BOTSWANA THE ELEPHANT HIGHWAY

Saturday 24 October–Monday 2 November 2020 : The Elephant Highway Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Its landscape is defined by the Kalahari Desert and the 16,000 square kilometres of the Okavango Delta, providing a startling contrast between a pure desert environment and the watery mazes of lush wetlands. This, together with the massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its fossilized river valleys and undulating grasslands; national parks offering wildlife-rich safaris; and the thundering drama of Victoria Falls just over the border, ensure that Botswana provides a great African adventure.

This fully supported, incredible five-day ride, on good-quality roads, takes us from the safari capital of Maun through extreme environments and diverse landscapes to on the edge of the Chobe River and . Long cycling distances along highways travelled by freely roaming elephants, together with the challenges of the African Bush, the heat and camping under the stars, make this an adventure not for the faint-hearted. But the things you’ll encounter, the camaraderie you’ll enjoy and the satisfaction you’ll feel in raising vital funds for some of the most vulnerable people in the community, promise to make this a truly unforgettable and rewarding experience. ITINERARY 8 days • 5 days cycling •568km • Flights NOT included • Two nights camping with excellent facilities

Highlights Day 1: Saturday 24 October Overnight flight from London to Maun, Botswana with a short • Start in the safari capital of Southern Africa – Maun, layover in Johannesburg. Botswana – on the edge of the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve • Overnight at Elephant Sands, an exceptional viewing Day 2: Sunday 25 October experience from the safety of a discreet viewing Arrive in Maun, the safari capital of Botswana on the edge of platform just an arm’s length away from these the famous Okavango Delta and Moremi Game reserve. It’s magnificent creatures been a long journey, so after a late afternoon bike fitting, it’s an • Experience Africa in its truest form with a mix of tented early dinner and full briefing on the Challenge ahead. accommodation and safari lodges Hotel: www.maunlodge.com • Finish in Kasane where the Chobe River meets the mighty Zambezi River – just kilometres from the spectacular Victoria Falls – one of the seven wonders Day 3: Monday 26 October of the world Maun to Leopard Plains, Boteti • Cycle 89km • An exciting mix of optional activities on our After a wholesome breakfast, we leave Maun and head out end-of-ride day of leisure into the heartlands of Botswana on good paved roads, past the town of Mtopi and along the edge of the Makgadikgadi MAP Pan National Park (www.makgadikgadipansnationalpark.com/) towards Leopard Plains and our first night – a mix of lodge and camping facilities. Leopard Plains is a working wildlife ranch on the edge of the Nxai Pan National Park with good-quality facilities. The clear, starlit skies of Botswana, often devoid of rain ten months of the year, makes camping extremely popular and comfortable in this part of the world. Our overnight facility offers WiFi and a comfortable lounge/dining room. Over the planned 89km, you will ride on slight inclines, gentle downhills and flat roads with a total height gain of 400m and a good chance of seeing farm cattle ranches and zebra.

Route: https://strava.app.link/x3hISxQsj2 ROUTE PROFILE Lodge: https://www.leopardplains.com/

Leopard Plains Day 4: Tuesday 27 October Day 4 Leopard Plains, Boteti to Planet Baobab, Nr Gweta • Cycle 123km Leaving Leopard Plains, we spend a long day in the saddle on MAP good roads with a lunch stop at the entrance to the Nxai Pans National Park. Heading out towards Planet Baobab, we cycle through open national park land, entering elephant territory where giraffe, zebra and buffalo roam freely. Reaching Planet Baobab, one of the most inventive lodges in the country, we stay in twin chalets and comfortable style safari tents, and can relax and view the stars in a huge open-air central lounge area.

Route: https://strava.app.link/XZE5dCgtj2

Planet Baobab Lodge: http://www.planetbaobab.travel/ ROUTE PROFILE Day 5: Wednesday 28 October Planet Baobab, Nr Gweta to Nata • Cycle 96km (plus 1-hour transfer to Elephant Sands) Another long day on the bike as we leave Planet Baobab and head towards Nata town. There’s a bonus of a great ice cream/ coffee stop on the way and a cooling dip in the pool of our Day 5 lunchtime stop at Nata lodge (www.natalodge.net/). Feeling refreshed, we have a one-hour transfer to Elephant Sands, one of the main highlights of this Challenge. It’s an exceptional MAP location where elephants and other wildlife visit the waterhole to refresh themselves at the salt lick – and you can view them all from the safety of a relaxed public lounge area.

