TOUR LEADERPRE-TOUR MANUAL 2021

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DEAR TOUR AND SUPPORT LEADERS,

The Nedbank Tour de Tuli is an incredible mountain bike adventure and we look forward to

possibly having you as part of the Leader team. Thank you for volunteering your skills, services

and passion for this event. The Leaders on Tour are predominantly the face of the event. In order

for you to prepare for this experience, please read this Manual we have put together, so that

you are fully prepared for your roles and responsibilities on the Tour. Please note that even if

you have been a Leader before, it is important that you also read through this information as it

is updated each year.

Section 1 Tour Overview and General Information

Section 2 Group Management and Tour Leader Etiquette

Section 3 The Route and GPS

Section 4 Leader Equipment

Section 5 Medical Overview

Section 6 Safety and Wildlife

Section 7 History, Nature and Wildlife Overview

Thank you once again for your enthusiasm and commitment to the event, and to contributing

to a great cause.

Kind regards,The Nedbank Tour De Tuli Team

WELCOME

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The Nedbank Tour de Tuli is a social mountain bike event and is not a race. Its primary purpose

is to raise funds for Children in the Wilderness (CITW), a non-profit life-skills and environmental

education programme for rural children. Please ensure that you are familiar with the details of

CITW (www.childreninthewilderness.com).

The Tour is a four-day / five-night mountain bike adventure traversing the Greater Mapungubwe

Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA) in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The exact

route is not yet finalised, as we change this annually to ensure we offer something new and

exciting. Once finalised the route will be communicated to all registered, accepted Leaders.

THE LEADER ROLE The Tour and Support Leaders are predominantly the face of the event. Your overall role is to

oversee the enjoyment and most importantly the safety of all participants in your group for

the entire duration of the Tour. The riding field is divided into groups according to participants’

ability, or a group that they have selected to ride with. The riding groups will be made up of

around 12 to 14 participants, but there may be some slightly bigger groups of closed teams, in

these instances, we will allocate 3 Leaders to a group. The general idea is for each group to be

managed independently and efficiently by the Leaders.

Each group is allocated a “Tour Leader” and a “Support Leader”. This does not necessarily

mean that the Tour Leader must physically ride in front of the group. The Leader with wildlife

experience/training must always be in the front.

SECTION 1TOUR OVERVIEW

AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The allocated Tour Leader is ultimately responsible for the well-being and coordination of their

group, with the assistance of the Support Leader. We will allocate a Leader who has wildlife

training/knowledge to each riding group; this person may or may not be allocated as the Tour

Leader per se, but maybe be allocated to Support Leader. There must be a wildlife Leader at the

front of the group and a Leader at the back of the group, to ensure no one drops off.

The Leaders are expected to encourage the camaraderie between the participants in their

groups. This will need to start before the event takes place, so that a relationship between the

riders and their Leaders is cultivated.

• The email addresses of the participants in your respective groups will be given to you in advance.

Please make contact with your group and get to know their strengths and weaknesses. Please

do not talk to them about Tour logistics as this can sometimes lead to miscommunication.

Your communications need to be based solely on mountain biking / cycling-related topics

and training. This will allow you to get to know your group and vice versa. Please keep Nicola

Harris (nicolah@wilderness.co.za) copied in the communication where possible; if you receive

any questions around logistics just send them through to the team and we will handle them.

• If possible, and logistics allow, it would be a good idea to set up a training ride with your

group, or part of your group, prior to the event to ascertain their riding ability. Please reinforce

to your team that training is necessary and they need to be prepared!

NEDBANK TOUR DE TULI EVENT RULES:Please note it is your responsibility to ensure the following EVENT RULES are strictly adhered

to at all times:

• Safety-approved riding helmets are compulsory – please ensure all helmets are fastened.

• No overlapping of wheels.

• Participants may not deviate from the official route.

• The Leaders’ and Official’s word is final! The safety precautions need to be taken seriously, and

strictly adhered to. Anyone found in contravention of the officials or any safety regulations

will be evicted from the Tour without compensation.

• We will be travelling through National Parks. All participants agree to respect the wildlife

and environment through which we are travelling and to obey all National Park rules and

regulations.

• No littering. All wrappers must be kept on the rider until the next refreshment stop, or put

into the supporting Land Rover’s rubbish bins.

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• Please burn all toilet paper if anyone has to go between official loo stops!

• Tired riders need to do all possible to ride to the next strategic point or Tea and Brunch stops

if wanting to opt out.

• Groups should stay within close proximity of each other, especially in wildlife areas.

• All bikes must have a tubeless conversion (mandatory and a condition of entry). If someone

in your group does not have this, please ensure that they are sent to the bike mechanics on

the arrival day to get the conversion done at their own expense.

• It is imperative that all bike boards are securely affixed to the bikes and have the correct

participants NAME on it. If a participant changes bikes please ensure that the bike board

name is changed as well. There will be spare blank bike boards at the Hospitality Desk. (In the

case of having to contact next of kin, the Event Director will be contacting those related to

the name on the bike board).

• Please ensure that everyone carries water at all times (minimum 3 litres) – it is hot and

dehydration is a real risk. Please ensure everyone REFILLS at all the stops. Hydration packs

are mandatory and any rider who arrives without one will need to make a donation to Children

in the Wilderness.

• Please ensure that you carry the basic bike spares required to fix day-to-day technical

problems within your group.

• If you see a medical vehicle coming through – PLEASE MOVE OFF THE ROAD to allow it

access.

• It is also recommended that you ride with your cell phone PIN CODE deactivated. Please

recommend this to your group as well. We also recommend that all participants and leaders

put their phones on flight mode to reserve battery power. This way you can still take photos

and make phone calls at certain points.

• It is also requested that everyone rides with their passports at all times. This will simplify the

process of having to locate a passport in the event of a medical emergency.

ANY PROBLEMS NEED TO BE DIRECTED AS FOLLOWS:• Bike Technical – Refer to Bike Technicians

• Physical – Refer to Massage Village

• Health – Refer to the Medical Tent

• General – Refer to Head Tour Leader: Anton Wood

If you are unable to resolve an issue, you need to make Anton Wood aware of it so that the

problem can be suitably managed. In all instances any amendments or changes to groups must

be coordinated and communicated to Anton Wood and the affected Tour/Support Leaders.

Selected Leaders are required to arrive at Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site

on 19 July 2021 by 12pm. The Leader Pre-Event briefing will take place during the afternoon of

the 19 July.

LEADER ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY | GUEST ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAYSArrival Day: Tuesday 20 July 2021:• You will have arrived the previous day.

• Please collect and sign for your communication equipment at the tuck shop.

• Collect registration bag from the registration area

• Tour/Support Leaders are allocated a T-shirt with their group number on it. This will be in your

registration bag. Please ensure that you put this on before the participants start arriving so

that your group can find you and you can meet your guests.

• All participants will need to get their passports stamped on this day (departure from SA).

The immigration team will be stationed close to the registration area. Please ensure all your

guests (including yourselves) have received an SA exit stamp.

• Please meet with Anton Wood at 15h30 at the baobabs for any last minute updates.

• Please ensure that all participants are advised to put their bike boards on their bikes and

luggage tags on their luggage for identification purposes (these are found in their registration

packs). Please ensure you do the same.

• Each Leader will be allocated a time slot to meet their groups to go through the Tour rules

and safety requirements. There will be signage at the Registration Area indicating what time

and where you will need to meet your groups. The participants will also be directed to the

information stand so they know where to meet you.

• Please ensure you do a roll call at the group meeting. Please let the Hospitality Desk and

Anton know of any changes or people missing from your group.

• Please communicate any concerns you may have with regards to your group to Nicola or

Anton as soon as possible.

