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RELAY WALKERS & RUNNERS ROUTE  - 2023

 It is a long drive to the lowest point in Zimbabwe at the confluence of the Save and Runde Rivers. Walkers and runners will start their 2018 Blue Cross by backtracking on the route to their first overnight camp on the banks of the Save at the Jamanda Community Camp, opposite the phenomenal and wild Gonarezhou National Park. For those who would like some luxury, accommodation is available at Chilo Gorge Lodge.

NB - ALL BLUE CROSS ROADS REQUIRE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4X4 VEHICLE, and on-the go navigational equipment in the form of a hand-held GPS and/or mobile devices loaded with the GAIA App and the respective route for the discipline. PLEASE SEE THE  DOWNLOADS PAGE FOR GAIA GPS  INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Day Zero (D0) - 30 July 23: 28.8k to Mahenye Fly Camp 

  • REACH CHILO TURN OFF BY JACK QUENTIN BRIDGE NO LATER THAN 1100 HRS ON 30 JUL 23.

  • Start with a 28.8k backtrack to Mahenye Start Point. (See .gpx and .kml files on Downloads page').

  • Load 'JQ Br to D0 SPt 13.4k' on navaids & navigate 13.4k from Chilo T/Off on main road  to 'RW22 D0 SPt'.

  • Regroup, load 'RW22 D0 28.8k' & relay walk/run southwards using leapfrog technique (see 'FAQ' 'Rules' on website) and recommended splits of 1.53k each as measured on navaids.

  • 18.3k from start at Jamanda North boom regroup into 2 groups, each with vehicle.

  • Walk/run next 9.2k shadowed by vehicle due to possible Elephant/Buffalo encounters. 767m splits recommended.

  • At Jamanda South boom appoint 1 driver for each vehicle and remainder walk/run last 1.3k to Mahenye Start Point and BX funded Mahenye Fly Camp.

  • Park vehicles on road as directed by BX marshalls. 

  • Set up tents in linear format against East bank in Save riverbed as directed by BX marshalls.

  • Shower and Toilet enclosures provided and limited water available.

  • Heat own water for bucket bathing.

  • Photoshoot and sundowners in riverbed, 168m AMSL.

 

D1 - 31 July 23 : 84.1k to Musikavanhu School Bushcamp (MSBC)

  • Load 'RW22 D1 Tfr 28.8k' on navaids and follow cyan track, turning right at Muhlambi BC. Allow 75 mins.

  • Regroup at 'RW22 D1 SPt 28.8k' .

  • Load 'RW22 D1 84.1k' & relay walk/rung/leapfrog using splits of 4 x 3.5k each.

  • Road conditions vary from poor to very rough and stony.

  • Navigate to BX-funded Musikavanhu School Bushcamp.

  • Logistical arrangements as for Mahenye Fly Camp.

  • For Covid reasons camp and cook in team bubbles as directed by Camp Manager.

  • Please bring any unwanted sports equipment or children's books to donate to the Musikavanhu Primary School. 

D2 - 1 Aug 23: 59.8k to Fiddlers on the Green (FOTG) 

  • Load 'RW22 D2 59.8k' & relay walk/run/leapfrog using splits of 3.32k each.

  • Navigate to Fiddlers-on-the-Green (FOTG) (970m ASL) on Makandi Estate.

  • Roads very rough, stony and slow going throughout with low range work required of back up vehicles.

  • Sign in to Makandi Estate and strictly observe Covid protocols.

  • Carefully follow blue trail through orchards.

  • Camping permitted anywhere around  clubhouse but remain in Team Bubbles throughout.

  • See Overnight Stops page and contact Fiddlers management direct to book camping and meals (supper and breakfast) offered by Chipinge ladies. Budget US$20 pp.

D3 - 2 Aug 23: 76.8k to Chimanimani 

  • Load 'RW22 D3 76.8k' & 'RW22 D3 Bk Up 12.5k'.