Route: https://strava.app.link/BXZj25mNm2 Lodge: www.elephantsands.com/

Day 6: Thursday 29 October There’s a big day of cycling ahead of us as we ride 150km, but the sun is at last behind us and there’s often a tailwind to help us on the way. We start early at 7am, experiencing a few ROUTE PROFILE gentle ups and downs and possible sightings of elephants in the distance. We encounter good, large road verges and even giraffe and Springbok beside the road, and enjoy the last 20km Nata Lodge towards the town of Pandamatenga, cycling through huge commercial farmlands growing sunflower and food crops that stretch into the horizon. We enjoy a second night of good- Day 6 quality camping – the best way to experience the comfortable climate and bright skies enjoyed for most of the year in Africa. There are great refreshment stops today, and a real sense of MAP achievement from a tough day of cycling – 597m/600m of height gain over flat but slightly gentle hilly roads.

Route: https://strava.app.link/iamzDhW3o2 Lodge: www.facebook.com/pandarestcamp/

Day 7: Friday 30 October Pandamatenga to Kazangulu-Kasane • Cycle 110km Another early 7am start today heading towards Kazangulu and Zambezi River Kasane. Kazangulu is the only place on the planet where four countries – Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe – meet in such close proximity. It is also where the Chobe River meets ROUTE PROFILE the mighty Zambezi River, close to Victoria Falls (one of the seven wonders of the world). Height gained today will be in the region of 500m. It’s an enjoyable cycle on fast roads and we aim to finish by mid-afternoon so that we can celebrate our achievements.

Route: https://strava.app.link/d60ktJxNm2 Weekend lodge: www.aha.co.za/chobe-marina/ MAP Day 8: Saturday 31 October Day of leisure Livingstone There are masses of optional activities to choose from, so take your pick from a safari in Chobe National Park, a day trip to Victoria Falls or a sunset cruise on the Chobe River to view the bird and wildlife. There’s also so much to do in Zimbabwe / Livingstone/ Zambia, including white water rafting, helicopter flights, walk with lions or bungy jumping. Visit the famous Victoria Falls bridge, watch the sunset from a steam train or have tea at the Vic Falls Hotel – historically frequented by British royalty over the years. ROUTE PROFILE Day 9: Sunday 1 November

Vic Falls Hotel Transfer from the hotel back to Kasane airport for the return journey home.

This is a complex itinerary and subject to change. Inbound: Sunday 1 November, Kasane to Johannesburg WHAT YOU NEED SA830 14:00/15:45 (4 hours 25 minutes) Sunday 1 November, Johannesburg to LHR TO KNOW VS450 21:00/06:20 (11hrs20)