Departure Day: Sunday 25 July 2021:All Leaders are expected to assist with bike loading and sorting of their group’s bicycles at

Mapungubwe on 24 July 2021. On 25 July, should you be self-driving, please wait until all the

riders from your group have left before you depart.

TRANSPORT:Please ensure that your transport is booked on your registration profile by 15 May 2021. This

includes if you are going to be a passenger in a vehicle so we are able to account for everyone.

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ACCOMMODATION:Your group will be allocated tents alongside each other at every overnight camp, indicated by

a board with your group number on it. Should a participant change riding group, their tent

allocation will remain as per their original group allocation for the duration of the event.

MEALS:All meals will be fully catered for from the arrival day dinner to the departure day breakfast.

Should you have any dietary requirements, please complete this on your registration profile or

email the organisers.

• Breakfast will be served from 05h15 every morning.

• A light lunch will be served in camp from 13h00 to 16h00.

• Dinner will generally be served around 19h00 (a little later on the first and last night).

TEA AND BRUNCH STOPS:Both a Tea and Brunch Stop will be included on the route each riding day.

The Tea Stop is normally set up after the first 15 – 25 km of riding. The Tea Stops offer participants

a choice of sweet and savoury snacks, soft drinks, water, energy supplement, tea, and coffee.

The Brunch Stops are at around 40 – 50 km of riding. The Brunch Stop consists of a more

substantial savoury snack i.e. a wrap, baguette with salad, soft drinks, energy supplement and

water.

STRAT POINTS:Strat points are situated at positions that may have high concentration of game and will be

placed approximately every 15 km. These are not stops but points where there may be a safety

risk. These vehicles carry basic/minimal supplies, where participants who need more water can

fill up, or those needing to opt out can do so here.

LUGGAGE:Please ensure your team is aware of the luggage restrictions – soft tog bag of max 20 kg.

The luggage will be transported from camp to camp with the mattresses. It is requested that

participants assist with the following:

a. Carry their bags to the end of their tent groups so staff can load onto trucks.

b. Put their mattresses outside their tents so they are visible and easy to load.

HOSPITALITY DESK:A Hospitality Desk is located in each camp and performs the following functions:

• Selling bar coupons

• Handling lost property

• Charging equipment

• Dealing with general queries

EPT RECOVERY MASSAGE VILLAGE:All massage appointments must be booked at the Massage Village as soon as your group

arrives in camp. There is one volunteer dedicated to booking the appointments.

The later appointments will be reserved for the back groups so if participants wait they may not

get a slot. Each person has been allocated one twenty-minute slot per day.

THE BAR:Bar tokens can be purchased online prior to the event, or at the Hospitality Desk at the event.

These tokens can be used to purchase drinks in camp. You are liable for your own bar bills.

Bar tokens are sold in values of R100 or R200.

CYCLES UNITED BIKE TECHNICIANS:The Bike Tech station will be set up in camp each day to assist with any technical issues or

concerns regarding your bike. Should you or anyone in your group have trouble, please visit the

Bike Tech station team as soon as you arrive in camp.

Making use of the bike tech services is at your own discretion and own risk. Any accounts held

with bike technicians should be settled directly with them.

MEDICAL TENT:In each camp a medical tent with a qualified medical team is available to assist with any medical

concerns and/or emergencies. Please note that the medical tent is equipped with limited stock

and supplies and should you have any specific or chronic medication, we do advise that you

bring this medication along with you on Tour.

RECOVERY AND SUPPLEMENT STATION:A Recovery Station is set up in each camp near the Bar. The station stocks Energy Supplement

and Recovery Drink that everyone can fill up on, and will be available in the evenings and the

mornings.

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SHOWERS AND TOILETS:Each camp is set up with open air showers. As the shower rigs are moved from camp to camp,

we will do our best to have them set up for your arrival in camp. Should there be a delay, please

be patient as this is normally caused by unforeseen circumstances. Showers will be open from

your arrival in camp to 21h00 every evening. They are not open in the mornings.

Toilets will be available in each camp. Botswana and South Africa will have portable chemical

toilets whilst Zimbabwe will have long-drop facilities. All toilets are serviced throughout the day.

CONNECTIVITY:WiFi will be available for everyone in camp on the first and last nights. You will be able to get

the password at the Hospitality Desk. WiFi will NOT be available on any other nights, to allow

participants to ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’.

CHARGING OF EQUIPMENT:The charging of your radio, GPS and phone can be done at the Hospitality Desk. PLEASE

ENSURE YOU DROP OFF YOUR EQUIPMENT AT THE HOSPITALITY DESK FOR CHARGING AS

SOON AS YOU ARRIVE IN CAMP.

We have limited opportunity for charging of cell phones and this is subject to availability on a

first-come first-served basis, and all event equipment will take priority. Any items for charging

need to be handed in to the Hospitality Desk as early as possible, and it is the individual’s

responsibility to collect it that evening.

It is your responsibility to collect your event equipment before 21h00 every evening. The

Hospitality Desk will not be able to give you your equipment in the morning as they leave

extremely early for the camp-to-camp transfers.

DAILY GROUP BRIEFINGS:Each Leader will be provided with a set of key cards at the start of the event, summarising each

day’s ride and key interest points to chat about on each day’s ride.

Tour Leaders will be responsible for briefing their group prior to the start of the day, and to

debrief when the group is safely back in camp.

Please ensure you complete a safety briefing with your group, and reiterate the information

below each and every morning before departure:

• The rules – not a race – stick together – ride as a group – if one stops, we all stop.

• Buddy up – do not ride alone – ensure you always know where and who your buddy is.

• Safety procedures – what will happen in the event of an accident. Listen to your Leaders!

• Route description/overview for that day (distance, estimated riding time, the terrain, key

interest areas).

• Tea and brunch stops (where they are located).

• Strategic points – their function and where they should be located.

• Equipment check – water/helmets/GPS/ passports for emergency evacuations and bear

bangers. This is very IMPORTANT – please check equipment is on hand and charged.

Debrief at the end of the day – to take place as you arrive in camp or at dinner around the table,

to cover all the day’s events:

• Group dynamics and safety issues, positioning of participants and riding skills.

• Obtain feedback from participants if any concerns, issues etc. If so, these must be managed

either through Bike Technicians, the Medical Nurse and/or Massage team, or if a general

concern, with the Event Director, Nicola Harris or the Head Tour Leader, Anton Wood.

• Feedback regarding bikes, gearing or mechanical problems.

• General congratulations to everyone for good ride.

MORNING PROCEDURES:The generators will go on at approximately 04h30 each morning. The Bean There and breakfast

stations will be open from around 05h15. Energy supplements and water will be available at the

bar area for participants to fill up their hydration packs or bottles prior to departure (water and

energy supplement will be available at all times at the bar. We encourage participants to fill up

the night before to avoid any delays in the morning).

DEPARTURE TIMES: The first group will depart at 6:20am. The group departure times are worked on the basis of

the groups departing at a 5 minute interval. The reason it is done this way is to try and allow

all groups to depart within a reasonable time frame but prevent gridlock. Please do all possible

to leave on time, as an early or late departure will compromise other riders and groups. Please

ensure that you manage your team accordingly to ensure that they are ready to depart on time.

Please ensure that you round up your group 10 minutes PRIOR to your departure time and give

them their safety briefing, and check all equipment to avoid delays.

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We have a big field and riding time is limited for the back groups, so please be considerate

of fellow participants. Please do not leave prior to your allocated time as it will just create a

bottleneck down the line and lead to frustrated riders.

Please ensure there is a 5-10 minute gap between groups leaving the Tea, Brunch and Strategic

Points to ensure that groups aren’t catching up to each other on the riding route.

