On 23 May 2026, mountain bikers from across the country will descend on one of South Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas for the 2026 Marakele CT Hydraulics MTB Challenge – a rare opportunity to pedal through real Big Five country inside the iconic Marakele National Park.
Paid partnership with SANParks Honorary Rangers
This is more than another mountain bike race, it’s a chance to experience the wilderness in its rawest form, ride open park roads and game paths, and expect wildlife sightings with a range of antelope and possibly even some of the Big Five.
Organised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers and run in support of conservation efforts, the Marakele CT Hydraulics MTB Challenge blends adventure, purpose and outdoor culture in equal measure. Proceeds go directly toward protecting and preserving the park and its biodiversity – meaning every pedal stroke helps safeguard wild places and species for future generations.
FIVE DISTANCES, ONE WILD EXPERIENCE
No matter your fitness, there’s a distance option for you:
- 70km with 344m of ascent – the ultimate Big 5 outing for seasoned riders (18 years minimum age limit)
- 40km with 220m of ascent – a punchy mid-distance challenge (18 years minimum age limit)
- 20km with 71m of ascent – perfect for committed enthusiasts and young riders
- 10km with 36m of ascent – a fun option for families and newcomers
Your entry fee includes the National Park conservation fee, so you’re not just racing you’re actively contributing to the protection of this wild landscape.
There are well-stocked water points on the race routes, which primarily use the National Park gravel roads and game paths, making it a relatively non-technical route and possible for all levels of mountain biker to complete. eBikes are welcome but won’t be eligible for any prize money.
Field Rangers are deployed along the routes within the National Park to ensure the safety of the cyclists. Before the start of the race, a helicopter is also deployed to fly over and scan the route from above.
Every finisher in the 2026 event earns a commemorative medal featuring the Cape Buffalo – the third in the series of Big Five medals. It’s a badge of honour that marks your ride through the Marakele National Park, and a keepsake you’ll be proud to hang in your collection.
As an added bonus, all cyclists, their families and the community of Thabazimbi are invited to a free sunset concert “Pop vs Country” on Saturday 23 May 2026 featuring Nico Booijse and Leroi Heunis (just bring your own chair).
Marakele National Park is located 12km from Thabazimbi in the Limpopo Province. Thabazimbi is a three-hour drive from Johannesburg and a bit shorter from Pretoria. It is within the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, which is designated for conservation and eco-tourism.
From an accommodation perspective, there are tented camps and camp sites within Marakele National Park as well as surrounding areas and in the town of Thabazimbi too. For accommodation in the National Park, contact Janine via email: marakelemtb@sanparksvolunteers.org
WHY MARAKELE?
Marakele National Park isn’t your average cycling venue – it’s a vast conservation landscape where rugged mountains frame sprawling savannahs and wildlife roams free.
Riding here is about so much more than speed and splits – it’s about experiencing a natural playground rich in biodiversity, peace and presence. Whether you’re gliding past grazing kudu, navigating park gravel stretches or taking in dramatic views across the Waterberg foothills, this is exactly the kind of mountain bike adventure that sticks with you.
To find out more about Marakele National Park, go to: Marakele National Park – SANParks
JOIN THE RIDE
Whether you’re chasing time on the longer routes, introducing a friend to mountain biking on the shorter rides, or simply want to be part of something bigger than a race, the Marakele CT Hydraulics MTB Challenge 2026 is calling.
For more information or to secure your entry, click here: Marakele CT Hydraulics MTB Challenge 2026 | MyActive Events.
Visit https://www.sanparksvolunteers.org for more information about the SANParks Honorary Rangers.
The SANParks Honorary Rangers would like to acknowledge CT Hydraulics, the main event partner.
