The Great Lakes of Africa are a series of lakes in and around the Great Rift Valley. They include Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world in terms of surface area, and Lake Tanganyika, the world's second largest in volume as well as the second deepest. An estimated 107 million people live in the Great Lakes region.The area described in the narrow sense above is one of the most densely populated areas of Africa.

This amazing race will throw everything at you to make it once again a tough challenge to overcome. For the leaders it will be a test of speed, endurance, good river skills and the will to win. For the first comers and the guys in the rest of the field it will be all about endurance, guts, character and even a sense of survival to overcome the challenge of finishing this toughest race of all races.

The Dusi is essentially a three day canoe duathlon, being held annually between 22 and 24 January every year. The tradition began in the early 1950s, with men and women from all over South Africa having flocked to take part in this biggest of endurance river races ever since. From its small beginnings, when it took the world famous conservationist, Dr Ian Player, six long days to reach the coast, the race now has a well organised standard 3 day format, alternating each year between double (k2) and single (k1) boats. However, the option to compete in either singles or doubles is available every year.

The Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon was first held in 1982, when 77 competitors took part.

The Orange River originates from the Lesotho highlands up in the Drakensberg Mountains and meanders through South Africa and the amazing Richtersveld Desert Reserve before it joins the icy Atlantic Ocean. The race lulls the competitors with its mostly easy sections and sudden, difficult rapids.