During the course of the day it is imperative that you maintain this 5-10 minute delay between

group departures. When leaving any of the stops please ensure you allow AT LEAST 5 minutes

between the group prior to you and your departure. If a group is faster than you, please ensure

they leave before your group going forward.

We have allocated around 15 minutes for tea stops and 30 minutes for brunch. Whilst this is a

Tour and we don’t want to rush people, the stops do get crowded. Please manage your groups

in these instances. Please note that if you are riding slowly you must ensure that your stops

are managed, otherwise your group may not make it into camp prior to nightfall. Please make

an announcement when you reach the stop as to how long you will be spending there so your

group can plan accordingly. A few minutes before you leave, please start rounding up your

group.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU DO A HEAD COUNT EACH TIME YOU ARRIVE AT A TEA STOP, BRUNCH STOP AND CAMP. YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN YOUR GROUPS IN AT EACH OF THESE POINTS.

EVENING PROCEDURE:The first thing that you need to do is sign in your group at the Hospitality Desk. Should there

be any changes that happened on that day, please advise the Hospitality Desk team – IT IS

IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AND HAVE MADE

IT BACK TO CAMP SAFELY.

You will also need to hold a debrief session with the team, either soon after you arrive or at the

dinner table.

LEADER MEETINGS:On arrival day, the Leader meeting will be held at the baobabs at 15h30. For the rest of the Tour,

there will be a Leader meeting every evening at 18h00. All Leaders to meet at the Hospitality

Desk each evening and then move off to a quiet spot.

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Please ensure all Leaders attend this meeting. The point of the meeting is to review the route

for the following day and communicate any amendments. Any problems or issues can be dealt

with at this meeting. If there is a participant in your group that is not riding the next day it is

imperative that you inform Anton Wood, the Hospitality Desk as well as the Incident Coordinator.

This decision needs to be made the day before as the support staff leave camp before the

groups depart and those not riding need to be allocated to vehicles the evening before during

the staff meeting, which is held at 20h00 each evening.

LEADER CYCLE SHIRTS:All Tour Leaders and Support Leaders will be provided with NEDBANK TOUR DE TULI CYCLING

SHIRTS which you will be expected to wear on each riding day. If you do not have the Leader

shirts from 2018 or 2019, please let the organisers know. It is imperative that you wear the

correct Leader shirts so that you can be identified accordingly.

Wearing the Leader Cycle shirts is mandatory.

WHAT TO PACK:Please refer to the recommended packing list which can be found under The 2021 Tour on the

website.

Recommended Leader packing list:

• 2 spare tubes with slime or sealant

• 2 sets of tyre liners

• Tubeless plug kit and tyre repair with patches

• 4 gold quick links, 10, 11 & 12 speed

• 2 x tyre levers

• Duct tape

• Tyre gaiters (old tooth paste tube works well)

• A few cable ties

• Tyre bombs and applicator

• Gear shifter cables SRAM and SHIMANO

• Leatherman and multi-tool

• Chain lube (you will receive Squirt chain lube in your registration bag)

• Spare derailleur hanger universal

• Any specialised parts

• Superglue

• Shimano cleat bolts

• Shimano cleats

• Small sewing kit

• Tyre levers

• Spokes

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Below are the guidelines and common courtesies that we ask all Tour and Support Leaders to

be aware of and abide by:

GROUP MANAGEMENT:• It is imperative that Tour and Support Leaders ride with their group at ALL TIMES. You are

responsible for ensuring that participants in your group depart with you and return with you.

• You will need to check for and sign all your group members in at the following points: Tea

Stop, Brunch Stop and the Hospitality Desk in camp. If a participant changes groups please

make a note of this on your sign-in sheets and ensure that the affected Tour Leader knows.

• Tour Leaders should determine and appoint a person from your group to be a third back-up

Leader. In the event of an emergency, ensure that they are familiar with using a GPS, hand-

held radio and bear banger. Ensure that he/she and your team are aware that the assigned

individual will fulfil this role as and if necessary. A third radio will be allocated to groups

larger than 16 riders. You will need to allocate this to one of the participants in your group

to assist with communication. It is advised that this person ride in the middle of the group

and assist the front and back Leaders. PLEASE NOTE: IT WILL BE THE TOUR LEADERS’

RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THIS THIRD RADIO IS CHARGED DURING THE EVENT AND

HANDED BACK AT THE END OF THE EVENT.

• Please set a comfortable pace relevant to the terrain and the ability of ALL participants in

your group. Please do NOT drop riders or tell them to ride faster than they are physically

capable of. If you have participants that are holding your group back you must either allocate

faster riders to the group ahead, or, at the end of a riding day, allocate the slower riders to a

slower group. Please do not compromise the enjoyment of the entire group for one or two

people who may be too fast or too slow for that specific group.

• Tour and Support Leaders need to assess the group dynamics to ensure the cohesion of their

riding group. Please also assist participants with safe riding skills and techniques.

SECTION 2GROUP

MANAGEMENT AND TOUR LEADER

ETIQUETTE

• Technical and nutritional advice and assistance needs to be provided. Tour and Support Leaders

need to ensure that each participant is carrying enough water and nutrition to take them to the

next stop (minimum 3 litres of water or energy supplement carrying capacity per day).

• Mechanical concerns. If a participant experiences a mechanical problem during the ride,

Leaders will be responsible to help the rider fix the problem, and for the group to stay as a

group until you can continue together. Tour Leaders to ensure that within their group they

have enough spares and technical knowledge to manage minor technical issues. (Whilst

fixing the mechanical, one of the Leaders should be standing back and watching out for any

wildlife).

• In the event of a mechanical breakdown that cannot be fixed: Someone in the team will be

allocated to walk with the person with the mechanical breakdown to the next tea or strategic

stop. From there the person with the mechanical will need to wait until there is a vehicle that

can take them to camp.

• If a participant needs to move up or down a group, the Tour Leader must first talk to the other

group’s Tour Leader and then hand over responsibility to that Leader for that specific rider.

The original Tour Leader should update the group manifests at the Hospitality Desk. This

should ideally be done at the end of the day. Please do not move a participant up or down

to a closed corporate group, or a group larger than 18 participants (this could mean that a

person might need to move up or down a couple of groups). Please also keep in mind that a

‘Stragglers Group’ can be formed using the Reserve Leaders. The Head Tour Leader (Anton

Wood) together with the Tour Director will manage this at the Leader meetings.

• Tour and Support Leaders are expected to be vigilant during the day and to handle any crises.

For this reason, they should monitor their alcohol intake whilst on the Tour.

RESERVE LEADERS: There are always some participants who arrive unfit and unprepared for this event. It is unfair

for the last groups to have to manage these stragglers, as it impacts on their group’s ride. To

deal with these participants, we will create a group on site into which to allocate these people.

We will have Reserve Leaders who, on the first day, will slot into a group (this will be decided at

the Leader meeting on the arrival day), and then if need be, they will form a new group going

forward with the unprepared participants. The departure time of this group will be determined

the night before at the Leader meeting. Please ensure participants in this group know what time

they will be departing and that they have met their new Leaders.

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If you find yourself feeling unwell and/or unable to fulfil your role as a Leader, please advise the

Head Tour Leader (Anton Wood) so that a substitute Leader can be found to take your place.

We do have a few Reserve Leaders that are there to assist as necessary, or alternatively we will

ask one of the participants to take on this role.

RIDING ETIQUETTE:• If your group needs to stop for any specific reason, please move off the track to allow the

other groups behind to pass.

• If you find that there is a group behind you that is faster than you, please allow them to depart

before you in the mornings and swop departure times. This is far preferable to having them

pass you every day.

