Children in the Wilderness - August 2012 - The Africa Adventure Company

LIKE A DUCK – preparing for Tour de Tuli
It’s one week to the start of Children in the Wilderness’ biggest fundraising event, the 2012 Fedhealth
Tour de Tuli. 270 mountain bikers, both local and international, will follow game paths in wildlife areas and pass through some community areas in Botswana, Zimbabwe and end at Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa. While the actual event takes place over 5 days, preparation happens over many months.

The logistics around an event straddling three countries bring its own challenges and no two countries operate alike. Everything is on track and we look like a duck serenely gliding down the River of Organisation – but paddling like mad under the surface.

Months ago, the route finders were out scouting the 2012 route while the multitude of personnel involved ranging from CITW staff, wonderful volunteers (local and international), medical and safety experts, masseuses, caterers, logistics and transport providers, helico pter pilots, camera crews, bike repairers, toilet and shower suppliers, landowners, Transfrontier Park officials and various government representatives were doing their bit. Planning goes right down to ensuring all waste and litter is properly removed and recycled.

Special mention must be made of the Land Rover Owners Club – they have been the backbone of the Support Staff on this event since its inception in 2005. They are the rockstars who have continuously committed not only their time, but also thei r vehicles to this event, at no rental or wage cost to Children in the Wilderness. Nothing is ever a problem, but rather an opportunity for adventure to these guys!

These pictures give you a small idea of what’s been happening ‘˜under the surface’

Michelle Hofmeyr of Skukuza Nursery kindly donated 30 indigenous trees (mangosteens, brown ivories, wild mangos and mahoganies). These trees were distributed to the four primary schools, high school and the Makahlule nursery school and excited children and teachers were on hand to help with the planting.