The 3rd day historically sees riders taking on a shorter route and looking forward to some community interaction. Unfortunately, due to sensitivities around the recent election in Zimbabwe, the usual stop at the tavern in Maramani Village did not happen this year, although the riders did hand out soccer balls to dozens of kids along the route.

The riding was also less technical, mostly along straightish jeep tracks, with the occasional foray into the never-ending Zim scrub. I shot the first bit from the chopper, and then caught up with Team 5 before dropping back down towards the back end of the field. So far, none of us shooters had had much opportunity to spend with Groups 10 through to 19, so this was a great chance to catch up with teams taking it just a touch slower.

Fly Camp boasts phenomenal views onto a feeding area to help the local ellies through the drought, and later that afternoon a herd of at least 50-60 of these special pachyderms wandered in to feed. Nothing beats a day in the saddle, followed by a cold beer and watching Africa unfolds below you in all its glory.

Click here to view the pics.