• When crossing borders with your group please ensure that the group in front of you completely

clears Customs before you approach. Please do not let your group JUMP THE QUEUE.

• Please ensure there is at least a 5-minute gap between group departures at the Tea, Brunch

and strat points.

• Please do not encourage political talk. We have been invited by the various governments to

ride in their country and we treat them with respect as gracious guests.

RIDING THROUGH THE COMMUNITIES:We ride through a few local communities and always receive a very warm welcome from the

residents. In the past some participants have handed out sweets etc. within the communities,

which has created contention in the households, and is not in the best interests of the child,

the community or the event. Please ensure that participants DO NOT hand out any sweets. If

anyone has any items they wish to have handed to the communities, they should rather discuss

this with the Event Director and an effective, co-ordinated plan can be arranged. We are also

collecting donations for a community school project in the area we ride through. Depending

on how much we collect will determine the project. Please encourage your group to make

monetary donations to add to this pool rather than hand out money/sweets etc. whilst riding

through the community.

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ROUTE INFORMATION:Start Point: Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (South Africa)

End Point: Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (South Africa)

This year’s route will once again traverse the Greater Mapungubwe TFCA area and will include

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Riding will be along ancient elephant trails, single

track game paths and jeep tracks, allowing participants the opportunity of experiencing

wonderful scenery, cultural interaction and the opportunity to see wildlife.

Each year we try and change the route and camps to keep it interesting for participants;

especially for those who have ridden the Tour a number of times. We will communicate the

route when we have a better idea of what we are going to offer. Below is an overview of the

camps we will be overnighting at:

DATE CAMP CAMP LOCATION

Tuesday 20 July Camp 1 Mapungubwe (South Africa)

Wednesday 21 July Camp 2 Shashi Wilderness Camp (Zimbabwe)

Thursday 22 JulyCamp 3 Forthergill Rock Camp (Botswana)

Friday 23 July

Saturday 24 July Camp 4 Mapungubwe Confluence Camp (South Africa

Sunday 25 July Departure Day Home

SECTION 3THE ROUTE

AND GPS

WHAT WE CAN TELL YOU:• We will traverse three different countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana and two

game areas – Northern Tuli Game Reserve and Mapungubwe National Park and World

Heritage Site.

• Prepare for around 70 – 90 km of TOUGH riding per day – over four consecutive days,

comprising approximately 300 km of riding overall.It is an ADVENTURE TOUR so prepare for

the unexpected.

• It is an ADVENTURE TOUR so prepare for the unexpected.Even though this event is a Tour

and not a race please don’t underestimate the challenging nature of this event. We do not

manicure the routes; we leave them in their natural state so the route is technical and mountain

biking skills are needed in order to enjoy the riding.

• You will need a valid passport.

• Even though this event is a Tour and not a race please don’t underestimate the challenging

nature of this event. We do not manicure the routes; we leave them in their natural state so

the route is technical and mountain biking skills are needed in order to enjoy the riding.

• The Tour takes place at the end of winter, which means it will be extremely dry and chances

are it will be very hot during the day. It can also get quite chilly in the evenings and early

mornings.

Please note that things can and do change, and the above distances are APPROXIMATE

guidelines only. The route is single track, and the tracks originally planned in some instances

may have grown over and therefore there could be some slight route deviations.

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GPX TRACKS:The riding GPX tracks will be loaded according to the following:

D1 = first day of riding.

D1SP1 = Day 1, strategic point 1. Please note that you need to zoom into your track to see

the specific points. If you are unclear about this, please ask Anton or one of the Land Rover

Support Volunteers to assist you on your arrival at Mapungubwe National Park and World

Heritage Site.

TIMING TEMPLATES:The timing templates found in your manuals and key cards will give an APPROXIMATE

indication of the earliest and latest arrival times at the stops and in camp. Please note

however, that these DO NOT INCLUDE time for mechanicals, and only allow for a 15-minute

break at Tea and 30-minute break at Brunch. The last groups will be arriving in camp late. As

we do not want participants to ride at night due to safety reasons, we will have cut-off times.

Any groups that do not make the cut-off times will be transported into camp. Please warn

your groups of this in advance, and if you are one of the slower groups please monitor your

time along the way and limit stops.

RIDING AFTER DARK: In wildlife areas, riding after dark is not permitted. Any participants that do not arrive at

specified cut-off points on the riding days will either be short-routed or collected and

transferred to camp. Please ensure that participants are advised of this in advance. On other

days, when not in wildlife areas, we will be more lenient and allow participants to complete

the route. For this reason we recommend that any groups that depart later than 08h00 carry

their head torches with them.

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Each group will be allocated event equipment to ensure the safety of their riding group. All of

the following equipment will need to be signed out at registration, and signed in again at the

Hospitality Desk on arrival at Mapungubwe National Parka and World Heritage Site at the end of

the event. The Tour and Support Leaders are RESPONSIBLE for the safe keeping, charging and

return of all of the equipment for their group. In the event of loss or damage due to negligence,

the Tour and Support Leader will be expected to pay the excess. In the event of equipment

return being delayed due to Leader negligence, the relevant Leader will be liable for the costs

of rented equipment.

CELL PHONES:Each Tour and Support Leader is to ensure that they carry their personal cell phone with

international roaming data (please encourage participants to do the same). Most of the areas

through which we will travel will have cell phone coverage, but it is erratic and cannot be

guaranteed. We suggest that you keep your cell phone on airplane mode to conserve the battery.

GPS UNITS:• Each Tour and Support Leader will be expected to have their own GPS and ride with it

throughout the Tour. We are not marking the route and you will need to be able to read and

follow a GPS. ALL LEADERS BRING THEIR OWN GPS SO THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH USING

IT BEFORE THE START OF THE EVENT. You will also be given a key ring with all the GPS

coordinates for the strategic and overnight stops. Please ensure you carry these with you at

all times.

• If your GPS runs on batteries, please ensure you bring extra batteries with you. If your batteries

are low it may lead to your GPS giving you false information.

SECTION 4LEADER

EQUIPMENT

BEAR BANGERS AND CARTRIDGES:Each Tour and Support Leader will be allocated a Bear banger and cartridge. If you find yourself

in a position where you have to discharge the bear banger, please remember to collect a new

cartridge at the Hospitality Desk (for safety reasons, please do not leave bear banger cartridges

engaged in the pens). Please ensure you know how to use the bear banger and if not, please

bring this up at the Leaders’ meeting at Mapungubwe National Park.

MEDICAL FIRST AID KIT:Basic medical first aid kit for the treatment of minor injuries will be provided to each Leader at

registration. Once again please ensure that you carry this each day. You will be able to restock

your medical first aid kit at the nurses’ station. Please ensure this is done if any stock is used.

HAND-HELD RADIO:Two hand-held radios per group will be allocated for communication within the group and

Tour. A third hand-held radio will be allocated to larger groups for the Leaders to allocate to a

responsible person in the group. They should be encouraged to ride in the middle of the group

and assist the front and back Leaders. Please also communicate any mechanical, wildlife or any

other potential issue that may affect the groups behind you.

Please Note:It is the Tour and Support Leaders’ responsibility to ensure that the radios are charged in camp each night to be ready for use the following day. Please also collect your equipment (hand-held radio, GPS, etc.) in the evenings from the Hospitality Desk. Please do not leave anything at the Desk, as they leave early in the mornings and will not be around for you to collect the following morning.

RADIO COMMUNICATION AND PROTOCOL:Due to the remoteness of the Tour and the lack of communication infrastructure in the area,

the Event Organisers have elected to use VHF radios as the primary communication medium.