You will need to be at on Sunday 25 October TRAVEL DETAILS at approximately 14:00 to take advantage of the group transfer to the first night’s accommodation, or you can meet us at the hotel itself. The hotel is just a short half-hour taxi ride from Flights the airport. You will need to book your own flights as your flights are NOT If you are making your own additional plans and travelling included in the costs of this Challenge. We recommend a return outside of the dates of this Challenge, then please do let us flight to Johannesburg with either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic know well in advance. Transfers are only included if meeting (short layover at Johannesburg), then flying from Johannesburg the group at the scheduled times and meeting places. into Maun, Botswana, (the start of our challenge) and departing Kasane, Botswana. The outbound Botswana link is operated by Baggage both (luggage is NOT checked through) and SAA. Flights from Kasane (the end of our Challenge) are operated by Your allowable checked baggage is one main luggage item SAA only and luggage is checked through if flying with British on the recommended BA flight, which should not exceed Airways. 23kg (depending on your route/ticket type). One item of hand baggage is also permitted which should not exceed 56cm British Airways x 45cm x 25cm. We recommend that you pack light for this Challenge, using a soft holdall-type case and organise your : Saturday 24 October, LHR to Johannesburg Outbound bag with consideration given to nights of camping in the BA0055 19:05/07:05 (11 hours) African Bush where it will be dark. If travelling with any other Saturday 24 October, LHR to Johannesburg airline, we suggest you check their baggage allowance online. BA0057 21:25/09:15 (10 hours, 50 minutes) Norwood is not responsible for any excess charges incurred. We advise that you carry your cycle helmet, a set of cycling Sunday 25 October, Johannesburg to Maun clothes and any medication you require, with your BP0212 11:30/13:40 (2 hours 10 minutes) hand luggage. Sunday 25 October, Johannesburg to Maun Passport and visas SA8300 11:45/13:25 (1 hour 40 minutes) Inbound: Sunday 1 November, Kasane to Johannesburg Passports for British nationals should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Botswana. SA8307 14:00/15:45 (1 hour 45 minutes) The Botswana government has stated that dual nationals using Sunday 1 November, Johannesburg to LHR two different passports can only enter the country on the same BA0056 20:10/05:35 (11 hours 15 minutes) passport they used to exit the previous country. British nationals do not need a visa to enter Botswana for stays of up to 90 days. Overstaying can cause delays on departure. Virgin Atlantic If you wish to extend your stay, seek an extension from the Outbound: Saturday 24 October, LHR to Johannesburg Department of Immigration. VS44 21:35/09:30 (10 hours 55 minutes) Citizens of other countries need at least six months validity on Sunday 25 October, Johannesbur to Maun their passports and should check with the relevant embassy for BP0212 11:30/13:40 (2 hours 10 minutes) further entry requirements. Any required visas and associated Sunday 25 October, Johannesburg-Maun costs will be met by the participant. SA8300 11:45/13:25 (1 hour 40 minutes) Baggage Foreign & Commonwealth (FCO) advice All travellers are advised to ensure that their hepatitis A, tetanus, polio and typhoid vaccinations are up to date. We We recommend that you periodically review the travel advice also recommend that anti-malaria medication should be taken. issued by the FCO, which relates to all aspects of your This is a guideline only. You must seek professional medical destination, at www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo and specifically advice from your GP or local travel clinic. You should bring your www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first aid kit. You must also advise Norwood of Insurance any pre-existing medical conditions and complete a medical Travel insurance covering the event you are undertaking, form when you sign up. These details will be passed to our trip curtailment/cancellation, emergency medical treatment, tour doctor who may wish to contact you prior to the event to hospitalisation, air evacuation and repatriation is a compulsory clarify any medical conditions or requirements. condition of your booking. If you haven’t got your own insurance in place, we can add you to the Norwood insurance policy for an additional charge of £25. • If you choose not to take out the appropriate travel insurance, should you fall ill or be involved in an accident you will not be covered for those associated costs. • We strongly recommend you’re insured for the full duration of your trip and the policy is taken out prior to the date of your departure and does not cease until you’ve returned. • If you have an existing policy, we highly recommend you call your insurers and confirm that it meets with the requirement of the trip and that you’re fully covered for the event you’re undertaking, clarifying its precise nature to your insurers. • You must also make sure you inform the insurance company of any pre-existing medical conditions before travel. Failure to do so may invalidate your policy or any subsequent claim.

Health and vaccinations At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest country- specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home. General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad. CHALLENGE DETAILS

How we grade your Challenge

We want to give you an incredible experience but the overriding objective is, of course, to raise as much money as you can for Norwood. With this is mind, you have to EARN your sponsorship money and this can only be achieved if there is truly an element of challenge involved.

Our Challenges are graded moderate, challenging, tough and extreme. Many factors will influence this categorisation – terrain, distances, climate, living conditions, altitudes, climbs etc. The grade allocated, however, will reflect the overall level of Challenge with some days being more challenging than others.

• Moderate events can be adapted to meet the varying abilities of the group and offer different levels of challenge that are optional.

• Challenging events require you to have a reasonable level of fitness and an open mind to new situations.

• Tough events have usually longer itineraries, may take place in more remote areas and require a good level of fitness.

• Extreme events require a very good level of fitness, are hard going, may involve more basic conditions and often involve longer days, steep climbs and descents.

How challenging is it?

This is a moderate to tough challenge on a mixture of good asphalt roads and paved secondary roads. There are some very long days in the saddle, and you must be comfortable riding up to six to eight hours a day. The distances combined with the heat makes this a Challenge on many different levels and a recommended kit list with care package will be provided. We recommend that you bring your own comfortable saddle and train for long-distance cycling.

