AFRICA
SERIES

About Africa Series

The ARWS Africa series is a collection of the best mid-distance adventure races in the Africa region. Event organisers set unique courses to test athletes over 100-250km of non-stop day and night racing in the disciplines of trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and navigation.

Participating teams earn points towards their ARWS regional ranking and the Wild@Heart AR race will be the 2025 Regional Championship. 

The winning premier mixed team at the Championship race will be offered a free place at the Adventure Racing World Championship. (To qualify the winning team must also complete one other race in the series, at least 3 of the team must be from Africa, and a minium of two members of the team must go the World Championship.)

Merrelllogo2black is proud to be an integral part of the ARWS Africa series, finding it to be a perfect fit for their belief in sharing the simple power of being outside with everyone. Adventure racing, with its emphasis on being outside and alive, aligns seamlessly with Merrell's commitment to fostering a love for the outdoors.

To be get involved with ARWS Africa Region and join the ARWS global adventure racing community reach out to us at: info@arworldseries.com

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04
Apr

Set in the picturesque surroundings of Woodridge College near Port Elizabeth, the Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race showcases three diverse terrains: rugged coastal trails, dense forests requiring keen navigation, and open plains that test endurance and strategy. The race features three distance options catering to all experience levels: a beginner-friendly 20–25 km Mini Adventure, a challenging 60–75 km mid-range course, and an ultimate 125–150 km endurance test for seasoned racers. Exceptional route choices make every race thrilling, combining physical and mental challenges with the beauty of the South African wilderness.

04 Apr - 06 Apr 2025
Distance
20km | 60km | 120km
Course Open
36 Hours
Teams
2 & 4 PERSON
Limit
100 Teams

28
Apr

Africa Series BIMBACHE MOROCCO 2025

World Champs Qualifier

The Bimbache Raid was organized in Spain between 2003 and 2010, and in its seven editions it was one of the most important races on the international scene where the best teams in the world participated.

28 Apr - 03 May 2025
Distance
460 km
Course Open
5 days
Teams
Team of 4
Limit
40

01
May

Africa Series Hessequa Adventure Race

Wild and unexplored areas awaits you. The Hesequa keeps revealing gems each year and 2025 won't be any different. Come make the most of the long weekend and spend it with friends in the most epic way possible.

01 May - 04 May 2025
Distance
250km
Course Open
48 hours
Teams
Team of 2 & 4
Limit
40

04
Jun

Africa Series The Ratel Expedition

World Champs Qualifier

“Die Ratel”, meaning Honey Badger in Afrikaans (a local language in South Africa) is set to be a raw old-school adventure - alike to a Honey Badger, tough, honest and a challenge so worth taking on!

04 Jun - 15 Jun 2025
Distance
450 km
Course Open
8 Days
Teams
Team of 2 & 4
Limit
Limited

22
Aug

In 2025 EXP Africa will host the traditional Fullmoon and Doublemoon Events. A 120km and 250km course set in the beautifull Magoebaskloof. The host venue will be the Magoebaskloof Mountain Lodge. With enough accommodation for all this will be the perfect family adventure weekend.

22 Aug - 24 Aug 2025
Distance
120km | 250km
Course Open
48 Hours
Teams
Team of 4
Limit
No limit

24
Oct

Regional Championship

Old school adventure race with rugged mountains, pristine dam and remote wilderness locations, staged in the Northern Cape / Free state by Adrian Saffy.

The Saffinator needs no introduction to adventure racers in South Africa. In fact, he's one of the people in South Africa who has introduced a multitude of people to not only adventure racing but to mountain adventures in general. You can expect to be shown some truly magical wild places always with a twist.

24 Oct - 26 Oct 2025
Distance
200KM
Course Open
36hrs
Teams
2 Person / 4 Person
Limit
Limited

28
Nov

Africa Series NO FRILLS NO FUSS

As is customary with NFNF Adventure Races, there will be multiple distance options on offer, all of which will be an adventure unrivaled! Think beautiful big mountains, tricky terrain, route choices galore...

There will be options for the seasoned campaigner and the newbie alike! Let's not forget the warstories around the campfire at the end, a big focus of NFNF events!

28 Nov - 30 Nov 2025
Distance
150km | 100km | 45km
Course Open
24hrs
Teams
Team of 2, 3 & 4
Limit
None

13
Mar

World Champs Qualifier

The Drakensberg will host the return of Expedition Africa to South Africa after a short hiatus. This UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the "Dragon Mountain" is the highest mountain range in South Africa. It is locally known as uKhahlamba (Barrier of Spears) and is renowned for its rugged cliffs and deep valleys. These mountains are steeped in Myth and Legend and have inspired many of South Africa's greatest stories. It is time for you and your team to write yours!

13 Mar - 22 Mar 2026
Distance
500 km
Course Open
6 Days
Teams
Team of 4
Limit
60 Teams

AFRICA SERIES

GLOBAL PARTNERS


Squirt Cycling Products

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The Dark Zone

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Paddle Bag

URSUIT

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Bike Box Company

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MRS packrafts

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OutThere

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SleepMonsters.com

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Adventure Racing Insider

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International Adventure Racing Association (IARA)

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REGIONAL PARTNERS


Squirt Cycling Products

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Bike Box Company

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Merrell

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URSUIT

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