The race will be hosted in the heart of the Richtersveld, a World Heritage site (with a National Park, a transfrontier park & wilderness areas) site located in the North Western corner of South Africa.

The Richtersveld is a landscape unlike any other on Earth, Picture vast expanses of raw wilderness, where towering rocky peaks meet endless desert plains, where the Orange river flows through and provides a green oasis - the lifeblood of this harsh landscape, where Hartmann's mountain Zebra still roam freely, where you are surrounded by a rocky maze so large it makes you feel insignificant in stature but so moved by its power. The Richtersveld is a place that is timeless and almost classical it is so special.

The desert terrain is jagged, tough and filled with deep canyons and high peaks that rise dramatically against the backdrop of clear blue skies. The Richtersveld is an incredible theatre to race, where every turn presents a new adventure and challenge, and every vista a testament to the raw beauty of nature's design.

For the first time since 2007 an adventure race will pass through this remote quiet wilderness, some of which for the first time.

This race is set to be something special, something awe inspiring, something that will challenge you but, most importantly, something that will move you. You won’t leave the same person, for the better.

TBC

Approx. 550kms. 4-8 days.

A big challenge, a radical adventure. Unrivalled.

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

Ropework too.

There may be added disciplines too…

May/June 2027.

2025’s example:.

5-6 June - Arrive/check in. Welcome dinner. Team registration, admin & gear check.

7 June - Race start

7 - 13 June - Race days. 7-day Race cut-off.

13 June - Closing dinner.

Norotshama River Resort, the host venue for The Ratel 2027.

Aussenkehr, Namibia.

Book directly through Norotshama HERE

or Phone: +264811286247

Email: norotshama@africaonline.com.na

Camping & chalet options available.

Norotshama River Resort, Aussenkher, Namibia.

See “accomdation” tab for contact info.

Set in a beautiful region, loaded with grape farms, geology out of this world, river paddling and more…

You will be required to travel in South Africa & Namibia.

You will need a passport on your travels.

If you are unsure if you need a visa for Namibia - see HERE

Travel packages, will be arranged from Cape Town.

Leaving early morning 4 June from Cape Town, arriving that afternoon.

Returning 15 June, arriving in the Cape Town late afternoon.

International trips involving additional travel to be organised option too.

Contact us if you’re interested for more: nfnfadventures@gmail.com

A valid passport

And the

Mandatory list HERE

(Download and save)

Boats will be provided.

• 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.

Click HERE for race rules and additional info.

The Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) is the premier global circuit of events in the sport (69+ events & 1 championship annually). It features a mix of long-distance and expedition-style races in some of the most challenging and remote locations around the world. Teams compete in races that can last for a few hours up to several days, navigating through rugged terrain and harsh environments while carrying all of their own gear. The ARWS brings together the best adventure racers in the world to compete for the title of Adventure Racing World Champion.

More about the world series, click HERE.

Click HERE for terms & conditions

To be released when teams are finalised