Solomon Chidunuka Memorial Challenge

Solomon Chidunuka was a true hero of conservation in Zambia.

Prior to his passing in 2021, Solomon worked for over 30 years to manage and protect Zambia’s wildlife populations. He was one of the first Zambian rangers to receive paramilitary training and thereafter thrived as a ranger and senior warden, earning the the widespread respect and admiration of colleagues, tourism operators, communities, and NGOs. His thirteen years of service to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Lower Zambezi National Park resulted in the lowest poaching levels on record. While serving in North Luangwa National Park, he managed the only population of black rhinos in the region, losing none to poaching.

In 2017, Solomon was presented with the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award by former South African President FW de Klerk (on behalf of HRH the Duke of Cambridge).

Tangila Trail Series was honored to host the inaugural Solomon Chidunuka Memorial Challenge in 2021. The challenge is open to Zambian conservation organizations who must enter a team of six individuals in the 22 km trail run. Each team must consist of a maximum of three scouts or rangers and a minimum of three females. The winning team is that with the lowest aggregate time.