Zimbabwe: Akashinga's Women Rangers Take Zimbabwe to the Wildlife Ranger Challenge

What the report says

Akashinga’s women rangers in Zimbabwe are preparing to take part in the 2026 Wildlife Ranger Challenge, an annual conservation event that highlights the work of wildlife rangers across Africa and raises support for ranger teams. The AllAfrica-published report, sourced from 263Chat, focuses on Angela Kapoko, who said she was inspired to join after seeing other women carrying out ranger duties traditionally associated with men.

According to the article, Akashinga will field three teams from Phundundu and Songo in Zimbabwe and Coutada-5 in Mozambique. The challenge is set to conclude on September 19 with four-person teams covering 21 kilometres while carrying heavy packs similar to those used on patrols. Organisers named in the report include Tusk and the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa.

Akashinga Country Manager Ranga Huruba said the competition matters because rangers often work on the front line of conservation without much public recognition or adequate resources. He said the event offers a way to show the organisation’s training standards, build teamwork, and connect with peers, funders and partners. More broadly, the report says the challenge is meant to test both physical fitness and mental resilience through exercises such as quizzes, push-ups, sit-ups and timed trials.

The story also places Akashinga’s participation in a wider context: the group began with one operation in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley and has expanded across borders. The article portrays the challenge not only as a race, but as a platform for women rangers to gain visibility, pride and professional recognition.