A Unique Vertical Challenge!

From Humble Roots In November 2020, a trio of neighbors embarked on a weekly gathering, bound together by their mutual enthusiasm for mountains. The group's appellation, 'The Mountain Goats,' originated from a member who attended the initial meeting with his goat in tow.

The initiative was forced to take a backseat in February 2021 due to Viana's sudden and severe illness. After a prolonged recovery period spanning four months, during which time she battled a mysterious affliction that had confounded medical experts, Viana had substantially recovered by January 2022, emerging with a fresh perspective on life. The reawakening of her passion for mountains subsequently prompted her to revive the Mountain Goats initiative, driven by a desire to share her passion with like-minded individuals.

The first mountain hike sparked unforeseen enthusiasm, resulting in the creation of the Mpumalanga Summit Challenge.

During the first year, participants had to reach the summit of ten preselected peaks in the greater Lowveld area. Almost 30 entries were submitted in the Individual category. More than half of these participants completed the challenge, and the Supergoat Dream Team, consisting of Matt Hill and Sam Scott, were crowned the overall winners.

In 2023, the challenge was broadened to feature 23 peaks, attracting a considerable number of entries. The competition introduced a sophisticated points system, as well as new categories. The Couples category garnered the most interest, while the Teams category encouraged collaboration. The event concluded with the presentation of 20 Gold and 5 Bronze medals, and the names of the overall category winners were etched onto the floating trophies.

2024 was a year of profound change, marked by a rebranding of the initiative and its expansion into Eswatini and Lesotho. This period also saw the emergence of a new type of adventurer, the Hybrid Hiker©️, who incorporates mountain biking and trail running into their pursuits, with a goal of accumulating Vertical Metres. The leisurely mountain strolls of the past are no longer. The challenge has become substantially more demanding, and the competition more fierce. Moreover, 2024 was characterized by a heightened emphasis on community-centricity, as well as a reinforcement of the vision and mission to empower remote mountain communities through sustainable tourism practices.

Over the course of 2025 and 2026, we will reinforce and expand upon the fundamental ideas and principles that have shaped our initiative from its inception, with plans for continued expansion into Southern Africa and beyond. Join us on this life-changing adventure. For the love of mountains, always!