The allocation of these radios will be to the key Support staff complement, which will enable

a comprehensive communication network. The network, however, will rely on the operators –

please read the following carefully and acquaint yourselves with the procedures.

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RADIO PROCEDURES AND TIPS:• All staff are expected to have their radios charged and switched on from the time the first

participants leave in the morning until the last participant arrives in camp. The reason for

this is to ensure maximum availability of Support Crew, to enable the smooth handling of

any incidents. Please remember this if you need to contact any of the Support Crew.It is your

responsibility to ensure that your radio is charged at all times.

• It is your responsibility to ensure that your radio is charged at all times. If your situation

is an emergency please start with MAYDAY (repeat x 3) and then identify yourself before

explaining the situation.

• Before you start to talk, identify yourself then the person you are talking to, to avoid any

cross-communication e.g. “Jakob to Andrew”.

• If your situation is an emergency please start with MAYDAY (repeat x 3) and then identify

yourself before explaining the situation. Talk slowly so that other people can hear you clearly.

• Always listen for the other person’s ‘out’ before you start to talk. At the end of the other

person’s transmission there will be a short frequency noise before it will go silent. After that

noise, the frequency will be open and ready for transmission again.

• Keep your microphone about 50 mm away from your mouth when you talk over the radio.

• Talk slowly so that other people can hear you clearly.

• Talk at a slightly louder than normal volume without screaming into the microphone.

• The radios are for event communication, so please be selective and use only as necessary.

• When communicating via the radio, and if battling to get a signal, please find the highest

point available to increase your radio range.

LONG RANGE COMMUNICATION:In some instances, the person you are trying to contact will be out of your range. Under these

circumstances it is suggested that you call the nearest strategic point and ask them to relay

your message from strategic point to strategic point until the message reaches the destination

point.

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COMMUNICATION FREQUENCIES AND RADIO CHANNELS – INCLUDING MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:Communication Frequencies and Radio Channels – Including Medical Emergencies:

Your handheld radios have the first three channels pre-programmed to specific frequencies and

each of these channels is assigned to a specific group of people. If your radio is set on a specific

channel, you will only hear and be able to speak to others on the same channel. Channels are

as follows:

• Channel 1 – Overall Event Communication – the communication channel to talk to any event

staff.

• Channel 2 – Leaders – this channel is dedicated to Tour and Support Leaders ONLY, for them

to communicate with each other. Leaders, if you want to get hold of event staff you must

switch to Channel 1. In any medical emergencies, you will also need to switch to Channel 1

(the medical team will then ask you to switch to Channel 3 until the situation is resolved.

Thereafter you can return to Channel 2).

• Channel 3 – Private Channel – only to be used if you are directed to do so.

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We have a skilled medical team which is well-equipped to deal with many medical problems

without evacuation. It is not possible, nor ideal, to decide ahead of time what the action plan

will be for a medical emergency. This is because it will depend on many factors, including where

the incident occurs, time of day, type of injury, etc.

PREVENTION:• It is important to know whether any of your participants in your group have any of the

following medical conditions:

- Heart problems; asthma; diabetes; epilepsy; allergies.

- Please ensure the Incident Coordinator is aware of any participants with medical conditions

in your group.

• With this knowledge, in the event of a medical incident you will have some idea of how to

react. If you have asthmatics in your group please ensure that they are carrying their Ventolin

pumps. If anyone is allergic to bee stings please ensure that they are carrying an EpiPen and

antihistamines with them.

• It is recommended that you enquire as to whom in your group, if any, are medical doctors,

and if anyone has first aid knowledge, so you are aware of who can assist you in the event of

an emergency.

• If any participants in your group are suffering from flu and/or have a fever it is important they

DO NOT ride, under any circumstances. Please do not allow them to ride (this applies to you

as the Leaders as well).

SECTION 5MEDICAL

OVERVIEW

• If a participant asks for your advice regarding malaria prophylactics, you need to tell them

that we are travelling to a low risk malaria area and it is winter. They need to consult with

their doctor about whether or not they should take malaria prophylactics. However, if they

decide not to take any malaria prophylactics, they must ensure that they use Peaceful Sleep

or similar, and wear long sleeves in the evening – and most importantly, if they suffer from

flu-like symptoms eight days after the Tour, they need to see a doctor and have a blood test.

Taking or choosing to not take prophylactics is at their own risk.

• It is also a good idea to get a tetanus shot before leaving for the Tour as we do not carry this

with us due to storage requirements.

FLUID REPLACEMENT:• Dehydration is one of the most common ailments suffered by participants on this event. It

is important that all participants keep themselves well-hydrated – please remind them. They

need to drink a minimum of 750 ml of water per hour – small amounts often.

• It is important to have a balance between an energy supplement and water, as the supplement

will replace your electrolytes.

• It is important that participants are passing urine all day; if not, they are not drinking enough

and need to increase their fluid intake. Beware of alcohol and caffeine as they are both

diuretics.

FALLING:• When a person falls their natural reaction is to put their arms out to catch their fall. This leads

to possible wrist, arm and collarbone fractures. Try to encourage participants when they are

about to fall to try and roll up their bodies as tightly as possible, and allow the bike to bear

the brunt of the fall.

• Nerve injuries in hands: There are many nerve endings in one’s hand and if a participant rides

with too tight a grip, they damage these nerve endings, which will result in them experiencing

numb hands or pins and needles. If they complain of numb hands recommend that they be

more conscious about not holding the handle bars so tight.

SUN PROTECTION:Sun stroke is another common ailment for participants spending a good part of the day on their

bikes. Please remind all participants to apply sun block prior to leaving in the mornings. There

is sunblock available at all Tea and Brunch stops, and sun block should be re-applied at these

stops. The strategic vehicles will also have sun block.

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WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY:For medical emergencies we have implemented the following Incident Command System, which

is a structure that allows multiple individuals to be assigned roles and will ensure our team acts

together synergistically.

STEPS FOR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY:• Leaders to ensure they have done what they can to make the patient comfortable at the site of

the incident. Remove the fallen participant’s sunglasses and check for concussion (person to

look into bright area then shaded area, pupils should dilate normally). It is important to keep

the injured patient as still as possible. Whilst you are doing this ask the Support Leader to

radio or phone the Emergency Incident Coordinator. All bike boards will have the emergency

cell phone and satellite phone numbers for the medical back-up team and Event Coordinator.

• A medical team will come to the scene of the incident and assess the situation. Pending

the outcome of this assessment, the medical team will determine the best plan of action

depending on the circumstances. They in turn, will be in contact with the Incident Coordinator,

who will coordinate all outside resources.

• The medical team comprises doctors and paramedics whose roles include direct medical

patient care and other specifics like setting up a staging area or evacuating individuals.

• The Tour Leader will make the call as to whether or not the remainder of the group will continue

riding. In this instance a responsible person within your group will need to be nominated to

play the role of Support Leader.

EVACUATION (It is worth mentioning the following about evacuation):• As a rule it must be expected that evacuation, at least part of way by vehicle will be the only

realistic option.

• There is a likelihood that we may not be able to land a helicopter at the scene of an incident

because of the logistical complications associated with terrain, time of day and cross-border

operations.

• At night it is to be expected that ground transfer to a suitable hospital is the most likely

reality.

• In the daytime, ground transfer or transfer by helicopter to Limpopo Valley Airstrip to connect

with a fixed wing evacuation is the most likely option.

ALL EVENT EMERGENCY NUMBERS ARE PRINTED ON THE FRONT OF THE BIKE BOARDS

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Participant safety is of paramount importance and cannot be taken lightly. We are riding through

areas with high elephant populations and everyone must be aware of and observant about what

is around them at all times.

