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Big Five Marathon 8-day Package

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15-22 Jun

Entabeni, South Africa

From EUR 3590

Enjoy 8-days in stunning South Africa, combining two reserves and a visit to the township Soweto.

This entry package gives you the chance to see much more of South Africa! Besides living in two different reserves during race week, you will get the opportunity to visit the township of Soweto. It's the perfect coalescence of family-friendly leisure and the thrilling game reserve of Entabeni.

Between game drives, bush walks, and the marathon itself, you will have multiple opportunities to spot the famous Big Five and surrounding African wildlife.

If you want to spend all nights within Entabeni, take a look at our 7-day entry package here.

7-nights at two different accommodations
A visit to the township of Soweto
Bush walks & Game drives
Mouthwatering South African cuisine

Itinerary

15 JunWelcome to the Zebra Nature Reserve!

Your adventure begins and ends at Johannesburg's International Airport! After greeting you with big smiles, we will drive you to your first accommodation - the stunning Zebra Nature Reserve. This reserve boasts a stunning 400ha of predator-free wilderness, directly in your backyard.

Group transfers will take you to your accommodation, where a delicious South African lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, we will stretch our legs with a guided nature walk that wraps up at the reptile center, and from there jump on a relaxed sunset drive of the area.

Arrival in South Africa
Check-in to the Zebra Nature Reserve
Guided nature walk towards the reptile center
Relaxed sunset drive

Lunch
Dinner

16 JunA visit to the Soweto township

Today we dive into South Africa's rich history with a guided tour of Soweto, led by a local. You will get personal insight into the vibrant culture of the township and visit key sites like the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

In the afternoon, you can choose from optional activities like kayaking, mountain biking, fishing or a visit to the onsite spa. If you prefer to keep moving, you can head out for a solo run on the marked 5 km trail through the reserve.

Guided tour of the Soweto township
Optional activities
A 5K shake-out run through the reserve
Open fire dinner and drumming session

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

17 JunExplore Entabeni

After an early breakfast, we will head out to our next accommodation - The Legend Safari Resort in the Entabeni Game Reserve.

Upon arrival, you will embark on the first of many exciting game drives in Entabeni, introducing you to this stunning reserve and its wildlife.

The game drives provide the opportunity to experience an authentic African safari in serene surroundings.

Transfer to the Entabeni Game Reserve
Check-in to the Legend Safari Resort
Game drive

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

18 JunRoute Inspection

After an early breakfast, all participants will be transported from their respective accommodations to the starting line of the marathon. You will get a short briefing about the route inspection before we hit the road, showing you the location of the water stations, an examination of the terrain, and the overall difficulty of the route.

After the route inspection, we will gather for a buffet lunch where you will meet the organizers, medical team, and rangers. They will give a formal introduction of the event and answer any questions you may have.

Route Inspection
Buffet Lunch
Race briefing and introduction

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

19 JunIt's race day!

Today you will take part in one of our most thrilling challenges: The Big Five Marathon!

After breakfast, we will drive you to the starting line. The marathon is scheduled to start at 09:00, but delays are to be expected to make sure the route is completely safe. If the Big Five are too close to the race route, the start will be postponed.

You can find more information about the race HERE.

Transfer to the race starting point
The Big Five Marathon kick-off (09.00 AM)
Leg massage post-race
Evening at your own leisure

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

20 JunCelebration Dinner

Congratulations on your great achievement! Today you will get some time to relax after the run, or join one of our optional excursions. The afternoon is reserved for a fantastic game drive, followed by an epic celebration dinner in your honor.

There will be delicious food, live entertainment, a prize ceremony, a big bonfire and a vibrant dance floor!

Important: The party takes place in a traditional South African boma under the naked stars - it is therefore advisable to dress warm!

Post-race relaxation
Afternoon game drive
Celebration dinner and prize ceremony

Breakfast
Lunch
Celebration Dinner

21 JunFinal game drive & farewell dinner

This morning, we have arranged one last game drive for you. After yet another thrilling day, a farewell dinner will be held at your accommodation.

Game Drive
Farewell Dinner

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

22 JunGoodbye South Africa or Hello Extension!

Unfortunately, our time at the Entabeni Game Reserve has come to an end. As upon arrival, all participants will be transferred to Johannesburg International Airport.

Are you up for more thrills? Whether you're up for the stunning nature of Victoria Falls or want to dive deeper into the safari experience, we have the perfect extension for you!

You can find our adventurous add-ons HERE.

Transfer to Johannesburg Airport
Race extensions begin

Breakfast

Hotels

Please scroll down for more price and payment information

Zebra Nature Reserve & Legend Safari Resort

View accommodation details

Race entry

In order to run the marathon you will have to purchase the marathon entry.

EUR 375

Marathon

42.2k
EUR 375

Half Marathon

21.1k

English-speaking race officials
Manned hydration stations
Time keeping
Transport to/fr starting line
Medical team
Start number and a medal
Exclusive Big Five Marathon running t-shirt
Post-run lunch
Safari rangers and game management on the route

Payment

If you register more than 75 days prior to departure, you will be charged an initial 25% of the total price and the remaining 75% will be deducted from your credit card 75 days prior to departure. If you register less than 75 days to departure, the full amount will be charged.

Airport Transfers

If the below group transfers don't match your travel plans, it's possible to book a private transfer.

Private Transfer: 600 EUR each way.

From Johannesburg Airport

A meet and greet will meet you at the airport, where group transfers to your accommodation depart at 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. If your flight doesn't align with these times, private transfers can be arranged.

Please note that private arrival transfers after 16.00 (4 PM) cannot be guaranteed.

To Johannesburg Airport

As upon arrival, all participants will be transferred from Entabeni to Johannesburg Airport. Transfer arrival times at the airport are 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. Private transfer can be arranged if the group transfers don't coincide with your onward journey.