In 2017, the 13th annual Tour de Tuli will run from July 27 until August 1, beginning in Botswana and ending at Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa. Participants are expected to have at least moderate technical skills, as the multi-stage course is challenging—and very, very hot. A few liters of water and a valid passport are required to enter, as is a minimum donation of R24 900—about $1,600.
That’s because Tour de Tuli is not only an adventure trip, it’s also the main fundraising initiative for Children in the Wilderness and the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, nonprofits that support development of environmental and life skills for rural African youth as well as a variety of conservation projects.
Organizing this tour is no small feat. Some 350 cyclists participate, assisted by 150 staff members. Collectively, they drink nearly 8,000 beers and 6,000 cups of coffee. Over the past 12 years, the Tour de Tuli has raised more than $1.3 million for Children in the Wilderness. Tickets for the 2017 event are on sale through April, or as supplies last.