The Nedbank Desert Dash 2024

The Nedbank Desert Dash 2024 was a significant event, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a 401 km mountain bike race from Windhoek to Swakopmund, crossing the Namib Desert.

The event attracted over 900 cyclists from around the world, including international participants from countries such as the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, the United States, Germany, Canada, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.

The race was completed within a demanding 24-hour timeframe, with participants experiencing both the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Nedbank Desert Dash 2024: A 401 km mountain bike race from Windhoek to Swakopmund, crossing the Namib Desert, completed within 24 hours.

Cyclist Participation: Over 900 cyclists participated in the event, including 160 cyclists in two-man teams, 624 in four-person teams, and 190 cyclists riding solo.

E-bike Category: 15 cyclists participated in the e-bike category for four-person teams, where each cyclist was required to ride an e-bike for the second year running.

Economic Impact: The event had a significant economic impact on Namibia’s sports tourism industry, injecting an estimated N$25 million into local businesses and providing a substantial boost to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Sports Tourism: The Nedbank Desert Dash has become a vital economic driver for Namibia, particularly in Windhoek and Swakopmund, with demand for accommodation, dining, and other services surging during the event.

The event was proudly sponsored by Nedbank Namibia and co-sponsored by SuperSpar, Indongo Toyota, Trek, and Hollard.

The Nedbank Desert Dash has contributed significantly to Namibia’s sports tourism industry, attracting hundreds of visitors each year and promoting the conservation of the country’s fragile ecosystems.