50 hours non-stop
A single-stage mountain bike race from AN outstretched landscape that lies in the southern tip of the Free State AND stretches out to the Northern Cape.
FOR THOSE AFRAID OF the DRAGON THERE IS A 24 HOUR OPTION!
We are proud to introduce a 100-Miler Series into the Munga Grit events category. We would like to invite all gravel and mountain bikers to come and race in The Munga 100-Miler Series.
20th-22nd March 2026
ENTRIES ARE OPEN
COUNTDOWN TO THE 2026 GRIT TRANS XHARIEP
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
HALF THE DISTANCE
ENTRY FEES
EARLY BIRD ENTRIES (Close End December 2025)
50 HOUR - R5750
24 HOUR - R2950
STANDARD RATES
50 HOUR - R6750
24 HOUR - R3600
100 MILER
100 MILER - R1250
what is the munga grit?
THE CRAZIEST, LIFE ALTERING EXPERIENCE YOU CAN HAVE ON A BIKE
HALF THE DISTANCE – LESS THAN HALF THE TIME
Thus the idea of Munga Grit was born.
To offer a cross over or bridge if you will, to the main Munga event.
The Basics 50 Hours
The Grit’s vary from race to race but you can expect roughly half the distance of the Munga MTB, some a bit more, some a bit less. But riders will only have 50 hours to complete the course
One of the most authentic and life changing aspects of the Munga, are our four water points and race villages. So this core component of the Munga experience will be carried over to The Grit. Thus riders can expect two race villages and four water points manned by those beloved farmers! The WPs will be roughly 70 to 100km apart, with the two RVs roughly 200 to 250km apart. In addition, JoJo tanks with water will be placed halfway between each water point.
The Basics 24 Hours
The 24 hour option give Grit entries a chance to experience the format but in a smaller version. This race will start at the same time as the 50 hour Grit, but will follow a smaller course of roughly 230km, with three water-points but no race villages. WPs will be similar distances apart as the 50 hour version, and may share some of them. There will also be Jo-Jo tanks between WPs.
100 miler
We are proud to introduce a 100-Miler Series into the Munga Grit events category. We would like to invite all gravel and mountain bikers to come and race in The Munga 100-Miler Series. The 100-miler race will start on Saturday morning at 07:00 during the Grit Racing weekend!
A 100-mile bike race is a journey of both mental and physical endurance — blending early confidence, a mid-race struggle, and a final push to the finish. Riders often start strong, sometimes in groups, but soon face challenges such as fatigue, cramps, and weather conditions, relying on self-discipline and smart fueling to complete the distance. Ultimately, a successful race is not just about crossing the finish line, but finishing tired yet happy, already looking forward to the next challenge — perhaps The Munga Grit, or even the Big Daddy: The Munga 1 100 km Ultra-Endurance Race.
LIGHT, FREE, FAST
WHAT IF YOU COULD ROCK UP ON A FRIDAY MORNING, PARK YOUR CAR, JUMP ON YOUR BIKE AND HEAD OUT WEST ALONG REMOTE TRAILS AND TRACKS AS FAR AS THE SUN SETS. WITH NOTHING ON YOUR BACK EXCEPT YOUR SHIRT.
LIGHT, FREE, FAST MEANS YOU CAN GO SUPER LIGHT, FEEL EXCEPTIONALLY FREE, AND RIDE AS FAST AS YOU WANT… ALL IN THE PREDICTABLE RACE FEEL OF THE TRIED AND TESTED MUNGA FORMAT!
NEW ROUTE
THE GRIT TRANS XHARIEP
THE GRIT TRANS XHARIEP 50-HOUR ROUTE
Where the Orange River carves through the Karoo, riders face one of South Africa’s greatest natural giants, the Gariep Dam. Rising 1 300 m above sea level and holding 5 340 hm³ of water behind its 88 m wall, the Gariep is the country’s largest dam and the heartbeat of this 500 km, 50-hour challenge.
From Norvalspont to the Ruigte Valley and beyond, riders push through punishing terrain, endless gravel, and vast horizons. The Gariep’s shimmering waters guide the way, silent, powerful, and relentless, just like the race itself.
