“The Original”, where NFNF all started.
This annual adventure race has become a must do on the calendar, no matter where it is - it is the greatest adventure

In 2020 we explored the valleys of Riebeek Kasteel and the bays of Franskraal, in 2021 we trekked over the mighty Langeberg, in 2022 we traversed the Cederberg, in 2023 we survived the kloofs of the Nuy Valley and in 2024 we paddled down the rarely charted Riviersonderend river…

2025 we will be based at the awesome Fish Eagle River Camp in Swellendam, a superb family spot on the Breede River.

As always, iconic to our races are the route choices, tricky terrain that leaves every participant challenged, yet inspired for more. We promise to show you a beautiful part of the Western Cape with beautiful towering peaks, rivers and gravel roads.

Entries OPEN

40km - 4-6hr

Early bird (first 10 entries overall)

R495 pp

Normal bird (until 14 November)

R625 pp

Late bird (until 28 November)

R745 pp

100km - 12hr race

Early bird (first 10 entries overall)

R995 pp

Normal bird (until 14 November)

R1250 pp

Late bird (until 28 November)

R1495 pp

150km - 24hr race

Early bird (first 10 entries overall)

R1995 pp

Normal bird (until 14 November)

R2495 pp

Late bird (until 28 November)

R2595 pp

5-7 December 2025 (“Year-end Bash”)

Approximate timings. Exact timings will be communicated via email in race week.

Friday 5th -

16:00-17:30 - Registration 150km

16:00-20:00 - Registration 100km

18:00/18:30 - 150km START & briefing

Saturday 6th

5:00 - 100km START & briefing

11:00 - 35km START & briefing

14:00 - 150km Expected first team

15:00 - 100km Expected first team

24:00 - 150km & 100km cut-off

Sunday 7th

10:00 - Awards ceremony and Bring 'n braai

35/40kms - Approx. 3-6hrs. This race is aimed at novice AR’s and families - Winners expected in 4hours

100kms - Approx. 10-18hrs. Beginners and experienced - Winners expected in 10hrs.

150km - Approx. 20-30hrs. Experienced - Winners expected 20-22hrs.

Disciplines and percentage distances may vary per race.

Mountain biking = Approx 60-70% of total distance

Trekking/Hiking = Approx 25-35% of total distance

Kayaking = Approx 5-15% of total distance

There may be added disciplines too…

Fish Eagle River Camp,
Breede River.

Swellendam,
Western Cape,
South Africa.

CLICK HERE for pin location

Fish Eagle River Camp

First come first served.

Options:

• 2 Glamping Pods @ R1100 per night

• 10 Glamping Tents - sharing @ R1935 for min 2 nights

• 10 Glamping Tents - single @ R1475 for min 2 nights

• 8 Campsites @ R210 pppn (Each campsite can sleep 4-6 persons)

Contact Melissa to book:

Email: melissa@xama.co.za

Cell: +27 72 136 8267

FOOD

There will be basic but wholesome boerie rolls & meals available Friday and Saturday night. Bookable for racers and supporters. A email will be sent nearer race time requesting team orders - bookings will be made via email.

Final exact list will be sent in race comms (generally the week before the race) but this will be sufficient:

Mandatory list HERE

(Download and save)

Important additions:
The race will use inflatable boats, not plastic kayaks.

A harness, carabiners, descending device, etc (see kit list) will be required for the abseil.

Inflatable Boats are required for all distances.

Boat/kayak paddles and PFD rental to be added as part of your entry - R500 per boat. (Add as merchandise, limited numbers available and need to be booked in advance)

If you choose not to rent - an inflatable boat with the same specs (or similar) as an ARC croc is required, not a plastic sit-on-top.

SIX editions done - Many memories have been made, many ridgelines traversed, many mountains crossed, many rivers paddled, many checkpoints found and ultimately so much adventure has been had.

Now, steeped in history - click HERE for past results and images

• At least two members of the team must be capable of navigating by compass (JOIN US for some nav courses) and map during the day and night. The team must be able to orientate a map, take a bearing between two points on a map, and understand the impact of magnetic declination.

• The teams must be able to describe what your team will do if it became lost.

• All team members must be suitably competent in all the disciplines included in the event as specified by the race organizer and be able to complete the event without any assistance from any person other than their own team members.

• Swim 100 m of any stroke.

• By entering this event, teams acknowledge that they are competent in all skills as stated above to complete such an event.

Click HERE if you struggling to find a team, we want to help!

People looking:

Add your name here (click above)

If you want to be a pivotal part of the race but not race itself, click HERE for more

Or contact Robert at: +27 72 602 2418 or mail at nfnfadventures@gmail.com

We will contribute to Volunteers cost where possible.

Accommodation will be provided.

The ARWS Africa Circuit is a collection of the best mid-distance adventure races in the Africa region. Event organisers set unique courses to test athletes over 125-250km of non-stop day and night racing in the disciplines of trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and navigation. Participating teams earn points towards their AR Regional Ranking and the winner of each round gains entry to the ARWS Africa Championship. The series winner of the Regional Championship gains and entry to the global Adventure Racing World Championship.

More about the Africa series, click HERE.

More about the world series, click HERE.

NFNF is the last race within the 2025 year and forms part of the 2026 series.

Click HERE for race rules and additional info.

Click HERE for terms & conditions