  • Relay walk/runpfrogging following the red track using 5.3k each for first split & 3 x 3.8k thereafter.

  • Vehicles follow cyan track via Chipinge.

  • Roads very poor & slow going for first 31k to Rusitu rd. Thereafter mix of reasonable gravel and tar.

  • Uplift at Charter Sawmill (Chimanimani). Load 'RW22 D3 Tfr 10.9k' & transfer to overnight stop in Chimanimani.

  • Accommodation in Chimanimani by own arrangements.

D4 - 3 Aug 23: 86.6k to Whitewaters Bushcamp (WWBC)

  • Load 'RW22 D4 86.6k' & relay run/walk/leapfrog following magenta track using 4 x 3.6k splits each.

  • Navigate to BX-funded Whitewaters Bushcamp (WWBC) via iconic Cashel Scenic Road. 

  • Roads vary from rough and stony on Cashel Scenic Road & a mix of rough gravel, reasonable dirt and tar.

  • Logistical arrangements at WWBC as for Musikavanhu Bushcamp.

  • Covid compliance rules apply. 

D5 - 4 Aug 23: 72.3k to RW22 D5 Uplift 408.4k at Zimunya.

  • Load 'RW22 D5 72.3k' and run/walk/leapfrog using splits of 4 x 3k each.

  • Navigate to RW22 Uplift 408.4k opposite Zimunya Township.

  • Load 'RW22 D5 Tfr 22.8k' & transfer by vehicle to Mutare & Hillside Golf Club (HGC)

  • Road conditions generally reasonable with mix of good, sandy dirt, tar and gravel.   

  • Own arrangements in Mutare, but HGC offers camping & good, reasonably priced meal. Order early.

  • See Overnight Stops page. 

D6 - 6 Aug 22: 60.1k to Bonda Rd Uplift: 468.5k  

  • Load 'RW22 D6 Tfr(1) 23.1k' & navigate to 'RW22 D6 SPt 408.4k' on Koodoosberg rd.

  • Load 'RW22 D6 60.1k' and run/walk/leapfrog using 3 x 3.34k splits to uplift on Bonda access road, 'RW22 D6 Uplift 468.5k'

  • Road conditions generally reasonable but some steep and stony sections may require low range work.

  • Load 'RW22 D6 Tfr(2) 22.3k', embus and navigate to Juliasdale and overnight accommodation (own arrangements)

 

D7 - 6 Aug 23: 28.6k to Nyangani Car Park 497.1k 

  • From overnight accommodation, drive to start of Placefell Road 'RW22 D7 Spt 468.5' .

  • Load 'RW22 D7 28.6k' & run/walk/leapfrog 18.6k using 2 x 1.55k splits to 'RW22 Gp SPt 487.1k'.

  • Regroup at Circular Drive T/Off. Nominate drivers to take vehicles to Car Park & remainder walk to Finish.

  • Road conditions are generally rough gravel and dirt.

  • Celebrate your achievement thus far and enjoy some Blue Cross hospitality. 

  • Bring out your camp chairs & cooler boxes and soak up the festive atmosphere, observing Covid protocols of course!

  • Overnight stop as before by own arrangements.

D8 - 7 Aug 23: 2.9k to Nyangani Mt Summit and Finish 

  • Drive to Nyangani Car Park to arrive no later than 0800 hrs. Allow 75 mins from Nat Parks office.

  • Load 'All Summit Day 2.9k '. Use navaids in case of white-out.

  • Assess personal climbing strength & opt for slow, medium or fast climbing group.

  • Sign large red book for full-distance participants at the summit. Brown book for back up and supporters.

  • Limit Summit dwell time to quick photo shoot only & then descend.

  • Head straight for Rhodes Hall for Spirit of the Blue Cross Celebratory Lunch and Awards Ceremony commencing at 1300 hours.

  • Half Portuguese Chicken and Chips to be served. Cash bar available but bring cooler boxes for any special tipple.

  • Further info closer the time.

Composite Route and Profile.jpg
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