5-Day Multi-Stage Desert Trail Race

Kalahari Ancient Bushman Trail

A 150 km slack-pack desert stage race through the dramatic landscapes of the Kalahari, following ancient hunting paths historically used by San hunter-gatherers.

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Event Overview

An unforgettable desert race built on endurance, heritage and wilderness.

The race combines extreme endurance running, cultural heritage and conservation storytelling, making it one of the most unique ultra-distance stage races in Africa.

The Kalahari Ancient Bushman Trail is a 5-day slack-pack desert race covering 150 km through remote desert terrain. The route follows ancient hunting paths, offering participants an authentic wilderness experience through landscapes rarely accessible to the public.

Participants will traverse red Kalahari sand dunes, camelthorn savannah, ancient animal migration paths and remote desert trails, culminating in a signature long stage of approximately 45 km that finishes after dark.

150 km Total race distance
5 days Multi-stage format
45 km Longest stage after dark
Slack-pack No heavy pack required
  • Red Kalahari sand dunes
  • Camelthorn savannah
  • Ancient animal migration paths
  • Remote desert trails rarely accessible to the public
Premium Experience

More than a race — a premium desert stage-race concept.

The upgraded site now sells the atmosphere better: destination appeal, premium feel, sponsor readiness and stronger launch energy.

Immersive route story

Desert trails, rocky outcrops, ancient-feeling lines through wilderness and a signature long stage finishing after dark.

Premium runner journey

Slack-pack logistics, hosted race atmosphere and a destination-event feel suitable for local and international runners.

Sponsor ready

Cleaner structure for partner pitches, countdown-driven urgency and clear visual sections for credibility.

Register Interest

Be first to hear about the inaugural September 2027 event.

Potential runners can register their interest below to receive launch updates, entry information and race announcements.

The inaugural Kalahari Ancient Bushman Trail, 5 Day Desert Race is scheduled for September 2027. Registering your details helps us gauge interest and keep you informed as entries, logistics and event information are released.

  • Stored securely in Google Sheets
  • Updates on race launch and entry opening
  • Priority information for interested runners
Event Details

Built for runners seeking a world-class desert stage race.

Event Name

Kalahari Ancient Bushman Trail, 5 Day Desert Race

Format

5-Day Multi-Stage Slack-Pack Desert Race

Total Distance

150 km

Longest Stage

45 km, finishing after dark

Terrain
  • Kalahari sand trails
  • Dry riverbeds
  • Savannah grasslands
  • Dune sections
Race Format
  • Slack-pack with no heavy pack required
  • Water points and support along the route
  • Daily stage finishes at a central race camp
  • Cultural storytelling around Bushman survival routes
The Unique Story

A race inspired by the endurance and survival skills of the San people.

Unlike traditional trail races, this event is inspired by the remarkable endurance and survival skills of the San people, who travelled vast distances through the desert in search of food and water.

The race route highlights ancient hunting pathways, traditional desert navigation and the natural rhythms of the Kalahari ecosystem.

The Event Celebrates
  • Human endurance
  • Cultural heritage
  • Wilderness conservation
Sponsors

Built for premium brand partnerships.

The race concept lends itself to endurance, outdoor, travel, hospitality, apparel, nutrition and automotive partners looking for a distinctive story-led event.