The bike ride may seem daunting, but it isn’t a race. The in-country team, staff and all guides will offer plenty of support Food and encouragement to help people complete the Challenge. • Sun cap with neck protection All the water on the ride will be filtered and provided by This Challenge is achievable with training! Please let us know • Water bottle/hydration backpack the in-country team. Bottled water will also be available to if you would like further information on suggested training buy in the hotels. People should not drink the water from • Small day rucksack or bike bag for carrying essential programmes. the hotel (even for brushing teeth). items when cycling Ideally you should be a keen cyclist, enjoy training and ride • Light waterproofs All of the hotels where we are staying have their own regularly. You need to have a good level of endurance with • Casual shoes/clothes for the evening borehole water. To conform with environmental guidelines, an ability to sustain the level of effort required over a period this is now supplied in flasks/carafes in your room. This is OPTIONAL of days. You should, therefore, be doing regular exercise safe to drink. with some serious cycle training, including long rides in the • Your own saddle, pedals, bar ends, toe cleats and any countryside of six or more hours. other personal cycling equipment you see fit. To avoid sickness while travelling, it is important to be careful about hygiene. This means always washing your Bike hire hands before eating and not sharing water bottles. Please bring with you some antibacterial gel and/or hand wipes to Bike hire is INCLUDED as standard in this package and will be use while cycling. a comfortable well-tuned mountain bike. Accommodation Accommodation is twin-sharing in a mix of lodges and safari- All meals will be provided for on the Challenge – except The size of bike will be determined by your height, but it will style camping tents. In some instances, the accommodation for lunch on non-cycling days. Meals will be substantial, come with flat pedals as standard – so you may want to bring while clean, may be quite basic but the communal lounge but it is still a good idea to bring your own energy bars and all your own personal cycling equipment (saddle, pedals, bar areas are full of character. WiFi is generally available snacks to keep you going during the day. While in hotels ends etc) with you, which can be fitted on the first day along although access is temperamental and limited in some and lodges, meals will generally be provided from the self- with any other adjustments that may be required. We are locations. Due to high demand there will be very few singles service buffet operated by the accommodation. Food en- covering some long daily distances on this Challenge and available – for which there will be an additional charge and route, packed lunches or meals provided by the in-country recommend that you bring your own comfortable, well-used subject to availability. It is highly unlikely that singles will team will be vegetarian with permitted fish/cheese. More saddle. Bikes may also be fitted with semi-slick tyres, which are be guaranteed for the full week, but we will endeavour to information will be provided in the lead up to the event. more fit for purpose and included within the care package at accommodate any requests as best we can. an additional charge. More details will follow. We can cater for all other dietary requirements as long as Day 1: www.maunlodge.com/ we know in advance. Just complete the relevant section on Cycling kit your registration/information form. Day 2: www.leopardplains.com/ The kit required for each Challenge differs slightly, but there Weather are certain items that are consistent in every Challenge. Full Day 3: www.planetbaobab.travel/ kit lists will be provided after registration with details of any Botswana has a subtropical desert climate characterized specific items that may be needed, but as a guide the basics Day 4: www.elephantsands.com/ by great differences in day and night temperatures, and are shown below. low humidity overall. It receives virtually no rainfall for Day 5: www.facebook.com/pandarestcamp/ six months of the year, with the wettest months being Day 6: www.aha.co.za/chobe-marina/ December to March. Winter and summer is at opposite ESSENTIAL times of the year as Europe and North America, and they • Your own helmet (you will not be allowed to cycle Day 7: www.aha.co.za/chobe-marina/ correspond to the dry and wet season respectively. without one) In Botswana the main power plugs and sockets are shown There is little to no rain during the entire winter and • Cycling gloves below. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard humidity is low, typically 20–40%. Animals will concentrate • Padded cycling shorts frequency is 50 Hz. All accommodation has the first style of around waterholes and rivers when other water sources • Cycling shoes/overshoes/trainers with a hard sole socket, with some accommodation having both this version dry up. During the months of September and October, the and the English style of socket. A small adapter is useful • Cooling arm sleeves (for sun protection) heat gradually builds, and it can get very hot, drying the if you have a number of items that require charging at the landscapes and concentrating the game. This is the best • Sun block same time. time for game safaris. The average temperature remains around 34°C/93°F in the afternoon. Currency case, our support vehicles will be on hand so that you can access your day bag if you need any spare kit, top up bottles, The local currency is the Botswana Pula. TYPICAL DAY and attend to any minor mechanical issues that might have Exchange rate: £1 = 13.89 (as at Jan 2020), ie £10 is roughly arisen. 140 Pula. There are ATMs in Maun where you will be able to withdraw Pula on arrival into Botswana. We will also have a Each Challenge varies and timings will be adjusted on a 15:00 Afternoon refreshment stop small currency exchange facility operating at our welcome daily basis to reflect the mixed ability of the group, expected hotel in Maun, together with the facility for buying local sim distances to be covered and the level of Challenge on that Similar to the morning, as typically we stop every 2–2.5 hours cards. There is very little opportunity to exchange currency particular day – such as long distances and tough climbs, which or approximately 20–40km depending on the terrain and while en route. obviously take longer to complete. Your typical day will be as weather. follows. Credit cards – Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised and 17:00 End of ride and arrive at the hotel useful to have in emergencies. A member of our staff will show you where to put your bike for Approximately £150–£200 spending money is enough for 6:30/7:30 Breakfast overnight storage. Your luggage will have been unloaded from drinks, tips and some souvenirs. Come down in your cycling gear so you can be packed the vehicles for you to pick up from the reception area, and ready to go. Be sure to eat and drink plenty, but we so head to reception. Tips recommend you don’t eat so much that you feel ill for the first Check in (if necessary) and get freshened up for dinner. The local crew and guides work extremely hard and it is few hours of the ride. customary to tip the ground crew at the end of the Challenge. 19:30/20:00 Dinner As a show of appreciation, we suggest a tip of £40 per person, 8:00 Assemble pre-ride Dinner in the hotel restaurant and briefing for the which we will collect prior to departure via bank transfer. Check out (if necessary), drop your luggage in the support following day. vehicle, grab your bike and get ready for the pre-departure ride briefing. Top tip: Get up early so you don’t have to rush. Give yourself extra time in the morning so you don’t forget important things and potentially hold up the group. Do also check your bike well before the scheduled departure time as if there are any issues, it will be better to sort them now rather than at the “start line”.

