Challenge Africa

A unique journey with a positive impact

Challenge Africa is a world-first 1,000km odyssey across three African countries, in support of disadvantaged children living in rural Africa.

We are excited to partner with Jack Fleckney in this three-part challenge, set to raise thousands of pounds for three incredible projects.

Jack will traverse the wildlife filled plains of Hwange National Park, cycle 100km to thunderous Victoria Falls, take on a 24 hour tree climb in the middle of the Zambezi River and navigate through the Okavango Delta’s floodwaters.

Kicking off on June 4th and all in the name of raising money for three incredible causes, follow Jack's journey on our social channels on Facebook and Instagram.

You can read more about Jack, Challenge Africa, the three charities and how you can show your support below.

The Challenger:
Jack Fleckney

Combining his love of fitness and desire to make a positive impact, Jack began his journey as a fundraising adventurer seven years ago. He has since set a ski erg world-record, completed the Marathon Des Sables, a Saharan footrace dubbed the ‘hardest race in the world’ and attempted a chin-up world record.

His efforts have seen him collaborate with the likes of Gymshark, Bremont, Craghoppers and many more brands raising well over £100,000 but Challenge Africa is his biggest challenge yet.

Find out more about Jack and his foundation

Challenge One:
Wild Zimbabwe

Funding three months wages for Imvelo's Cobra Anti-Poaching Unit

All in the name of raising money for Imvelo Safari Lodge’s anti-poaching unit, this is an epic 500km journey through Hwange National Park's wildlife filled plains and forests. Jack will travel north through the park until he reaches Victoria Falls on foot, mountain bike and even horseback!

The Cobras are a dedicated group of highly-trained young adults employed from local schools, tasked with the protection of southern areas of the park. Their work ensures that this land remains a safe haven for the species that thrive here. Our partners, Imvelo, are undertaking an extraordinary Southern White Rhino translocation project bringing the rhino back to Hwange. The Cobras are tasked with protecting this ‘near threatened’ species from the onslaught of poaching. Hear their stories first-hand as they guide the team through the first days of the expedition.

Donate here

Challenge Two:
Zambian Ascent

Funding the building of one schoolhouse block as part of Royal Chundu Foundation School's expansion

Following a bike ride into Zambia, setting up ropes as he goes, Jack will burn through gloves and maybe even shoes in his attempt to climb as many baobab trees as possible in a twenty four-hour period on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. A safe, uninstructive slingshot climbing method will be used ensuring the trees will be left as they were found. Following the tree climb, Jack will run a 40km marathon into Botswana!

Taking place in a pristine baobab forest, just forty-minutes up river from the iconic Victoria Falls, this is also the location of the Royal Chundu Foundation School. From its inception, the school has provided a critical source of education to fifty students, soon to be five hundred! Paying homage to the iconic baobab, following the challenge, the team will meet students to plant seeds on the river banks and hear stories from their remarkable teachers.

Donate here

Challenge Three:
Botswana's Waterway

Funding the running costs of Bush Ways’ Khwai Pre-School for six months

Set amidst the beauty of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, armed with nothing but a kayak, Jack will explore the delta’s waterways, travelling over 350km through narrow channels and wide, open rivers, taking care to avoid the resident crocodile and hippo.

The Okavango Delta is a life-source to much of Botswana, home to over seventy mammal species including elephant, lion, giraffe, wild dog and zebra. Also home to secluded villages and tribal communities, this leg of the expedition offers the unique opportunity to hear about their way of life.

Kayaking guide and Bush Ways director, Marc Germiquet, shares Jack’s passion for making a difference. In Botswana, education starts at the age of 7. Noticing this gap in the system, Marc established the non-profit Khwai Pre-School in 2019 providing thirty 4–6-year-olds with an education years before they would otherwise receive it. Following the challenge’s completion, the team will head to Khwai to meet the students and their teachers and play some games with the kids!

Donate here

The Ground Partners:
Imvelo Safari Lodges

At one time, indigenous rural communities received very little direct benefit from Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. For the rural villager living next to a national park, wildlife was by no means an attraction; animals were problematic and not something to encourage let alone protect. Imvelo’s long-term vision is to grow a symbiotic relationship between conservation, responsible tourism and local communities. They do this by building safari lodges within communal lands, bringing people from all walks of life closer to nature.

The Ground Partners:
Royal Chundu

Voted the 4th Best Resort in Africa and 9th Best Resort in the world in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, the exquisite Royal Chundu sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, hugging the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Aside from providing a tranquil hideaway to their guests, Royal Chundu uses its platform to empower communities and better lives.

The Ground Partners:
Bush Ways

Born from an intense love for the African bush, Bush Ways provide travel experiences based on personalised attention, offering exceptional safaris and genuine cultural encounters to their guests. Based in Botswana, their passion for people shines through the Bush Ways Foundation. A charitable foundation continuously striving to ensure they have a positive impact and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.

3 Countries, 3 Challenges, 3 Causes

At the end of a back-breaking three weeks, Jack will have ran, hiked, biked and kayaked over 1,000km, spanning three countries and visiting remote villages. All of the fundraising will go to the three incredible projects run by Imvelo Safari Lodges, Royal Chundu & Bush Ways, all in the name of bettering opportunities for children, uplifting communities and protecting wildlife.

Find out how you can support

Looking for Your Next Journey?

Whether you are after your own unique challenge or considering an escape to one of our world’s wild places, get in touch. Your dedicated journeysmith can answer any questions you may have.

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