The eighth RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos mountain bike tour will take place in Namibia’s vast and rugged Palmwag Concession from 24-28 May.
It will again continue from 29 May to 2 June, to raise funds for the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Namibia and Wilderness non-profit initiative.
With Wilderness and RMB as the title sponsors of this annual event, the 2023 tour is set to be the most exciting yet, running two back-to-back multi-day rides.
Offering only 18 places per race, the event gives riders the unique opportunity to cycle through extraordinary landscapes hosting an important rhino conservation area. Wilderness has been committed to providing essential support for this event since its inception in 2015.
“With our purpose to restore and protect the world’s iconic wildernesses, we are proud to once again assist this meaningful initiative to help raise awareness for Namibia’s rhino, and highlight the importance of community involvement and education in conservation – while simultaneously raising funds to support these initiatives,” said Johan Fourie, Wilderness Namibia’s land and natural resources manager.
Billed as an adventurous nature experience rather than a race, the annual four-day tour enables participants to enjoy one of the most scenic areas in north-western Namibia, from the starting point in Wêreldsend, through the Palmwag Concession in Damaraland.
Cyclists complete approximately 40-50km daily, riding across dry riverbeds and rocky outcrops with spectacular views across varied terrains. The tour is recommended for mountain bikers with moderate to advanced technical skills and fitness levels.
This year, Wilderness will provide assistance with route mapping, vehicles and operational support for the group. Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp (DRC), will host the cyclists on their last night of the ride.
Situated within the 582 000-hectare Palmwag Concession, DRC is the result of an impactful partnership between Wilderness, SRT and the Anabeb, Sesfontein and Torra conservancies who all play a significant role in looking after the iconic desert-adapted black rhino population, along with other threatened species.
By visiting DRC, each guest makes a significant contribution to the protection of this critically endangered species. As part of the lease agreement, the company provides financial remuneration and employment opportunities to the conservancies, positively uplifting the local communities.
“As we look forward to another successful event, we are grateful for the significant contributions from RMB Namibia, Wilderness, Cymot and Venture Publications, along with other generous supporters who provide essential equipment for the cyclists. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates how we can work together to make a real difference to Africa’s wildlife,” added Fourie.