250km of Wild
Seven Days of Epic Adventure
May 2026
Limpopo, South Africa
Step into the heart of adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty of South Africa's wilderness with the Africa Wild Ultra™. This extraordinary self-sufficient trail running event of over 250km in seven days, promises an unforgettable experience, weaving through ancient cultural sites, majestic rugged mountains, lush forests, river gorges and canyons, along old trading routes and wildlife-rich bushveld. This is your quintessential bucket-list event.
The event is held entirely within the near 2, 6 million ha Kruger to Canyons Biosphere region (bigger than Wales!), one of only 10 recognised biosphere reserves in South Africa, and voted as the 11th best Biosphere in the world, and the best in Africa! The biosphere encompasses famous tourism hotspots including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck potholes, Pilgrim’s Rest and the Blyde River Canyon. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, as well as being known to be the greenest canyon in the world. The race host town is Hoedspruit – the safari-hub town of South Africa.
From the start, this epic journey takes competitors on a breath-taking odyssey through diverse landscapes from farmlands and cultured forests, rural villages, through wild forests and untamed terrain, the rugged northern Drakensberg mountains, through gorges and canyons, over the Drakensberg mountains and down into the thorny bushveld, populated by free roaming wild animals including the Big5, and culminating in Hoedspruit.
What can
I expect from AWU?
The Africa Wild Ultra™ offers more than just an adventurous trail run – it's a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and connection with the natural world, with memories that will last forever. From the ancient trade routes to the untamed wilderness, every step of the way is an opportunity to embrace the spirit of adventure and unlock the secrets of South Africa's wild heart.
So, lace up your trail shoes, pack your sense of adventure, and join us for a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of the African bush, by participating in the Africa Wild Ultra™!
250
Kilometers
7
3
Days
Epic Experiences
21km Half Marathon
There is something for everyone at Africa Wild Ultra™ 2026!
African Wild Ultra™ 21 is a trail half marathon giving non-competitors in the main race - the Africa Wild Ultra™ experience, but on a smaller scale. The Africa Wild Ultra™ 21 is holding a 21km trail run during the last stage of the main event, all crossing the finish line in Hoedspruit together.
All of the runners, including those in the main event, will gather at the starting line for the final 21km stretch. This half marathon promises to be a community experience, weaving through vibrant orchards and meandering trails flanked by the wild beauty of the bush. It is an invitation to connect with the land and each other – a celebration of both achievement and camaraderie.
The competitors will surge forward at the start. Among the 21km competitors we expect friends, families, and fellow athletes, all eager to share in this momentous occasion, the finish of the African Wild Ultra™ – the first race of its kind in Hoedspruit and indeed Limpopo.
Along the route, there will be laughter and cheers from the enthusiastic spectators. As they approach the finish line in Hoedspruit, the atmosphere will intensify. The finish line, a symbol of triumph not just for the ultra-runners of the main event, but for everyone who will have joined the journey and those running the Africa Wild Ultra™ 21. Crossing the finish together, they celebrate not only the completion of a race but the forging of friendships and unforgettable memories – and having had a taste of what is possible on the ultra-scale!
The 21km participants must be 18 years of age or older as at the date of the close of registrations, and all competitors need to be able to carry at least 500ml of hydration – there will be a check point with water along the way at about 10km. Competitors must also carry a fully charged cell phone.
Entry fee includes the following:
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Race numbers
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Finishers medal
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Race T-shirt
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Light lunch at the finish
Volunteers
You don't need to be a runner to be part of the event.
Our team takes the selection of volunteers for Africa Wild Ultra™ very seriously. We seek outgoing, engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds, including various nationalities, ages, and religions. These volunteer positions are highly sought after, as they offer an experience that closely resembles that of a competitor without actually racing. Volunteers will witness the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs, and truly embody the spirit of grit and endurance, culminating in the joy of completing the event.
Africa Wild Ultra™ is looking for volunteers to help with the race and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Volunteers must arrive in Hoedspruit three days prior to the event for intense training, which will prepare them to carry out their tasks efficiently and professionally. They play a vital role in ensuring that the race operates smoothly from start to finish.
