Zambia’s well-known “Elephant Charge” has been traversing the wild with their 4×4 challenge since 2008. But this year brings a new twist to the adventurous event with an Elephant Charge Trail Run for those who want to charge under their own steam!
The nature-based event is set in a different, secret location in Zambia’s wilderness every year at the end of September. Run by a voluntary committee with support from Zambian sponsors including Fuchs Lubricants, the event has raised almost $2 million dollars for grassroots conservation NGOs including the Chongololo Club (Wildlife Environmental and Conservation Society of Zambia) amongst many others.
With most of these organisations relying on international funding to support conservation education efforts, the Elephant Charge provides flexible Zambian funding for core activities by Zambian groups. All these projects involve school children and communities in environmental education activities to help sow the seeds of the next generations of conservationists in Zambia.
Up to thirty vehicle teams must reach ten checkpoints in a secret course set in Zambia’s wilderness in the shortest distance. Crossing ravines and traversing gullies, this challenge is both epic and breathtaking. Historically the race has only involved 4×4 vehicles but this year two-legged creatures join the herd too!
Teams of two runners will run the same course as the cars; starting at HQ, proceeding around all checkpoints in whatever order they choose and ending back at HQ. As well as a physical challenge, teams will be orienteering around the miombo woodland course using map and GPS reading skills to navigate this extreme contest. As this is the first year of the trail run, a maximum of ten teams will be allowed to start. Each team will pay an entry fee and make a minimum pledge to the conservation causes.
The Elephant Charge will take place on Saturday 30 September 2023. Families and spectators are always welcome, and campsites will be provided at the location less than three hours away from Lusaka.
For more information see:
Website: www.elephantcharge.org,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elephantcharge,
Instagram: @elephant.charge.zambia,
Twitter: @elephantcharge1
or contact: info@elephantcharge.org
