Following an exciting Imvelo 2018, Big Game Parks brings you the annual Imvelo MTB Classic 2019 at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary! The date is already set for Saturday 8th June 2019 and the online entries were opened on Tuesday 16th April 2019. Eswatini Tourism’s Newsletter reported that you can also enter manually by visiting either Big Game Parks Central Reservations Office, Hlane Royal National Park or at Eswatini’s Adventure Sports shops in Mbabane or Manzini.
The annual mountain biking competition is held every June at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and sponsored by Nedbank Swaziland and Big Game Parks. It comprises of a series of races over different distances, the longest being 64km! Of course, as with any great Eswatini event, a fantastic party for all cyclists follows the race.
Since 2000, when Imvelo first took place (then known as Ngulube MTB Classic until it adopted the name of Imvelo in 2004), it has been raising money for various community projects. Nedbank Swaziland has been a sponsor for a number of years and with their sponsorship and the race entry fees collected, funds have accumulated in the Big Game Parks Projects account. These funds have been used strictly for community projects and the value of money in this account became such that the Hlabazonkhe community project turned out to be a huge success so far.
There are four routes allowing cyclists of all abilities to enjoy Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Information and start times are below:
Registration is on 7th June at The Gables.
There will be limited accommodation available at Mlilwane Rest Camp, Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge and Sondzela Backpackers and you are advised to book now to avoid disappointment.