Please note the following general safety recommendations:

IN CAMP:We are camping in unfenced wilderness areas. Please ensure that the participants in your group

follow these recommendations to ensure their safety:

• Always carry a torch at night and do not wander out of the camp alone.

• Keep tents zipped at all times.

• Please be aware that crocodiles are common in the rivers and streams and we do not

recommend swimming. If you decide to swim, you do so at your own risk.

• Wear shoes when walking around the camp.

ON THE RIDING ROUTE:SAFETY is our concern and we therefore want to REITERATE these points to you, so that you

can play your part in understanding the risks and ensuring that these risks are minimised as

much as possible. Please ensure that you are well aware of the following:

SECTION 6SAFETY AND

WILDLIFE

• Buddy Up: all participants in the group must buddy up for the duration of the event and must

always be aware of where their buddy is at all times.

• Tour Leaders and Support Leaders need to stay in contact with each other and monitor the

group. You need to keep your group together and ensure it DOES NOT get split up. In this

situation, it is important to note that it is easier to get the faster riders to go slower than the

slower riders to go faster i.e. put the slower ones in front. If there is someone slowing your

group down and impacting the enjoyment of the other participants, please liaise with other

Leaders to see if they can be accommodated in a group of their standard.

• Communication between Groups: the group Leaders are to advise the group behind them

of potential danger or wildlife ahead. However please keep radio talk to a minimum and

only when necessary –hearing the radios buzzing with banter continually impacts on the

participants’ enjoyment.Mechanical Skills: it is important for you to have basic

• Mechanical Skills: it is important for you to have basic mechanical skills. If the participant

cannot continue either the Tour or the day, the Support Leader will need to stay with that

person and walk with them to the closest strategic point.

• Stopping for Punctures: one person stops, everyone stops. If the group stops for a technical

issue please ensure that a) the group moves off the track and b) one of the Leaders should

stand slightly away from the group and scout for potential wildlife danger.

• Wildlife is a Real Concern: please follow our guidelines and don’t take any unnecessary risks

that may compromise your safety and that of your fellow riders (e.g. stopping close to wildlife).

When entering an area always check the wind direction and be aware of what’s happening

around you. In thick bush there is more chance of surprising animals and it is IMPORTANT TO

STAY WITHIN YOUR GROUP.

• Access is Difficult; be cautious: due to the fact that we are riding predominantly on single

track, access to the route is difficult and therefore evacuation is not straightforward, and

for this reason medical back-up may take some time to get to you. We ask that in technical

areas you please SLOW DOWN and consider the consequences of an injury. We strongly

recommend that the fast rocky descents are only ridden by competent riders. Please do not

try to ride down a technical area if you are unsure about it – rather walk until you do feel

comfortable.

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IN THE EVENT OF A WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER:• First and foremost, stop and stand still. Get off your bikes and keep quiet. The Leader with

the wildlife experience will need to take over the instructions and will need to slowly get the

group of participants away from the situation and keep them in a tight bunch. Stay calm and

still as long as possible – don’t attract attention.Assess the situation. Chances are whatever

you have come across will move off.

• Assess the situation. Chances are whatever you have come across will move off.

• Stay still as long as the animals are looking at you. Remember that you are in their territory,

and their senses are much more attuned than your own.

• Back away slowly with no sudden movements as soon as their attention is diverted. DO NOT

RUN.

• If the animal is close, the Leaders will use sign language to communicate with their group.

Participants must pay attention to the Leader’s behaviour and follow any instructions given.

• If an animal is blocking the road the group is to wait until the road is clear, or if feasible, to ride

around it. IN THESE SITUATIONS PLEASE TRY AND CONTACT THE GROUP BEHIND YOU SO

THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE WILDLIFE SITUATION IN FRONT OF THEM. If the wildlife

Leader decides it is safe to ride past, it is imperative that the two Leaders work together to

keep their group in a close bunch and do not stop until the entire group is at a safe distance.

• When informing the group behind you of the wildlife encounter please include information of

the direction the animals were moving and the wind direction.

• Bear bangers are used as a last resort and should ALWAYS BE SHOT INTO THE AIR AND NOT

IN THE DIRECTION THE ANIMAL. If it is shot in the direction of the animal, the bear banger

may go off behind the animal causing the animal to run straight at you. You will also be given

an air horn.

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The Nedbank Tour de Tuli travels through the Greater Mapungubwe TFCA. Much of the Nedbank

Tour de Tuli area is flat scrubland, with mopane and combretum bush, giving way to rugged hilly

terrain in the valleys, which supports riverine vegetation such as ficus and faidherbia. Wildlife

includes elephant, lion, wild dog, cheetah and leopard. These animals move freely between the

areas.

THE GREATER MAPUNGUBWE TRANSFRONTIER CONSERVATION AREA: “I look forward to a time when the rage for destruction will have disappeared, when the

senseless slaughter of the wild fauna will be as criminal and contrary to public opinion as cruelty

to humans and when those who love the wilds, their shy denizens and intimate ways, will come

from all parts of the Earth to find peace and refreshments in Africa”. Jan Smuts speaking at

Oxford University in 1930

South Africa is anxious to see Mapungubwe as part of a larger conservation and cultural

landscape. But it was Jan Smuts who originally proposed a cross-border concept emulating

the proposed Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA) of our time. It

was to be referred to as ‘Dongola’, and Jan Smuts was adamant that it should include what is

now Botswana and Zimbabwe. However in 1948 Jan Smuts’ political party was beaten by the

Nationalists and the concept of Dongola was abandoned. In 1967, the Vhembe Game Reserve

was proclaimed on the present site of Mapungubwe National Park and utilised as a hunting

area for South African Government Ministers and their guests. In 1994 the process began

which culminated in the proclamation of the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site in 2003 and

Mapungubwe National Park in 2004.

SECTION 7HISTORY, NATURE

AND WILDLIFE OVERVIEW

The idea of a Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) has gained momentum and a major

commitment from all three countries saw the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in

June 2006. This document is initiating and assisting all stakeholders in a consultative process,

so as to jointly establish the GMTFCA.

Although unique in many respects, the TFCA’s overriding asset is the Mapungubwe Cultural

Landscape that spans all three countries. Assistance with the creation of a common conservation

policy ensures a secure and significantly larger area enveloping a cross-section of more diverse

natural systems.

The Peace Parks Foundation has played a major role, and has aggressively promoted and funded

much of the facilitating process of the TFCA, and there has been steady progress in this regard.

The GMTFCA will initially cover an area of 4 872km2 in extent, 28% (1 350km2) of which will

be situated in Botswana with a further 53% (2 561 km) in South Africa and the balance 19%

(960km2) in Zimbabwe. With already viable populations of the larger drawcard species such as

elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah, as well as 19 other mammal species, 26 plant species and a

fair number of bird species listed in the Red Data book, the area is of substantial importance for

conservation reasons alone. The added range, protection and combined efforts offered through

the establishment of the TFCA will contribute immensely to the protection of all species found

within the area. The dramatic landscapes and contrasts within the TFCA are some of the most

visually and naturally beautiful areas in Southern Africa. Add to this rich and varied cultural

heritage sites, the TFCA’s potential for drawing a large number of local and international visitors

to admire, cherish and ultimately ensure the protection of this sacred icon of African history is

greatly enhanced.

MASHATU GAME RESERVE – LAND OF GIANTSWe will spend two days riding the elephant and game trails of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve.

Created over aeons by the herds of elephant that roam this wilderness, the ‘riding paths’ could

not have been better designed by trail builders. They are soft, sweeping and well cleared by the

herd matriarchs.

