THE BACKGROUND
The goal. To travel over 2000km across Southern Africa raising funds and awareness for three causes. One in each country. Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Little did I know this journey would push me to extreme limits, involve dodging Hippos and being chased by crocodiles. Before the story begins you need to understand the causes and challenges.
Stage One
I started in Zimbabwe, in the Hwange National Park. Until two months ago, there were no White Rhino in the park. They had sadly been poached and eradicated. A company called Imvelo decided to change that by reintroducing two White Rhino back into the area. But even better than that, they have trained and hired full time local villagers to protect them 24/7. The challenge we built was to Run, Mountain bike, Trek and Horse Ride 400km North to Victoria Falls.
Stage Two
This began the moment we reached Victoria Falls and crossed the border into Zambia. The cause. To help a remote primary school expand to offer more year groups and space, based on Chundu Island. Chundu Island is famous for its huge Baobab trees. The plan was to climb every Baobab on the Island in under 24 Hours. To reach the island I would Bike and Run over 130km.
Stage Three
Here the extreme dial was turned up. To kayak the whole Okavango Delta. Completed by less than 20 people ever. Over 400km across Crocodile and Hippo infested water. Here we wanted to raise money for a pre-school operating in a remote area near the Delta. The big goal here is to eventually replicate the pre-school model across villages throughout Northern Botswana.
The Prep
Let’s begin. With a week to go before departure I was up at Craghoppers HQ collecting my kit. We had planned with the team the perfect clothing for each part of the challenge. The Dynamic Pro shorts and T-Shirts for running. The NosiLife Adventure Shirts for Cycling and trekking. Finally, the Kiwi Pro Expedition Trousers for the tree climbing so they wouldn’t rip on the bark. I was hugely grateful for their support in providing the best kit to get me to the end.
If you would like to donate to these amazing challenges, you can do so HERE
Keep up to date with Jack’s journey across Africa with our next series of blogs and you can find his kit list at the end of each article.
Images Courtesy of Jack Weightman
Kit List:
CMJ596 Dynamic Pro Shorts
CMF042 Adflex Low
CMT928 NL Talen LS T-Shirt
CER5141 OC Pack Cube Med
CER5142 OC Pack Cube Lrg
CER5181 OC Pack Cube XL