Over the past 24 hours, 38 teams have completed this year's gruelling 560km course, all bearing smiling faces as they crossed the finish line.

Skylotec Adventure have just crossed the finish line completing the 514km Expedition Africa - Baviaans course in just over 80 hours. The team proved they were world class throughout the race; flying through each transition efficiently, professionally and navigating each control point brilliantly.

The two leading teams made an error by not following instructions to stay on the beach (side) between CP 36 and T10 during their 18km trekking leg yesterday evening. The race booklet clearly stipulates that it is "compulsory to stay on beach between CP 36 and T10" and further stipulates "Expedition Africa flag on the beach in front of T10".

The 59km canyon ventured all 39 teams through an untouched picturesque part of African soil. Race organiser; Stephan Muller predicted that the Baviaanskloof region would certainly be a highlight for athletes racing Expedition Africa 2017.

More than half the field managed to race through the buffalo 'dark zone' before the zones shutdown commenced at 18h00 this evening. All teams between CP 17 and CP 21 must make camp at their exact spot, and are not allowed to move until 06h00 tomorrow morning.

39 teams from 13 countries gathered on the Cape St Francis Beach this morning ready for a rugged Expedition Africa, featuring larger racing legs that would cover the 500km adventure race.

Athletes and their families were able to enjoy their final Saturday afternoon before the chaos of this year's 500km adventure race hits the Cape St Francis Resort. Team captains have now had the opportunity to copy the control points off the master map and question any concerns that could arise along the route.

Expedition Africa kicks off this week in none other than the Eastern Cape's Adventure Province, where athletes will tackle this year's gruelling adventure of over 500km's of mountain biking, kayaking, abseiling, trekking and so much more.

Each team will have a small, robust SPOT Gen3 on their backpack, allowing race organisers, emergency support teams, sponsors, family and friends to precisely track each rider’s location online.

39 teams from 13 countries will arrive at Cape St Francis Resort, host venue to this year's multi-disciplined international event that will play out in the Baviaans and Kouga region, pinnacle parts of the well known 'Adventure Province'.