41

The area’s geological history and makeup is fascinating. Around 100-183 million years ago

volcanic eruptions ejected large amounts of lava, a phenomenon that can clearly be seen in

the capping of basalt over the sandstone along the Limpopo River. There are also numerous

dolerite dykes in the area some of which include Solomon’s Wall on the Motloutse River.

The Northern Tuli Game Reserve forms part of the Limpopo drainage system. This river, which

rises in Braamfontein Johannesburg, runs from west to east and forms the southern border of

the reserve with South Africa. Two large feeder rivers, which flow into the Limpopo River in this

area, are the Motloutse and Shashe Rivers. The Shashe River forms the reserve’s north-eastern

boundary with Zimbabwe and flows in a south-easterly direction joining the Limpopo at the

point where the three countries meet.

The Motloutse River has played a marked part in Botswana’s history as it was in this riverbed

in the 1960s that the first diamonds were discovered. This discovery transformed Botswana

from a subsistent and largely destitute recently independent protectorate of England into a

successful, vibrant and responsible democracy with the third highest per capita GDP on the

African continent.

The reserve is a haven for birds and animals, with 48 mammal species present and approximately

20 000 animals including elephant, 15 large herbivore species and all the large cat species. 350

different bird species have been identified in the area including a number of rare species, such

as the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the Egyptian Vulture. It is likely that people will get to view some

of the species, in addition to the large concentration of plains game prevalent in the region.

Earliest indications of humans in the Tuli area are found in the numerous stone tool quarries

dating back to the Middle Stone Age (20 000 to 100 000 years ago). Many Late Stone Age

tools can be found scattered in the Reserve, where the Khoi and San people practiced a hunter-

gatherer lifestyle or nomadic pastoralism.

They hunted on the game-filled plains and produced rock art, depicting the magnificence of the

Limpopo River Valley. The disappearance of these nomads coincides with the occupation of the

region by the early Iron Age civilisations.

About 1 200 years ago, the silence of the Limpopo Valley was broken by the sounds of Bantu-

speaking people moving south from further north in Africa. This civilisation saw men sweating

over small furnaces to fuse melted ores for weapons, tools and ornaments. Women dug into

smooth clay near streams and made pots for meat, beer, plant food or water. These groups

brought with them changes, such as agriculture, more complex social structures and livestock

domestication. Between 1050 and 1250 AD the famous Kingdom of Mapungubwe traded with

civilisations as far away as East Africa, Arabia and even India. The influence of these traders

can be seen in the artefacts found in the area such as stonework, gold ornaments, iron tools,

garden-roller beads and pottery.

The first European explorers and missionaries arrived in Tuli early in the 16th century and the

area was used for hunting, trading and mission work among the tribes and people living there.

Enter Cecil John Rhodes at the end of the 19th century who, along with a group of men under

his command called the “Pioneer Column”, was sent to annex Matabeleland and Mashonaland

for the British Crown. On the 1st July 1890, they founded Fort Tuli on a small kopje along the

banks of the Shashe River.

The first crossing over the Limpopo, Rhode’s Drift, was established in 1890 and is situated on

Mashatu Game Reserve. A few months later, a second drift was established about 8km upstream

from Rhode’s Drift as part of the Zeederberg Coach Route.

This drift was known as Pont Drift and you will have crossed into the Reserve at this border

crossing. Rhodes’ dream of building a railway line from Cape to Cairo included a part of it through

the Tuli Block. Later on when it became clear that the railway was a logistical nightmare, the

block was surveyed, divided into farms and allocated to British owners in an effort to protect

Botswana from the northward expansion of the Boers out of the then-Northern Transvaal area.

During this time the territorial aspirations of British and Boer expansion caused confrontations

between their forces, taking place in what is now referred to as The Northern Tuli Game Reserve.

Engagements were numerous, the first being on the 20th of October 1899, when Boers attacked

the British, who were controlling access to the only reliable water source in the area. The most

famous of these was an attack on Bryce’s store.

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The store, the remains of which are still visible, was built by an enterprising British subject

by the name of Bryce, on the western banks of the Pitsani River on what is now Mashatu

Game Reserve. The store served as a staging post for the Zeederberg Coach, which ran from

Pretoria to Bulawayo, a four-day trip. The Boers shelled the store from Pitsani Koppie, where

the emplacements can still be seen. During the engagement Bryce’s store was destroyed and

today, bullets, buckles and other remains are found around the rubble of Bryce’s store.

PITSANI GAME RESERVEPitsani Game Reserve comprises nearly 11,000 hectares of wild, untouched Africa bordered by

the Shashe River in the east and the Pitsani River in the west, and stretching from the Tuli Circle

in the North to the Limpopo River in the south. Two of the great rivers of Africa, the Shashe and

Limpopo run along the eastern and southern boundaries of the Reserve.

The reserve is protected as a wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland and open

plains. It not only has an abundance of wildlife, but also has a fertile archaeological history.

Early life has been identified in fossil excavations, with evidence of Stone Age man and a

series of civilisations including the Mapungubwe culture of the 12th and 13th centuries, and the

Zimbabwe civilisation. Mzilikazi, the Zulu chief, and his followers, passed through the area, as

did the Rhodesian pioneer column which travelled up the Pitsani River on their way to Fort Tuli

and subsequently to what became Rhodesia.

Pitsani has an abundance and variety of game comparable to any other wildlife destination and

supports a considerable variety of mammal, reptile and insect species.

Pitsani Game Reserve is privately owned reserve and offers luxury accommodation in a variety

of camps. It is owned by a consortium of shareholders and presents an opportunity to buy into

this unique wildlife area.

SHALIMPOSituated at the most easterly part of Botswana at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo

Rivers, Shalimpo is strategically situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, as it is at the ‘toe’

of Shalimpo that the three countries of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe come together

at a point.

Acquired in the 1950s by the Coetzer Family, this property has been in the hands of this family

ever since.

In terms of accommodation, there are two camps that sleep eight people each. Shalimpo Camp,

elevated above the confluence of the two rivers, is a small yet stylish lodge. Island Camp is a

more rustic, stone cottage situated on the banks of the Limpopo River on an island east of the

main property.

For more information, please see www.shalimpo.co.za.

TULI SAFARI LODGETuli Safari Lodge is a small, luxurious and relaxing retreat, offering a timeless safari with style

and soul - a verdant oasis in a rugged yet beautiful wilderness. Tuli Safari Lodge is nestled

between the legendary Limpopo River and time-sculpted kopjes of the Northern Tuli Game

Reserve in the easternmost corner of Botswana. This unique corner of Africa boasts spectacular

wildlife, breath taking landscapes and fascinating history.

Ten elegant suites are nestled in Tuli Safari Lodge’s peaceful gardens. The eight tented suites

of draped canvas over timber bed frames are spacious, airy and elevated. Large wrap-around

decks are designed to provide a relaxing outdoor space with views over the Tuli grounds and

surrounding bush. The interiors are a modern take on classic ‘out of Africa’ décor, with a flowing

open plan design. The 2 classic suites are furnished and designed to the same high standard,

with very similar internal layouts and features to the tented suites. However these are thatched

with solid walls, air conditioning and a shaded veranda area. All the suites can be made up as

doubles or twins.

Along with the simple pleasure of relaxing in this idyllic environment, there’s a lot to do within

the lodge grounds … enjoy a refreshing dip in the large swimming pool; spot wildlife visiting the

nearby waterhole from the safety and comfort of a hide; enjoy panoramic views of the reserve

overlooking a baobab-studded plain from the ‘star deck’ atop one of the sandstone kopjes; sit

by the banks of the Limpopo River to soak up the atmosphere and spot passing wildlife; explore

the wonderful walking trail established within the lodge grounds and visit the curio shop.

