Entries open for the first Wagora MTB Ride – Raising funds for anti-poaching in the Serengeti

7 March 2024 - Singita and its NGO partner, the Grumeti Fund, have partnered to introduce a new iconic adventure taking place in the 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti reserve in Tanzania.

Twenty-four experienced riders from around the world will have the opportunity to take part in the first Wagora MTB Ride from 10-15 October 2024. This exclusive event is a life-changing opportunity for mountain bike enthusiasts to come together in the Serengeti to ride in support of the Grumeti Fund’s anti-poaching scouts.

This event traverses 150 kilometres (over three days) through the reserve in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park. Endless views and exciting animal sightings are part of the journey, while game scouts and a support vehicle accompany riders for their safety and comfort. The route consists of flat, dirt, gravel, or sand roads (non-tarred) with some single-track off-road trails and is best suited to seasoned riders.

The name of the ride pays tribute to Kitaboka Wagora, an anti-poaching scout who was tragically killed by a poacher while on patrol in 2008. His memory continues to inspire others to follow a path of courage and commitment to protect Africa’s wild places for future generations.

Participants will stay at Singita Explore for five nights. This stylish tented camp embraces the true essence of a modern pared-down safari – and is the perfect place for riders to relax, swim, book wellness treatments or recap on the adventures of the day.

During downtime, participants can visit the Grumeti Fund’s Research and Innovation for the Serengeti Ecosystem Centre (RISE) to learn more about active projects as well as meet the watch-keepers, the canine unit, and their loving handlers.

All funds raised will support the dedicated anti-poaching scouts and their dogs who work tirelessly to protect the wildlife here. The donation portion will help fund training; hiring more rangers to safeguard the land; training and upkeep of the canine unit and the Mobile Patrol Unit; and purchasing the equipment needed to respond to poaching threats.

About the Ride

The Wagora MTB Ride is not an intense challenge or a race, but an opportunity to experience the stunning landscape of the Serengeti. Each day starts at sunrise (approx. 06:30am) with a variable route each day, starting and ending at Singita Explore. Day 1 starts with a 60km ride across diverse terrains through the Grumeti reserve; Day 2 guides riders approximately 50km through the neighbouring community and Day 3 is a somewhat easier 40km ride through the open landscape.

Armed anti-poaching scouts accompany riders all the way, and there will also be a bike mechanic on-site, who can assist with basic repairs. Guests need to arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport by 10 October for Singita to arrange for the bikes to be transported to Singita Explore for safe storage.

The experience costs US$ 8,230 per person (single) or US$ 5,630 per person (sharing) for the all-inclusive 5-night package, including return flights on Grumeti Air from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Singita Grumeti. An additional tax-deductible donation is paid to the Grumeti Fund - US$ 17,000 per single or US$ 10,000 per person (sharing) – to be used to fight illegal poaching.

Entries are open on a first come, first served basis for men and women, singles or couples. All solo riders must be 18+ years old (16- and 17-year-old riders will also be permitted to participate if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian). The deadline for payments is 30 June 2024.

The launch of the Wagora MTB Ride follows the incredible success of the Serengeti Girls Run, held every year in support of the Grumeti Fund’s women empowerment projects.

For more information, the itinerary and T&Cs, visit: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/SN2jRil6GFxEh. To secure your space, email Stephanie Schwatlo: Stephanie.S@singita.com.

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About Singita

Singita is a conservation and ecotourism brand that has been helping to preserve Africa’s wildlife and wilderness for the past 30 years, offering guests exceptional safari experiences at 16 luxury, award-winning lodges, and camps across four countries. In partnership with non-profit Funds & Trusts who implement strategic conservation projects in each region, Singita’ s 100-year purpose is to preserve and protect large parts of African wilderness for future generations. www.singita.com

Press release issued by: Singita Public Relations Email: Lisa.C@singita.com

About Singita Grumeti

The Grumeti Fund is a non-profit organization carrying out wildlife conservation and community development work in the western corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania. The vision is a world in which people and wildlife live together sustainably, forever. Today dedicated staff protect, manage, and monitor the Grumeti concession where the near-barren plains of 15 years ago teem with wildlife once more. www.grumetifund.org.