The Elephant EPIC is an annual fundraising and endurance cycling event held in Zambia. This is long-distance mountain bike race is designed to raise funds and awareness for wildlife conservation, in support of Game Rangers International.

RACE ENTRY FEES

Juniors (13-17)

Early Bird: $55
After 9th June: $75

Adults (18+)

Early Bird: $85
After 9th June: $100

RIDERS WILL RECEIVE

Race Number Board

Rider Goody Pack
Access to Water Stations - Refreshments, snacks and support personnel along the route
Sweeper Vehicle Support - Assistance for riders unable to complete the course
Route Map and Signage - Clear markers and directions throughout the trail
Lunch & drink at the Finish Line
Digital Photo Finish – Plus, en route images where available.
First Aid Support - Along the route and at the Finish Line.
Guided EPIC Warm-Up Rides - Opportunities to join community training rides
Elephant EPIC MTB T-Shirt

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

🏆 Fastest Rider Awards

Individual Men's Category
Individual Women's Category
Individual Junior Category
Team Category

💪 EPIC Rider Award

Presented to the rider who has overcome the greatest challenge to complete the event

🎖️ "Years in the Saddle" Recognition
Celebrating riders who have completed:

5 EPICs
10 EPICs

Prize Giving Ceremony

Join us at the Finish Line for the official ceremony, starting at 11:30 AM

WARM-UP RIDES

In the weeks leading up to the Elephant EPIC, a series of pre-event rides will be advertised. These rides will be led by experienced cyclists who will guide groups through suitable tracks around Lusaka.

Join in to:

Get into the EPIC spirit
Prepare for the main event
Connect with fellow cyclists
Enjoy fun and supportive rides in great company

📢 Keep an eye on WhatsApp, email, and Facebook for notifications about dates, times, and meeting points.

Please Note:
Game Rangers International and the designated ride leaders accept no liability for participants during these warm-up rides. Riders participate at their own risk.

RACE REGISTRATION AND PACKS

The EPIC team will remain in communication with entrants via email and WhatsApp in the build-up to the race. Race packs, including essential race board numbers will be available for collection at Race Registration on 26th June (venue TBC).

FINAL ROUTE & RACE INFORMATION

Please find the final route of the EPIC MTB Challenge here!

DOWNLOAD GPX FILE

WATER STATIONS

There will be four water stations spaced throughout the course, each staffed by a friendly, enthusiastic crew ready to keep your spirits high with:

Pumping, motivational tunes
Water and energy drinks
Light snacks

SAFETY

Your safety is our priority. Here's what you can expect:

Basic First Aid Kits at all water stations and in support vehicles
Professional medical services stationed along the route and at the Finish Line
Communication systems at each water station
Sweeper and support vehicles moving with and behind the riders to assist as needed

Important Rider Responsibilities:

Carry sufficient water and energy snacks between water stations
Helmets are mandatory – no helmet, no ride
Ensure your bike is in suitable condition for off-road terrain
Race organisers will conduct spot checks at the Start Line. Unsafe bikes will be withdrawn from the event for safety reasons.

THE START

📍 Location: 24km past the Leopards Hill Boom, along Leopards Hill Road, Lusaka

📣 Rider Briefing: Starts at 06:15 hrs

🕡 Race Start Time: 06:30 hrs sharp

Make sure to arrive early to:

Check your bike
Get set up
Soak in the pre-EPIC energy!

The route begins with 24km of tar road, before transitioning to jeep track and single track as you descend the escarpment into the Lower Zambezi, finishing at Kiambi Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. Total distance: approximately 75km.

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AT THE FINISH LINE

As you cross the Finish Line, you’ll enter the scenic grounds of Kiambi Lodge, greeted by the breathtaking Zambezi River and a full day of post-race comfort and celebration.

Riders can look forward to:

🥤 Cold refreshments

🍽️ Hearty lunch

🩺 First aid support

🚿 Shower facilities

🏊 Access to the swimming pool

🎵 Live music and DJ sets throughout the day and into the evening

💆 Recovery massage service to soothe those well-used muscles

This is your time to relax, refuel and reconnect with fellow riders in an unforgettable riverside

setting.

THE AFTER PARTY - CELEBRATE YOUR EPIC ACHIEVEMENT

As the sun sets over the Zambezi, the energy continues!

🍽️ Join us for a festive supper

🕺 Chill out or dance into the evening with pumping tunes from our DJ

🚤 Hop on a river cruise, enjoy sunset views, or chat around the fire pit

💬 Share stories, celebrate your efforts, and enjoy the camaraderie of the EPIC rider community

Whether you're staying overnight or just soaking up the afternoon, the EPIC afterparty at Kiambi Lodge is not to be missed.

The Elephant EPIC is a mountain bike race for everyone. Covering 75km of scenic off-road terrain, it’s a real challenge—but one that’s achievable for riders of all abilities.

There’s no time limit (as long as you finish before dark), so whether you want to race hard or just enjoy the journey, the choice is yours.

We especially encourage Team Entries for 2025. Riding as a group can:

Boost morale
Make the experience more enjoyable
Turn a tough ride into a team-building adventure

Team Guidelines:

There is no limit to how many can be in your team
To qualify as a team finish:
- At least four members must cross the finish line within 1 minute of each other
- The team’s time will be recorded when the 4th rider crosses the line

So gather your crew, pick a team name, and take on the EPIC together!

TEAMS

SPONSOR A PERSONALISED SIGN EN ROUTE

Know someone who’s trained their heart out, overcome personal challenges, or deserves a little extra encouragement? Maybe you’ve got a joke to share, a message to inspire… or even a surprise proposal in mind?

For just $20, you can sponsor a personalised sign along the EPIC route – featuring your message, photo, or artwork.

💬 Make it funny, heartfelt, or motivational

🎉 Celebrate a friend, family member, or fellow rider

📸 Add a photo for extra impact

💚 All funds go directly towards wildlife conservation

Let your words go the distance – and make someone’s ride unforgettable.

SPONSOR A RIDER

There are many passionate MTB enthusiasts across Zambia who dream of taking on the Elephant EPIC but may not have the means to register.

If you’d like to sponsor a rider, please contact us. Your support can help someone achieve something incredible, and you’ll be part of their epic journey, too.

Together, we ride for a cause.

With thanks to our sponsors

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A thank you to Wendy Moolenschot

Wendy Moolenschot was the founder of the Elephant EPIC in 2012. Growing up on a farm she visited Kruger National Park annually and developed a love for Africa and its wildlife. With a passion for conservation and for cycling, Wendy has cycled in many events to raise funds for various projects including Wildlands in South Africa, victims of violence and rape, Weenen Game Reserve. The EPIC was her way of supporting the wildlife and wild spaces in Zambia and 14 years on, it is the global event you see today! Thank you, Wendy for not only launching our annual sporting event but for your commitment and passion for supporting conservation issues throughout Africa!

Being a mother myself and lover of animals, seeing the confused and alone elephant orphan, Kavala Manje, in the old horse stables behind the Lilayi lodge in Zambia filled me with a great need to help as best I could.

My husband and I had been honorary officers for a game reserve in South Africa prior to moving to Zambia, involved in maintenance of the reserve, and helping to organise an annual MTB Race to raise funds for the reserve.

So, I simply did what I knew best and started the Elephant Epic MTB Race. The first MTB destination race in Zambia at the time. The Elephant Epic has evolved and changed over the years - 2012 to present - into an event I am truly proud of. Game Rangers International has certainly honoured my original code and has become a voice for so many voiceless! Humans and animals!

Wendy Moolenschot, Founder of the Elephant EPIC