ABOUT 9 PEAKS
9 PEAKS CHALLENGE
The 9 Peaks Challenge includes the summit of the highest peak in each of South Africa's nine provinces. The peaks are connected by road travel and makes for a beautiful adventure challenge and a unique way to explore our beautiful country.
The 9 Peaks Challenge is open to all and covers various categories to choose from. To compete for a Fastest Known Time in any category all the challenge rules apply. The clock starts at the foot of the first peak and stops on the summit of the last peak.
Alternatively you can set out to simply do it for fun and at your own pace in which case all the "common sense" rules will apply. Please be sure to accumulate proof as you go and to track your progress. If you can prove you've completed the challenge your name will be added to the Wall of Honour. Please contact me with any questions you may have.
CHALLENGE HISTORY
The 9 Peaks Challenge has been around for as long as South Africa has had nine provinces and has been attempted by many people. The 9 Peaks Challenge was packaged and presented in its current format since the first solo non-stop journey was undertaken by Kobus Bresler during March 2011. He successfully completed the challenge after numerous mistakes, frustrations, scary moments and a great mini-adventure. The official 9 Peaks Challenge was born.
Shortly after his solo challenge Kobus was invited to the FEATSA stage and numerous radio and newspaper interviews followed. People were now talking about this cool mini-adventure right here on our doorstep. This led to a formal structure for the 9 Peaks Challenge, which is still administered by Kobus.
The aim of Kobus' solo journey was not to set any records, but rather to break ground and become the first person to achieve the solo non-stop 9 Peaks. He felt that people could learn from his trip and improve on his mistakes if they wanted to improve the fastest known time. Soon after Kobus completed the solo challenge, a few interested people set out to face the hills, mostly with little success and none of them even completing the journey. It was realised that this challenge should not be underestimated. It was only when Daniel Barnard and George Louw challenged the team record in December of 2012 that a real effort was made to improve on the time. The new team record was set at 4 days, 18 hours. Daniel then took it one step further by challenging the solo record during July of 2014, which he successfully completed and improved on.
Subsequently the rules have been amended to add to the adventure and to make it more consistent, accessible and transparent. The purpose of this website is to serve as the official home of the 9 Peaks Challenge and to guide challengers by providing the rules and peaks information.
Good Luck, Be Safe & Have Fun!
A big thank you to everyone that contributed to the information and accuracy of this website. If you have any suggestions, ideas or additions please reach out.