8:30 Set off We all roll out and get moving on the bikes.

11:00 Morning refreshment stop The support vehicle will be waiting at a designated coffee stop in case you need to fill up your water bottle or access your day bag. We’ll also carry some snacks if you’re running low. Please carry money with you so that you don’t have to access the van at every stop. A member of staff will be on hand to oversee the bikes.

13:00 Lunch Depending on the trip and number of cyclists, this might be a picnic stop in a town square or park, or in a local café. In either CHALLENGE SUMMARY

What’s included • Travel insurance and visa • Drinking from a water bottle while riding • Any personal expenses, tips and optional excursions • Airport transfers if taking the recommended flights/ • Hill climbing meeting at the specified point and time Fundraising • Twin-sharing accommodation in good quality lodges and Fundraising is largely a test of imagination, organisation • Long periods of time in the saddle camping on 2–3 nights and perseverance. The more you make your own personal Cycling off-road, on gravel, sand and rough terrain. (Find • (Limited singles available on request, subject to availability fundraising campaign stand out from everyone else’s, the more • and at an additional charge) successful you’ll be. While you’re responsible for raising the some sections of bridle paths through woods and over farmland) • All meals (vegetarian) with the exception of lunches on funds yourself, we’re very happy to offer you some helpful non-cycling days. Includes Friday night celebration meal at hints to help you on your way. When you sign up to one of our • Getting your knees accustomed to hours of pedalling end of ride Challenges, we’ll send you our fundraising e-kit, packed full of tips to help you achieve your fundraising target. • Bottled water, snacks and fruit available in support vehicles • Learning how to use gears and aid stations throughout ride PLUS, IF YOU SIGN UP FOR TWO CHALLENGES IN • Entry fee to the unique Elephant Sands We have a full training guide online, but Norwood also offers a 2020/2021, WE’LL REDUCE THE COMBINED MINIMUM unique level of personal support through our Norwood Cycling • Fully supported ride with organised water/rest stops, lead FUNDRAISING TARGET BY £500. Club and our extensive network of experienced riders. rider, mechanics, support vehicles and doctor This includes the following. • Bike hire – comfortable, well-tuned mountain bike Training • Daily transfer of all luggage Regular rides from Radlett, on the first Sunday of the It’s really important that everyone follows a reasonably serious • FREE Norwood cycle jersey month • course of training in order to get the maximum benefit. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy the Challenge. Although Cycling tips and kit shopping advice from a cycling expert What’s NOT included these events are achievable, they’re also designed to take you • out of your comfort zone. You’ll be cycling up to eight hours International and internal flights, flying into Maun, • FREE weekly spinning classes at the Village Gym in Elstree • each day, on several consecutive days. Botswana and departing Kasane, Botswana Eight-week watt bike training programme, leading up to • Airport transfers outside of the times of meeting the The amount of training required will depend on your current • recommended flights level of cycling fitness, but we recommend that while out the Challenge, providing personalised tips on endurance, cycling you get used to the following. stamina building, technique and cycling performance • Lunch on non-cycling days • Personal cycling equipment, clothing or helmet • Cycling with wind resistance PRICING

Under 35 Years

Option A B C

Registration £295 £1,900 £2,795 fee (includes (including £295 deposit) £295 deposit)

Minimum £2,500 £895 ___ fundraising

Over 35 Years

Option A B C

Registration £395 £1,900 ) 3,395 fee includes £395 (including deposit) £395 deposit)

Minimum £3,000 £1,495 ___ fundraising

For more tips on fundraising, details of payment plans and direct debits, family promotional offers, training, or any questions on any of the Challenges, please contact the Challenges team or Julie Braithwaite directly on 020 8420 6811 or email [email protected] Register at www.norwood.org.uk/pages/challenges/