THE GRIT TRANS XHARIEP 24-HOUR ROUTE
Fast, fierce, and unforgiving, the 24-hour Trans Xhariep route condenses the soul of the Karoo into 250 km of pure grit. Skirting the mighty Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest, this route delivers hard climbs, sweeping descents, and river-edge gravel that demands everything and more.
At 1 300 m above sea level, surrounded by the vastness of the Orange River basin, riders chase the horizon through heat, wind, and dust, one day, one shot, to conquer the giant.
more about the route…
About Gariep Dam
The Gariep Dam is situated on the Orange River, about 48 kilometres north-east of Colesberg and 208 kilometres south of Bloemfontein. It lies in a gorge at the entrance to the Ruigte Valley, approximately 5 kilometres east of Norvalspont. The dam crest sits about 1,300 metres above sea level, and it is the largest dam in South Africa. The dam wall stands 88 metres high, and the Gariep Dam’s storage capacity is 5 340 hm³, with a water surface area of 370 square kilometres when full.
About Vanderkloof Dam
Vanderkloof is a town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It is located on the Orange River, near the Rolfontein Nature Reserve. The village was established on the site of the Vanderkloof Dam (formerly the P.K. Le Roux Dam), 9 kilometres north-east of Petrusville, to house the labour force constructing the dam.
The name is derived from the surname of Petrus J. van der Walt and a nearby ravine (Afrikaans: kloof). The Vanderkloof Dam is situated approximately 130 kilometres downstream from Gariep Dam and is fed by the Orange River, South Africa’s largest river. Vanderkloof Dam is the second-largest dam in South Africa, with the highest dam wall in the country at 108 metres. Its storage capacity is 3 200 hm³, and when full, it covers an area of 133 square kilometres.
The Trans Gariep Area
Transgariep is the vast, outstretched landscape that forms the southern tip of the Free State, extending towards the Northern Cape. Its semi-desert vegetation — a mix of grass, shrubs, karoobossies, and mesembryanthemums — blankets the hills and valleys, embodying the wild and free spirit of this land.
The Orange River creates a natural boundary in the south, and the region remains largely unspoilt, unpolluted, and sparsely populated. The small, quaint towns of the Transgariep are clean and welcoming, home to some of the friendliest people — always ready to greet visitors, whether from South Africa or abroad.
WAKE UP LATE. ROLL ON DOWN.
Munga Grit Trans Xhariep has been designed with ease and accessibility in mind — a proper challenge without the logistical chaos. We want it simple, affordable, and as stress-free as possible. No complicated travel plans, no flights or car rentals — just you, your bike, and the open Karoo.
The race starts at 12pm on a Friday at Gariep Forever Resort, perched on the edge of South Africa’s largest dam. Wake up at home, enjoy breakfast, load your bike, and head straight to Gariep. Park safely, line up at noon, and set off into 400–500 km of pure, untamed beauty. You’ll battle wind, water, and wild terrain, then roll back across the finish before Sunday afternoon — spent, dusty, and grinning.
Can it get any simpler… or tougher?
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY ENTRY?
Great question!
- 4x fully stocked Munga waterpoints manned by friendly farmers where you can expect drinks, lots of snacks, sports nutrition, Food Lover’s Market fresh fruit and just plain love. Ask anyone who has done the Munga what our water points are like! NB:24 hour option will just be three wps
- 2x fully stocked race villages where you can sleep in a bed or tent with mattress, have a hot shower, a fresh and wholesome farm cooked meal and indulge in plenty of cold drinks and nutrition! (Only applicable on 50-hour format) NB: The 24 hour option has no race villages!
- Access to over 80km of private farm tracks that no one else can get to!
- Full medical support like on the Munga
- A famous handmade Munga Grit North West finishers medal
- Legend status for ever!
- The chance to earn your stripes!
EARN YOUR STRIPES
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Everytime you complete a Munga Grit in the time period, you receive a commission. Starting with a Lance Corporal, or one stripe, when you complete your second Munga Grit you get promoted to full Corporal, or two stripes. The next one is a Sergeant, or three stripes, and so on, and so on. Each Munga Grit recruit who crosses the finish line in the allocated time will receive his or her corresponding stripe to wear with pride. The Munga Grit stripes are a right of passage to be worn proudly by those who have earned them and been promoted. But they are also an incentive to stay in the fight against the ordinary.
