particular you fancy, you can either ask Dawid to ensure it is included, or bring it along in your own luggage.

What must I pack?

See our essential and general packing list for more details.

Do I rent a bike or bring my own?

You can do either. Bike hire is included in the cost. Guests can bring their own bikes but the additional costs for flying it to Namibia has to be managed on the rider’s own account, along with additional parts needed due to any damages that may occur during the cycle.

Can I do a pre or post tour?

You can certainly do a pre or post tour. Rhino Africa will put guests in contact with a consultant who will provide options to best suit each person’s particular itineraries and interests.

What wildlife am I likely to see?

Some of the areas we’re cycling through are incredibly remote and the animals are rather shy – but anything is possible. Participants may catch sight of desert elephants, lions and lots of general game such as gemsbok, zebra, springbok and other antelope. Hopefully a rhino will make an appearance, but with the vehicles and amount of noise the cyclists generate at times, the game can sometimes be scared off before we manage to see them.  We will arrange a few game-drives, which will hopefully improve our chances of seeing more animals.

What part of my fee goes to conservation and education?

The total cost for Challenge4ACause is US$5, 900 per person. US$2, 900 covers all of your costs, including your bike hire. The remaining US$3, 000 is transferred to our various beneficiaries.

Join C4AC 2024

If you would like us to reserve your space tentatively on our final ride, please fill in this form here.

Dawid will send you a save date. Please save your seat by 22nd february 2024.

Not up for the ride but still want to leave a legacy in Africa? You can still play your part in uplifting Africa’s wildlife and people. We would greatly appreciate any and all contributions.

Cost Per Person

R68 000

Includes: All Road Transfers in Namibia, 5 nights camping - including all meals and drinks, Bike mechanic, 1 night at Dora Nawas - including all meals and drinks

Excludes: International flights, Lodge Air Hops, Gratuities, Any additional Beverages