45

Each day brings a new adventure as Tuli Safari Lodge offers an authentic safari experience.

You can set the pace and decide how much in the way of safari activities you’d like to do. The

varied safari adventures at Tuli include early morning and late afternoon game drives, guided

bushwalks, birding, hide visits, cultural experiences and night drives. Tuli Safari Lodge pride

themselves on a personalised approach, and do their utmost to accommodate their guests’

particular interests or requirements.

SENTINEL LIMPOPOSentinel is a 32 000ha virgin bushveld property on the northern bank of the Limpopo River in

south-western Zimbabwe. Its varied terrain and multiple habitat types make it one of the most

spectacular game and bird viewing areas in southern Africa.

Within and around Sentinel’s extensive riparian woodlands, sandstone hills, scrub savannah,

Mopani forests and numerous natural springs occur some of this area’s most splendid wildlife.

In ancient times the abundance of wildlife and natural water attracted nomadic San and Kung

peoples, who left behind their unique worldview in their enigmatic rock paintings found in

shelters and overhangs throughout the sandstone ridges. Stone tools and ostrich eggshell

beads have been found at these sites.

Sentinel Ranch is one mile north-east of the now famous Mapungubwe Hill dating back over 700

years, a World Heritage Site in South Africa over the Limpopo River. Numerous archaeological

sites on Sentinel relate to this and earlier kingdoms where iron implements, decorated pottery

and rare figurines, Venetian trade beads, soapstone pipes, grinding stones and copper ingots

and jewellery have been found. A proposal to include Sentinel in the Mapungubwe World

Heritage Site has been tabled. Late Iron Age people hid stores of grain over 150 years ago in

massive clay and reed bins to protect them from marauding tribes and animals.

Sentinel boasts several exceptionally well-preserved sites. Some fascinating late-Triassic/

early-Jurassic dinosaur fossil finds have been made on Sentinel, such as 240 million-year-old

Erythrosuchus trace fossils and many 210-million-year-old Massospondylus fossils.

Sentinel Limpopo Safaris works closely with the local communities in the Beitbridge District,

providing assistance in education, employment and agriculture.

NOTTINGHAM ESTATESNottingham Estate is right in the heart of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Park, which

spans South Africa’s World Heritage site, the Mapungubwe National Park, Zimbabwe and

Botswana. The area is renowned as the cultural center of southern African, where the African

Renaissance began and reflects centuries of history. Nottingham Estate has many amazing

ancient rock art sites and is also the home to a huge diversity of wildlife and birdlife.

Nottingham Estate borders the banks of the Limpopo River. This Estate is primarily a citrus

Estate, but incorporates Nottingham Fishing Retreat, Greater Kuduland Safaris and Fly Camp.

The Estate also has a registered airstrip 1000m in length (GPS 5.22 06.796 – E29 37.664)

Nottingham Fishing RetreatNottingham fishing Retreat is situated on the Mashilichokwe Dam. The chalets overlook the

dam offering wonderful views. While away days, watching the beautiful sunrises, listening to

the call of the Fish Eagle and enjoying great Zimbabwe hospitality. Nottingham Fishing Camp

consists of seven modern air-conditioned chalets and an entertainment area. It also has two

fully equipped boats that can be hired out on a daily basis for those wanting to spend time on

the dam.

Greater Kuduland SafarisKuduland is situated on the banks of the Limpopo River, surrounded by Fever trees and a wide

variety of bird life. This camp has a rustic and tranquil atmosphere for those wanting to get

away from it all. The Estate has a wide variety of game and bird life and offers a wonderful

venue for a breakaway.

Fly CampFly Camp is used for guest dinners, with the unique experience of watching the elephants

feeding on the citrus fruit.

MAPUNGUBWE – SOUTH AFRICA’S CROWN JEWELSOn 8 April 1933, The Illustrated London News reported a remarkable discovery in the Transvaal:

a grave of unknown origin, containing much gold-work, found on the summit of a natural rock

stronghold in a wild region...

The last night of the Nedbank Tour de Tuli is spent at the confluence picnic site in Mapungubwe

National Park and World Heritage Site; a fitting end to a great adventure. The South African

component of the proposed GMTFCA spanning three countries is both a National Park and a

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World Heritage Site. TFCA Parks in Africa aim to conserve flora and fauna in trans-boundary

conservation areas. Generally international borders are obstacles to regional protection and

management of wildlife, biodiversity and wildlife movements are disrupted by human-made

boundaries such as cordon fences, commercial farming, industrial activities and human

settlements. The creation of parks that straddle borders is an opportunity for wildlife areas to

be expanded and wildlife migratory routes to be restored.

The discovery of the famous South African archaeological site of Mapungubwe in 1932 was

extremely significant although, in hindsight, the methods used to excavate the site meant that

many remains of this important discovery were, in all likelihood, discarded with the tailings.

Notwithstanding, the profile of the region was raised and archaeological research has continued.

From the discoveries it is now known that hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age period roamed

the river floodplains and cave sandstone hills of the Limpopo Valley, possibly as early as 250

AD. Later, between 900 and 1300, larger Iron Age farming communities settled in the Limpopo

River Valley and the Iron Age sites of Mapungubwe were inhabited between 1220 and 1300.

Large quantities of beads have been found which were traded on the east coast of Africa. These

beads were imported from foreign countries such as Egypt or India in exchange for ivory and

gold from Africa.

What makes Mapungubwe so significant is the discovery of South Africa’s own ‘Crown Jewels’

– vestiges of gold ornaments, wire jewellery, gold beads and nails amongst the human remains.

Thus Mapungubwe represents the earliest recorded archaeological gold in southern Africa. One

site alone yielded 2.2 kilograms of gold and over 12 000 gold beads. The most famous of the

finds is without doubt the Golden Rhino. What is intriguing about this rhino is that it only has

one horn. All southern African rhino have two horns, and it is this fact that may indicate that the

rhino represented not African rhino, but a species from Asia where such one-horned creatures

reside.

In addition, the remains of two “Royal” members of the Kingdom were discovered at Mapungubwe.

They were found in a sitting position facing east, indicative of their high social standing in the

Kingdom. Such is the significance of Mapungubwe that the highest political order in South Africa

is the Order of Mapungubwe. This Order is awarded to South African citizens for excellence

and exceptional achievement, and it is awarded in three classes, namely, Class 1: The Platinum

Order of Mapungubwe; Class 2: The Gold Order of Mapungubwe; Class 3: The Bronze Order of

Mapungubwe.

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This manual is a useful tool and contains all the information that you will need to fulfil your role

as a Leader.

It is extremely important to familiarise yourselves with the area and its history, along with

the fauna and flora; this will enable you to add value to the guests’ experience. Participants

may not be informed about the areas that they will be riding through; for the Leaders of their

group to be well-informed should stir some excitement and interest, in turn ensuring a greater

appreciation of their experience.

It is also a good idea to have some background knowledge on why you are riding. Information

on Children in the Wilderness and the Nedbank Tour de Tuli can be found online.

You, as Leaders are hosts of the Tour, and therefore it is imperative that you know what is

expected of you, that you are fit, that you have excellent bike mechanic skills, and that you know

a bit about the history and highlights of the area you will be riding through.

If you have any questions or queries, please do get hold of us.

We wish you the best of luck with preparations for Tour!Nedbank Tour de Tuli Team

FINAL NOTES

WWW.CHILDRENINTHEWILDERNESS.COM

CONTACT THE NEDBANK TOUR DE TULI TEAM:TEL: +27 11 807 1800 | FAX: +27 11 807 2110EMAIL: INFO@CHILDRENINTHEWILDERNESS.COM