Zimbabwe's Women Rangers Take On 21km Challenge

Zimbabwe's Akashinga women rangers are set to participate in the 2026 Wildlife Ranger Challenge, an annual campaign that celebrates wildlife rangers across Africa and raises funds for ranger teams. The challenge will culminate on September 19 with a 21-kilometre course where four-person teams will carry the same heavy packs used during their daily patrols.

Akashinga will field three teams from Phundundu and Songo in Zimbabwe and Coutada-5 in Mozambique, putting women from rural communities on a continental stage alongside ranger teams from across Africa. Angela Kapoko, representing Zimbabwe, is one of the participants who will take part in the challenge.

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge is organised by Tusk and the Game Rangers' Association of Africa, and forms part of an annual campaign recognising the work of wildlife rangers across the continent. Akashinga's participation is significant, as it highlights the crucial role that wildlife rangers play in conservation, often at the frontline while remaining largely unseen by the public.

## Why it matters The Wildlife Ranger Challenge is more than just a physical test - it also raises funds for ranger teams and celebrates their work. For Akashinga's Country Manager, Ranga Huruba, the organisation's participation is a chance to showcase the importance of wildlife rangers and the impact they have on conservation efforts. The challenge will provide a platform for Akashinga's women rangers to demonstrate their skills and endurance, and to raise awareness about the importance of conservation in Africa.

The Akashinga programme began with a single operation in Phundundu in Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley and has since expanded to three teams across two countries. The programme's growth is a testament to the impact that women can have in conservation, and the Wildlife Ranger Challenge will provide an opportunity for Akashinga's teams to compete alongside other ranger teams from across Africa.