After facing cancellations due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Nedbank Tour de Tuli is finally returning this upcoming year. Cyclists can begin their registration process for this mountain biking adventure and secure their spot for July 2022.
Splash through a water crossing. Picture: Patrick Black
The Nedbank Tour de Tuli is a premier mountain biking venture that covers the pristine wilderness of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Running for the past fifteen years, this cycling adventure is organised to take place every year during the month of July. The route entails four days and five nights of cycling through exclusive unmarked routes and ancient game trails.
Expect classic riding on slick rock and sandstone ridges, mopane woodlands, bushveld and crossing the dry, sandy beds of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Be on the lookout for baobabs, and plenty of wildlife – elephant, giraffe, antelope, among others. Flowing single track and elephant trails offer higher speed sections.
Sticking to the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, the riding route takes you through Northern Tuli Game Reserve (Botswana) and Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (South Africa). By the end of day four, you will have covered about 300km.
Caution is needed through the rocky hills. Picture: Patrick Black
The Tour de Tuli places emphasis on abiding by strict environmental practices, working with local communities and utilizing underrated routes, therefore allowing cyclists to experience the beauty of Africa’s surroundings with like-minded persons.
The Tour de Tuli is not only focused on mountain biking and exploration through Africa’s landscape. The cycling event is also the main fundraiser for a non-profit organisation known as the Children in the Wilderness (CITW). All funds raised by the Tour De Tuli are funnelled directly into the CITW programme to ensure that the non-profit organisation continues to operate successfully in various regions on the African continent. The tour has hosted approximately 3900 participants over the last fifteen years, therefore raising over twenty million Rand for the CITW organisation.
The Spirit of comradery on tour. Picture: Supplied
Many cycling enthusiasts and avid mountain bikers will be excited by the Tour de Tuli’s return in July 2022, undoubtedly ensuring a mass of eager participants and plenty more funds for the CITW.
For more information visit the Tour de Tuli website here.
Watch below for more information.
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