To view the pictures for each stage (1,2,3 and 4) click on the stage number on the map below.

The Imana Wild Ride takes place along one of the world’s most pristine and rural coastlines with an abundance of fuana, flora, marine life and breathtaking scenery against a backdrop of Xora customs and traditions.

The event starts at the Great Kei River; about 80km north of East London on the eastern shoreline of South Africa and finishes four days and nearly 200km later at the award winning family resort of Umngazi River Bungalows.
From the start, riders overnight at Kob Inn (Day 1=43km), The Haven (Day 2=47km), Ocean View Coffee Bay (Day 3=46km) and Umngazi River Bungalows (Day 4=63km).

Due to the nature of the region and it’s remoteness, it is not logistically possible to mark the route. However, teams are provided with detailed instructions on specially laminated route cards for each day’s stage as well as hiker’s maps of the coastline. Riders are encouraged to stay as close to the coastline as possible and although some faster route options have been discovered inland, the idea of the race is to ‘race the tide’ and hence – stay within the coastal strip. Where the terrain does not allow for riding (and in some cases portaging), it may be necessary to head inland. You can be sure that you will question your direction at least once every day and more than likely get lost at some stage over the four days – but you are “Out there alone, racing the tide”.

Some of the more experienced and competitive teams have taken to ‘tripping’ the route in the month’s leading up to the event. While we do not discourage this eagerness, please ensure that the relations we have developed with the local communities is upheld; always respect that you are riding through their land, always greet with Molo (single) or Molweni (plural), don't drop your litter or harrass their livestock. Permits for Dwesa / Cwebe Reserves (Day 2) and Hluleka Reserve (Day 4) are obtainable from the gate as you enter the reserves for R5pp. We have developed a good understanding with the conservation authorities, who were initially reluctant to let mountain bikers pass through these areas and we would hate a few private individuals to spoil this priviledge at the expense of the race and others who wish to enjoy riding through these reserves. Please heed this request seriously.