The Extreme Challenge has now begun! You can chip in to support the trekkers at https://www.justgiving.com/team/extreme-challenge-drakensberg-2024
Extreme Challenge: Drakensberg
South Africa | Oct 6th – 14th 2024
Appreciate the sheer beauty of the Drakensberg in South Africa while pushing yourself to the limit for an incredible cause. Change the lives of people trapped in modern slavery and who have survived human trafficking.
Silver Sponsors:
View to the Sentinel mountain, Drakensberg mountains, South Africa
About the trek
There are two options for this trek: portered, or self-carry. There is some overlap but also some differences in the route and itinerary depending on your choice.
While the trek is not technical, it passes over rugged terrain in a pristine wilderness area, and you will be off marked trails except when ascending or descending the major passes.
Costs & Fundraising
The estimated cost is £1,495 per person – the precise total will depend on exchange rates. £295 is needed in advance to confirm a place. The final balance is due by 9th August 2024.
Additionally, there is a mandatory fundraising minimum requirement of £5,000 / US$6,000 / €6,000 euro. To ensure your place on the trek, 80% of the total must be raised by 30th July 2024. You will get all the support and advice you need to help you hit your fundraising goal.
What is included in the cost you pay?
- Bus transport between Johannesburg ORTIA Airport and The Cavern Hotel, each way
- 3 nights at The Cavern Hotel in standard rooms (sharing) on a full board basis
- Guided day hike on the first day in the Royal Natal National Park (Tugela Gorge walk or similar), including return transport between the Hotel and the park and day hike park permits
- Mountain guides / porters
- 5 night / 6 day trek, either portered or self carry
- All food provisions for the trek, using specialist freeze-dried camping meals
- Gas for stoves
- Packed lunches on day 1 of the hike will be included in The Cavern’s full board rate.
- Fundraising pack with suggestions on how to raise sponsorship and access to Hope for Justice fundraising team for advice and ideas and resources for fundraising events
- Physical training plan
- Team nights (online) in run-up to challenge, covering fundraising, training and to answer any questions
What is not included?
You should budget to pay separately for:
- Your flight to and from Johannesburg ORTIA Airport
- Any food whilst travelling on the first day down to The Cavern (packed lunches can be provided on the return to Johannesburg as part of the full board rate)
- Your own tent for the main trek
- Travel insurance – we recommend insurance for baggage, cancellation, medical costs and helicopter rescue
- Any gratuities
- Any meals or services not mentioned
Schedule
Sunday 6th October:
Land in Johannesburg, transfer to Drakensberg region
Monday 7th October:
Warm-up hike, practice putting up tents
Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th October
Extreme Challenge: Drakensberg, main trek
Monday 14th October
Transfer back to Johannesburg, fly home
Note: for most participants, this will mean flying out to South Africa on Saturday 5th October and arriving home on Tuesday 15th October.
Cathedral Peak, Credit: anywhereweroam.com
Key Facts
- Sentinel to Cathedral Peak in 6 days
- 48 total participants, with two groups of 24 – portered and self-carry (separate teams on main trek)
- Total distance approx. 90-100km, walking at altitudes of 2,500m-3,300m
- Sleeping under the stars (in a tent!)
Is this experience right for you?
We are putting out a call for people with a passion for ending modern slavery and human trafficking, who want to push themselves physically as part of this demanding trek. We also want people comfortable in a team and willing to encourage others. You must be willing to use this experience as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness about this devastating issue, and connecting with everyone who you know to encourage them to support your fundraising.
How can I sign up or find out more?
Email organiser andrew.wrath@hopeforjustice.org
with your questions or to request an application form.
