The Kasanka bicycle challenge 2011

Sara Drawwater
Archive
30 March 2011
To celebrate 20 years of

To celebrate 20 years of Kasanka Trust conservation support to Kasanka National Park, you are invited to join the Kasanka Trust for a weekend of fun, excitement and the challenge of the inaugural bicycle race on the 1st of May 2011. This fund raising weekend will be held from April the 29th to May the 2nd. All proceeds will go towards conservation and community development activities in and around Kasanka National Park. Entrance and accommodation fees are very competitive to accommodate as many people as possible but you are encouraged to find additional sponsors to help Kasanka Trust’s ongoing conservation and community work. This event is particularly raising funds for powering the wildlife scouts’ control room with radios, solar equipment and batteries.

Bicycle challenge entrance fees and optional activitiesTo help raise funds the following small entrance fees are being charged and you are encouraged to make the most of your weekend and go on optional activities.

  • The main Kasanka challenge is ZMK350,000 to enter
  • The intermediate fun ride is ZMK250,000 to enter
  • The kids race is ZMK90,000 to enter

Optional activities include:

  • Cycling with an armed scout through the park for ZMK25,000 per person (minimum of two people and a maximum of six)
  • A guided morning bush walk for ZMK81,200 per person (minimum of two people)
  • A guided game drive for ZMK133,400 per person (minimum of two people)
  • A canoe trip for ZMK46,400 per person
  • A motor boat trip for ZMK133,400 per person (minimum of two people)

The bicycle challenge routeThe intermediate, fun ride will be 19 kilometres and the main Kasanka Challenge is 50 kilometres over beautiful and varied terrain including floodplains, dambos and woodland. Both races start at the Kasanka National park entrance gate and follow the tar road, bicycle tracks, gravel roads, single bush tracks and some marshy areas. Part of the route is through village areas and local farm land. There will be a foot bridge crossing the Mulembo River for both races and helpers will be on hand to assist riders over the bridge. Water tables will be placed along the route to help rehydrate riders and a medic will be on hand. The bicycle challenge is not too demanding, but will give novices and enthusiasts an exciting weekend out. Helmets are compulsory during the race.

VolunteersIf you don’t fancy the cycling don’t despair because the Kasanka team still need your help. You can volunteer and help out with catering, first aid, route marking and much more. If you have a quad bike or 4X4 you are willing to use at the event the Kasanka team would love to hear from you. Being a volunteer is great fun, greatly appreciated and provides priority access to the bar and food! Enquire on-line now about how you can be a volunteer.

Weekend accommodation and cateringThere’s a special offer for race participants and their families for the weekend of ZMK350,000 per person per night which includes dinner and bed and breakfast at Wasa Camp. Supper will be a two course simple meal and breakfast a regular English breakfast Park entry fees and bar are not included in these rates. Lunches, drinks and snacks will be for sale en-route during the race and at Wasa Camp. Also, you can camp at the Pontoon camp site and Kasanka Conservation Centre for ZMK50,400 per person per night.

There is an optional extended stay including Luwombwa Camp in Kasanka National Park or Shoebill Island Camp in Bangweulu. Please enquire on-line for details.

Weekend eventsThe weekend includes an array of exciting events including:

  • Activities like game drives, guided bush walks and cycling
  • The Njinga local bicycle race
  • The main bicycle challenge events
  • Prize giving for all bicycle races
  • Sundowners
  • Meeting new people
  • Conversations round the camp fire
  • Lots of fun for the kids

Please help Kasanka Trust raise the funds they need to continue their work. Book this long weekend away with Kasanka Trust and spread the word about this exciting up and coming bicycle race event. Enquire on-line now, email Ernst or Cornelie on trust@kasanka.com or phone +260 (0) 211 224 457.

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