28 May 2008 - CXPress

An adventure of a lifetime for 18 women

Eighteen women from all walks of life have been chosen to compete for places on an eight month expedition across Africa and Europe - the Mitsubishi Africa Adventure Cape to Cape team will travel from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, to Nordkap in Norway, the northernmost tip of Europe.

A selection workshop from May 31 to June 10 will take place in Plett and at the Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure Park, and will not only give the eager applicants a chance to show that they have the physical stamina to undertake the 40 000km journey, but also that they can stick together through the challenges and adventures encountered en route.

"We are looking for women with determination, persistence, commitment, and mental and emotional strength," said expedition organiser Enya Fehler.

The "11-day interview" will be packed with demanding team-building exercises including abseiling and a zipline tour, in which the women will navigate across ravines and waterfalls. After the event, the final team will be picked.

The expedition aims to promote Africa as a tourist destination, and has already been endorsed by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

"This initiative will go a long way in showcasing what we have as a continent and what SA can offer as a country," he said.

The intrepid tourism ambassadors will set off in March 2009 and finish the following November in London.

For more information on the Mitsubishi Africa Adventure Cape to Cape, or to find out how you can sponsor the event, contact capetocape@africa-adventure.travel or visit www.africa-adventure.travel