ORIENTEERING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

4 -8 days

TREKKING

PADDLING

±400kms

4-15 June 2025 - RICHTERSVELD

THE RATEL.

Richtersveld

Previously known as Die Ratel, /’Dee Raa-Tel’/, in afrikaans (a local South African Language) - Meaning Honey Badger. A tough tenacious, yet graceful animal that graces the wild landscape of South Africa.

A simple, raw, real and challenging, “old school” Adventure Race.

Hosted in arguably the “Holy Grail” of adventure racing areas in South Africa - the mountainous desert of the Richtersveld.

A meaningful & timeless journey that will move you, a journey so memorable & special you will relive it over and over again!

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.

Read more about the Richtersveld alongside/below…

  • 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.

  • EARLY BIRD ENTRIES - 27 September - 31 December 2024

    R48000 per team of 4

    R27000 per team of 2

    “NORMAL BIRD” ENTRIES - 1 January - 28 February 2025

    R60000 per team of 4

    R32000 per team of 2

    “LATE BIRD” ENTRIES - 1 March - 4 April 2025

    R70000 per team of 4

    R36000 per team of 2

  • 4-15 June 2025

    Exact timings still to come.

    4 June - Travel day. Arrive/check in afternoon. Welcome dinner.

    5-6 June - Team admin, gear check.

    7 June - Race start

    7 - 14 June - Race days. Race cut-off 14 June 10am.

    14 June - Closing dinner.

  • Approx. 400kms. 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…

  • Richtersveld, Namibia/South Africa.

    Host venue TBC - reveal December 2024.

    Camping & chalet options available. Generally approximately R2500 / $150 for a chalet per night.

  • TBC, host venue reveal December 2024.

    Camping & chalet options available. Generally approximately R2500 / $150 for a chalet per night.

  • Boats will be provided.

  • Mandatory list HERE

    (Download and save)

    • 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