We are in our 9th year! The Waterberg Trust has been running a series of fundraising challenge rides on bikes in the UK, and though the Waterberg when they visit charitable projects enroute:

• The Waterberg Trust Cambridge-Bedfordshire Cycle Ride 2023
• The Waterberg Trust Cycle Ride across North Norfolk 2022
• The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2019 which raised just over £40,000.
• The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2018
• The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017
• The Waterberg Trust Cycle Ride through East Anglia 2017
• The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2016
• The Waterberg Trust Cycle Ride through East Anglia 2016
• The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2015

The Waterberg Trust Cambs-Beds Cycle Ride 2023 raised a total of £10,695

“It was great craic all day and I was inspired to ride the full 80! Everyone knew if they had a mechanical they wouldn’t be stranded – it’s the extraordinary little details that inspire people.” Greg

Please let us know in the comments below if you would like to come on a TWT cycle challenge! Read more here.

“I will ride next year and round up some friends to join the fun.”

The Waterberg Trust North Norfolk Cycle Ride May 2022

Last year, TWT’s Chairman Barry Burles led a glorious cycle ride along the beautiful country lanes of North Norfolk – both a 47-miler classic for some with a stunning cross-country alternative final leg to complete the 82-miler Epic Route.

Waterberg Trust ride across Mashatu in southern Botswana 2024?

The Waterberg Trust wants to lead an adventurous horse safari taking fundraisers from the Waterberg to ride along the Limpopo River and explore Mashatu Game Reserve in Southern Botswana:

Horizon Horseback Safaris hosted the first TWT Challenge Ride in 2015. They are offering to host a ride in 2022 for eight fit and experienced riders who would like to raise funds for the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Wild Dog Project and the Waterberg Academy Educational Bursary Fund, along with community projects supported on a long-term basis by The Waterberg Trust.

The team of riders would spend three days based at Waterberg Cottages, learning about these projects, before being driven up to the Tuli Block of Southern Botswana to ride around Mashatu Game Reserve, over seven days, with giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah. After sleeping in different camps you would have the option of flying back to Johannesburg International Airport or returning by road for a couple of extra nights in the Waterberg.

Sophie Neville, a fellow of EWT and trustee of TWT who once guided in Botswana, will organise the group. If you are interested, please email: Sophie@sophieneville.co.uk

The first three nights will be spent at Windsong on Triple B Ranch: http://www.waterbergcottages.co.za

The next seven nights with be spent with Limpopo Horse Safaris on the Tuli Safari: http://www.ridinginafrica.com/botswana.html

FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS We find it is best if people travel in pairs and book their own flights to Johannesburg – try Trailfinders or Flight Centre or the BA sale. Do liaise and fly together.

Once you have booked your flight, you will need to take out travel insurance in case you are forced to cancel. You need to inform the company you will be going on safari and riding horses (non-competitively, wearing a certified helmet). Some insurance companies add a small surcharge for this activity. We will ask for your travel insurance policy number and emergency phone number for the file.

Your contract with be with Horizon Horseback Safaris who will organise road transfers. The itineraries may change – but only for the better! Riders who need to be fit and experienced as there will be approx 25-45kms of riding per day. Please click her for a map of Mashatu.

SPONSORSHIP – To participate you are required to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1000 for The Waterberg Trust. As a registered UK charity, Gift Aid can then be added and CAF cheques accepted for donations. While we encourage riders to find sponsorship on Justgiving.com some of us are raising the donation of £1,000 in other ways such as hosting a sale or asking for donations instead of birthday gifts.

Please contact us for help with fundraising ideas and making a Justgiving page  on sophie@sophieneville.co.uk

Since we plan to visit a number of the projects being supported by The Waterberg Trust you will get the chance to meet local people we are helping.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Do I need a visa? Check your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and has at least 3 blank pages. Visas are not needed for those with British passports.

What vaccinations do I need? We recommend tetanus, polio and typhoid. The area is classified Malaria free.

What are the horses like? They have been carefully chosen from various South African breeds, known for being able to walk-out while being able to cope with tough going. They live in the bush so are familiar with wildlife. Breeds include Friesan-cross, Boerperds, Anglo-Thoroughbreds, and the S.A. Warmblood. They range in size from 14.3h. to 17h. Long-distance McClellan saddles are used.

~Vented helmets are recommended. A tennis visor was added to this one with velcro~

Are riding helmets compulsory? Yes – bring your own hot-weather helmet.

What else should I bring? Not too much: it can be hot and sunny and could be overcast or rainy but will not get cold. Towels are provided. Bring comfortable riding clothes in earth colours, blues or greens – (not bright red or turquoise) long-sleeved collared shirts, (we have TWT shirts for sale), bandana, riding helmet, bum bag, lip salve, sun cream factor 30, short boots and half-chaps, wax raincoat, camera with extra memory card and charger, sun hat, sarong, sandals or flip flops, summer dress & comfy clothes to wear in the evenings. (Voltage is the same but round pin plugs – so you need an adaptor.) Bring a small bag for your swimming costume and washbag, pyjamas, spare clothes and torch. Handbags are not a good idea but remember your passport.

Do bring out any old children’s clothes, especially grey/black/blue/white school uniform or sports gear and bras as we can donate it to welfare projects in the Waterberg on day 2. Crayons, pencils and blue pens are also much appreciated and can be donated to schools.

Do cell phones work? Usually. Wifi is weak. We take radio communication and phones.

Money: We suggest you don’t change too much money into the local currency. Craft shops take credit cards. We usually give the equivalent of £10 per person per day in tips, which the lodge managers distribute fairly.

The Waterberg Trust bike rides through East Anglia

The next Waterberg Trust cycle ride is on Saturday 14th September. It will be led by TWT Trustee Barry Burles and end on the North Norfolk Coast. Please contact him if you are interested on: barringtonburles@me.com

Riders pay their own expenses but are supported along the way and welcomed in at the end of the day. To read more about one of the TWT cycle rides, please click here

~TWT Cycle Rides led by Barry Burles~