On Saturday 21st September, the 2024 Wildlife Ranger Challenge brought together more than a thousand rangers from across 18 countries in Africa. They ran in a coordinated 21km virtual race from their respective protected areas. Almost 1,500 public supporters from around the globe joined them in solidarity – running, or walking, wherever they were in the world, to show they are #ForWildlifeRangers

Run up to Race Day – Training Challenges

Throughout June, July, August and September 2024, ranger teams spanning the African continent united to compete in a series of mental and physical challenges in preparation for their 21km half marathon on September 21st.

Wildlife Ranger Challenge Hub Events

This year, select ranger teams gathered at locations in Kenya, Zambia, South Africa and Uganda, for Wildlife Ranger Challenge Hub Events. These events gave ranger teams the opportunity to compete directly with their regional counterpart, facilitate knowledge sharing and enable partnerships to be forged. Alongside the regional events, thousands of rangers took part virtually in teams from their respective protected areas across the African continent. They all competed for the Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2024 title.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – Kenya

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya played host to 16 teams from across the country, as they competed in the 21km race. Teams from Lewa, Mount Kenya Trust, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lion Landscapes and beyond all took part for a chance to be crowned Kenyan regional champions. The course terrain was relatively flat across savannah plains heading East before following the Lewa river back to the finish at the headquarters. The race was ran in the heat at an altitude of 5,500ft above the sea level.

The winning team at Lewa was the ‘Lewa Lions’, completing the race in 2 hours 25 minutes and 55 seconds!

Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda

Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area was the setting for the country’s regional event. 13 Ranger teams competed from Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Kibale National Parks. They were joined by supporters from Uganda Conservation Foundation and beyond in a show of solidarity for rangers. The run started at the Pakuba Airstrip, ending on the Delta, running Murchison along the famed game tracks used by elephant and hippo.

The winning team at Murchison Falls National Park was ‘Uganda Conservation Foundation, Kidepo Valley National Park Men’s Team’, completing the race in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 30 seconds!

Kafue National Park – Zambia

Zambia’s Kafue National Park was the location for ‘Kafue Wild’, a celebration of the Park and its incredible biodiversity. 8 Ranger teams took part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge event in 2024. Teams from Kafue National Park, Musekese Conservation, Game Rangers International all competed for the regional title. The Kafue Wild Trail Run is an exciting event that aims to showcase Kafue National Park (KNP) as a national asset and promote the vital conservation work being carried out by the Wildlife Officers, DNPW, and GKLL. Over 300 people turned up to support the teams and to celebrate the rangers.

Kruger National Park – South Africa

The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) was proud to host the 2024 WRC Regional Race for the second consecutive year. As a regional hub, SAWC provides a uniquely challenging setting, surrounded by the wild landscapes near the Orpen region of the Kruger National Park. The event brings together conservation professionals, wildlife rangers from local conservancies and SANPARKS, and supporters, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose in protecting Africa’s natural heritage. This race is a key highlight, showcasing the College’s commitment to conservation, endurance, and leadership in wildlife protection.

The challenge route for the 21km run at the Southern African Wildlife College traverses harsh bush terrain typical of the region near the Orpen gate of the Kruger National Park. Runners were faced with a mix of rugged, uneven paths, dirt tracks, and sandy sections, all set against a backdrop of dense bushveld. The course is generally flat with some slight elevation changes, with a few areas that rise up to approximately 300-350 meters, offering sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.

The winners of the Kruger National Park hub were ‘Game Rangers Association of Africa, GRAA-KNP Special Operations Team’ competing the race in 3 hours, 12 minutes and 49 seconds!