For Marasa Africa, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has become more than an event on the calendar. It is a cause we have been proud to stand behind over the years, supporting the people whose everyday work helps protect the landscapes and wildlife at the heart of Uganda’s tourism story.
On 19 September, rangers from across Uganda gathered in Murchison Falls National Park for the 2026 Wildlife Ranger Challenge: a demanding 21-kilometre race beginning at Pakuba Airstrip and running towards the Nile Delta. Teams take on the course carrying 22 kilograms of kit, reflecting some of the physical demands rangers face during extended patrols in the field. The Uganda event forms part of a much wider challenge bringing together ranger teams across 24 African countries.
This year, Marasa Africa proudly sponsored the Queen Elizabeth National Park women’s ranger team, who finished third in the women’s category and brought home a trophy.
Marasa Africa also sponsored its own men’s team, extending the group’s participation in the Challenge and reinforcing its continued commitment to the wider cause.
The women’s third-place finish was certainly worth celebrating, but equally important was what the participation of both teams represented: dedication, resilience, teamwork and a shared commitment to conservation.
More than a race
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge was established in 2020, when the collapse of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic placed enormous pressure on protected areas and ranger livelihoods across Africa. It has since grown into an annual movement supporting ranger welfare, training, equipment and frontline conservation while giving greater visibility to the work rangers do.
For Marasa Africa, that work is very close to home.
Our lodges operate within some of Uganda’s most remarkable protected landscapes, meaning the experiences our guests travel to enjoy are closely connected to the work of the rangers who protect them.
Marasa’s involvement with the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has continued over several years. Paraa Safari Lodge was already welcoming teams and supporters during earlier editions of the Challenge, while in 2024 Marasa sponsored ranger teams from Queen Elizabeth National Park and also participated in the race. In 2025, Marasa Africa was again recognised among the Challenge’s partners and sponsors.
This year, that support returned to Murchison Falls, where the Challenge was held.
Paraa Safari Lodge supported the occasion by accommodating those involved in the event, while Marasa Africa sponsored the Queen Elizabeth National Park women’s ranger team alongside its own Marasa Africa men’s team as they took on the Challenge.
Standing behind the people protecting our wild spaces
Michael Rourke, Director of Tourism at Marasa Africa and a Director of the Uganda Conservation Foundation, reflected on why the Challenge continues to matter to Marasa Africa.
“Our lodges are fortunate to sit within some of Uganda’s most extraordinary protected landscapes, and we never lose sight of the people whose work helps keep those places protected. Supporting the Wildlife Ranger Challenge is one way for us to stand behind Uganda’s rangers and recognise the commitment they show every day. We are particularly proud of the Queen Elizabeth National Park women’s team for their third-place finish, and equally proud of our Marasa Africa men’s team for taking on the Challenge alongside them.”
The connection between tourism and conservation is one Marasa Africa continues to take seriously. At Murchison Falls in particular, Paraa Safari Lodge has a longstanding relationship with the Uganda Conservation Foundation and is recognised by UCF as one of its oldest corporate members supporting conservation work in the park and beyond.
For us, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge is therefore not simply about race day.
It is about recognising the people who patrol these landscapes, protect wildlife, respond to threats and help ensure that Uganda’s national parks remain places future generations can continue to experience.
This year, we are especially proud to celebrate the Queen Elizabeth National Park women’s ranger team for their third-place finish and trophy, alongside the Marasa Africa men’s team for taking on the Challenge.
Together, their participation is another reminder of the people, partnerships and shared commitment behind the wild places we are privileged to call home.
MEDIA & RESERVATIONS CONTACT
Marasa Africa Lodges
Head of Sales & Marketing | Africa
Email: Claire.Mitchell@Marasa.Africa
Website: www.marasa.net
