Stage Descriptions

Stage 1: Fish River Canyon, approximate distance – 40 kilometers

After spending the night at Camp 1, “Africa’s Grand Canyon,” tucked away in Namibia’s great natural wonder, the Fish River Canyon, the 2nd largest and deepest canyon in the world, and the largest in Africa, RacingThePlanet: Namibia 2009 commences. With breathtaking scenery, competitors will start a deep descent into the canyon where the ground will be uneven and rocky and there may be multiple river crossings and climbs depending on the water level. The canyon is teeming with exotic flora and fauna, and there may be sightings of wild zebra, baboon, oryx and other animals. More than 350 million years old, this ravine is made up of spectacular, rich orange hued, horizontal dolomite strata, and hot sulphur springs which at times can be rough and broken. After exiting the Fish River Canyon, competitors will head towards Camp 2, which is named “Southern Cross.”

Stage 2: Leopards & Cheetahs, approximate distance – 42 kilometers

The high, forbidding cliffs of the canyon give way to the scrubland of the African Bush in Stage 2. Ground varies between hard, broken rocks to hardened riverbed sand with wet patches. There may be a few ascents up loose, sandy slopes as the path through this area of the African Bush mostly consists of winding roads traversing small mountains and hills. Competitors may be lucky enough to catch sight of a few leopard or cheetah tracks on their journey. Camp 3, is named, “Nama,” after the indigenous tribe in the surrounding area who form a majority in this part of the world.

Stage 3: Huns Mountains, approximate distance – 39 kilometers

Stage 3 begins with large flat areas and easier terrain than the previous stages skirting the Huns Mountain range. Derelict dwellings populate the dirt roads winding through easy to medium ground up and down small rises. There may be a descent into a riverbed, as well as rocky, broken ground with the occasional scramble, towards the end of the stage before returning to easier flattish ground. Camp 4 is, “Quiver Forest,” so named due to the native Quiver Tree, an indigenous succulent that grows in this area.

Stage 4: In the Footsteps of the Bushmen, approximate distance – 40 kilometers

The route through Stage 4 continues through the African Bush, following easy broken road meaning a moderate pace may be maintained. Although the path may at times be uneven, it is expected to be a quick stage due to the long areas of flat and gentle downhill passages through lunar terrain. As Stage 4 progresses, there are plenty of animal tracks and even a few prehistoric rock drawings to be sighted. There are only predicted to be a few small inclines, although there may be patches of rough sand. Camp 5, the eponymous “Springbok” is situated in an area where the local species of deer herds in numbers.

Stage 5: Out of Africa, approximate distance – 80 kilometers

Stage 5 will have a complete change of landscape as competitors make their way towards the stunning but harsh Skeleton Coast, where some of the largest and oldest sand dunes in the world exist. The sand dunes are typified by their bright copper tones, as the mineral and metal deposits in the sand have oxidized over time, thus signifying their immense age – some of them reach up to hundreds of feet high. There are areas of the Skeleton Coast that competitors will pass through, that no human foot has ever landed before, due to previous diamond mining restrictions in the area. Soft, loose sand dominates the stage with wicked winds expected. Camp 6, “Skeleton Coast” is located near a purpose built wind barrier constructed by the local team in order to provide shelter for the competitors at their last campsite.

Stage 6: The Diamond Trail, approximate distance – 20 kilometers

Stage 6 kicks off with a very sandy coastal track bringing competitors, at times, very close to the water’s edge. The notoriously windy Skeleton Coast, and sometimes an impenetrable fog can form making visibility difficult – the Skeleton Coast gets its name from the high number of ships that wrecked in this inhospitable part of the world. The coast is mostly flat, but occasionally relieved by rocky outcrops and small, rolling hills. The land that competitors pass through was previously diamond mine territory. Eventually, the coastal track will lead competitors into the picturesque, historical town of Lüderitz where the race will end with great fanfare.