PRODUCING YOUNG ECO- WARRIORS

Nedbank Tour de Tuli returns to raise funds for Children in the Wilderness Trust

Since its inception in 2006, Nedbank Tour de Tuli has raised a total of P17 million towards the Children in the Wilderness ( CITW) trust. After a 2 year break due to Covid- 19, the world- class bicycle adventure returned on the 19th of July ending on the 24 of July.

The Tour has to date hosted approximately 3,900 participants who have been able to have an adventure of a lifetime as cyclists from all over the world bravely paddled through some of Africa’s pristine and undisturbed wilderness with geologically rich areas. Tour de Tuli is not a race but more of a lifestyle adventure tour. It is renowned for high standards of service and the unique experience of riding through some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness which are also geologically rich areas. From the confluence of The Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, in Mapungubwe Camp in South Africa, cyclists paddle 60- 80 km crossing into Zimbabwe, Shashe Wilderness Camp. The camp is known for its wonderful birdlife and looks onto the Shashe river amongst huge riverine trees. As the Shashe river goes down to its lower reaches which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Botswana, riders will then cross into Botswana and continue on the saddles to Loensa Camp near the mighty Limpopo River. The last day is another long ride back to South Africa with yet another river crossing. The lifestyle adventure bicycle tour is known for its high standards. At R26 000 joining fee, that should tell you a lot. Riders are allocated tents which they don’t pitch themselves, campsites are well managed with clean ablution blocks, gadgets charging station, bicycle garage and a fully stocked bar to quench their thirst with a beer, whisky or even visit the coffee station which invites one from a mile with the aroma of those coffee beans. All this for a good cause. Children In The Wilderness Trust is a non- profit organisation supported by ecotourism company, Wilderness Safaris, which aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa. Okavango Wilderness Safaris board chairman, Kabelo Binns said insight, care and commitment are required to conserve Africa’s wilderness and wildlife. “If we are to ensure that these places continue to exist, we need children across Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives. Hence, our CITW programme: an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision- makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future.” The year 2022 marks 21 years of CITW, and during this period it has enriched the lives of more than 40 000 children in eight countries – Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Rwanda, Seychelles, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, creating armies of young eco- warriors.