We want you, to join the army in the fight against mediocrity!
REWARD PROGRAMME
The fact that there are ten levels of rank implies more than one Munga Grit event. Yup. That’s right. The intention is to roll out similar format Munga Grit races around the world where recruits can enter multiple campaigns (races) in a year and be promoted through the ranks. Actual rewards will be revealed over the course of the next few years, so watch this space.
BELOW ARE THE TEN LEVELS OF RANK IN THE MUNGA GRIT ARMY.
NB: 24 riders will also be able to earn a stripe but it will be a different set of stripes to the 50 hour version.
THE RULES
WE RIDE TO FIND A PART OF OURSELVES YET UNDISCOVERED.
Oh yes. There are rules. The Grit Trans Xhariep is a seriously tough race. This is not just a walk (or ride) in the park. We have to make sure that everyone on the route is safe, so every rider will be expected to follow these rules to the letter.
We don’t want to sound like stiffs, but any rider found breaking the rules, will be penalised or disqualified. So make sure you are familiar with the rules before setting out on your The Grit Trans Xhariep journey.
rider f.a.q.s
Things Riders usually ask.
WHEN IS THE RACE
The race takes place 20-22 March 2026
HOW MUCH DOES THE RACE COST TO ENTER?
EARLY BIRD
50 Hour – R5750
24 Hour – R2950
NORMAL ENTRY
50 Hours – R6750
24 Hour – R3600
100 MILER – R1250
ARE THERE DIFFERENT RACE CATEGORIES?
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF RIDERS THAT CAN ENTER?
Currently, the cut-off is 200 riders.
IS THERE A QUALIFICATION RACE?
There is no qualification process and the Munga Grit Cradle is open to anyone who can ride a bicycle.
CAN I RIDE A TANDEM MOUNTAIN BIKE WITH A TEAMMATE?
CAN I RIDE A CYCLOCROSS BIKE
Yep
HOW TECHNICAL IS THE ROUTE?
It depends entirely on your skill level, but the majority of the route (more than 50%) is non-technical dirt roads.
WILL I BE ABLE TO SCOUT THE ROUTE?
Yes. For the most part the route will remain unchanged, however, it does cross private land so these sections will be impossible to scout.
CAN I RACE THE MUNGA GRIT NORTH WEST IN A TEAM?
The Munga Grit North West is an individual race and does not have a team entry. All rider entries are solo.
DO I NEED A SPONSOR?
There is no requirement for you to have a sponsor, but you are more than welcome to find your own one.
WHAT IS THE MUNGA GRIT POLICY ON DOPING?
We are strictly against doping in any form.
WHEN DO THE RACE ENTRIES CLOSE?
Usually entries close about a month or so before the start of the race.
WILL THERE BE TV COVERAGE OF THE RACE?
This is something we are still working on, but we are hoping to provide TV coverage in the near future.
WILL THE ROUTE BE MARKED?
The route will be exclusively a GPS navigated route, but will not be difficult to follow. There are no markings along the route.
WHAT IS THE ASCENT OF THE RACE?
50 Hour – The ascent is roughly 5000 metres.
24 Hour – The ascent is roughly 2500 metres.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M ABLE TO FINISH THE MUNGA GRIT?
You should be able to ride a mountain bike at 12 to 14 km/hr for 18 hours, but this is just a rough guideline
CAN I LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE RIDING?
Yep.
CAN I USE TRI-BARS?
Yep.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT IS PROVIDED?
There are medical officials that patrol the route on all three days. Race villages are equipped with rest, food and mechanical stations, and water points are available every 60 to 90 kilometres.
DOES THE GRIT TRAN XHARIEP HAPPEN EVERY YEAR?
It will be every alternating year with the Grit Tankwa
WHEN WILL PRIZE-GIVING TAKE PLACE?
CAN I WORK FOR THE GRIT TRANS XHARIEP?
We’re always on the look out for people who can help. Please forward a copy of your CV to jackblack@themunga.com
CAN I INTERVIEW THE RACE DIRECTOR?
You can ask him yourself. Send him an email to jackblack@themunga.com
CAN I PHOTOGRAPH OR FILM THE RACE?
Please send a mail to jackblack@themunga.com
CONTACT US
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE MUNGA SERIES?
Send us an email: jackblack@themunga.com
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