Big Five Marathon

14 June 2025

Running26 - Big Five Marathon

Join Running26 for an exclusive network and running adventure to The Big Five Marathon in South Africa.
12-16 Jun
5 days
2 990 EUR

Book package

The Big Five Marathon is an exclusive event that combines a challenging marathon or halfmarathon experience with a classic African safari vacation in the Limpopo Province.

In one of the most spectacular game reserves in Africa the challenging route crosses right through the habitat of the African game, including the famous Big Five: Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard.

No fences, no rivers, nothing at all separates the runners from the African wildlife!

For more information about this wild adventure call BJARKE KOBBERØ from Running26 at: +45 61 79 74 77

English

Itinerary

The itinerary is detailed below. This is what you'll be doing during your stay!

12. June 2025Arrival Entabeni and Afternoon Game Drive

Your tour will start and end at Johannesburg International Airport (also known as OR Tambo - JNB). All participants will be transferred from the airport to Entabeni Game Reserve. The  transfer departure time from the airport is 11:00. If the transfers doesn't fit with your arrival, it is possible to book an individual transfer at an additional cost. Please note that Private Arrival transfers after 16.00 (4 pm) can't be guaranteed.

Upon arrival we check in to Legend Mountain View Lodge. The Lodge is placed atop a small mountain surrounded by the impeccable beauty of the bushveld. The lodge provides the perfect exclusive getaway for business or leisure with personal service, including a private ranger, game vehicle, chef and waiter. With the location just outside the reserve it's safe to wander around the area and also to do short training runs.
Legend Mountain View Lodge’s have 6 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. All exclusive for Running26.
Read more about the Lodge here: Legend Mountain View Lodge

The afternoon game drive begins around 16:00, and arrives back at the lodge in time for dinner around 19:30. The afternoon drive provides great wildlife experiences. Moreover, the afternoon drive offers the opportunity to experience a beautiful sunset in ideal settings: enjoying a cold drink on the savannah, while admiring the changing colours of the darkening evening sky. The afternoon drive then turns into a night safari, where we will get the chance to spot the fascinating nocturnal wildlife with a spot light.

PLEASE NOTE: June is winter time in South Africa and while the temperature often rises to 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day, temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius at night time is not unusual! Especially the large drop from day to night time temperatures makes the evenings and mornings feel extremely cold. It is therefore essential to bring a winter jacket, warm hat and gloves when going on game drives!

13. June 2025Morning game drive and picnic lunch

Morning game drives typically takes place between 06:00 and 09:30. During these early hours we will experience the cool morning, spot spectacular wildlife, and most probably work up an appetite. Once back from the morning safari we will be richly satisfied by the overwhelming breakfast buffet that awaits us at our lodge.

Later we will enjoy a delightful picnic lunch surrounded by nature, offering fresh, local flavors in a serene setting. It’s the perfect moment to relax and recharge while taking in the beautiful scenery.

In the evening we fuel up for race day with a hearty pasta dinner, packed with carbs to boost your energy.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

14. June 2025Race day

The day we have all been waiting for has arrived! Today you will take part in an unforgettable challenge: The Big Five Marathon. In the morning, all participants will be transported from the different lodges/camps to the starting line in time for final preparations. The marathon is scheduled to start at 09:00, but delays are to be expected, as the exact start time will depend on the location of the big five game - if too close to the route, the start will be postponed. 

For more information about the race, look here.

There are no scheduled game drives this day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

15. June 2025Morning Game drive, bushwalk and Celebration Dinner

In the morning we will venture out for yet another fantastic game drive followed by breakfast in the villa.

After lunch it's time to experience the beauty of the African wilderness on a bush walk in Entabeni Game Reserve. Guided by an expert, guests will explore the savannah’s diverse flora and fauna, learning about the unique ecosystems. Keep an eye out for possible sightings of wildlife. The walk offers an immersive and up-close encounter with nature. It's an unforgettable way to connect with the African landscape.

In the evening all guests will gather for the post-marathon party. There will be delightful food, live entertainment, a prize ceremony, a big bonfire, and partying under the starry skies. Please be aware that the party takes place in a traditional South African Shebeen. It is therefore advisable to dress warm! For the same reason, there will be no dress code and casual warm clothing is recommended.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

16. June 2025Farewell South Africa

Our time at the Entabeni Game Reserve has come to an end and it's time to head back to Johannesburg. As upon arrival, all participants will be transferred from Entabeni to Johannesburg International Airport. 

Transfer ARRIVAL time at the airport is 16:00. As on arrival, it is possible, at an additional cost, to book an individual transfer to Johannesburg, if the group transfers don't coincide with your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast
  • Bjarke running The Big Five Marathon 2024
  • Game drive Entabeni Game Reserve

Price information

Have a look at package prices below. Please note that prices do not include the race package.

Prices

Have a look at package prices below. Please note that prices do not include the race package.

All prices are per person in EUR.

Legend Mountain Villa

  • Shared double room EUR 2990
  • Single supplement EUR 850

Race Entry

Marathon or half-marathon: EUR 300

Race entry includes:

  • Entry to the race
  • Leg massage in the Finish area
  • Exclusive Big Five Marathon running t-shirt from Craft
  • Medal 
  • Timing
  • Supplies on the route
  • Safari rangers and game management keeping the route safe

Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Full board (starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on the day of departure) 
  • Celebration Dinner
  • Scheduled transfers
  • Game drives according to the itinerary
  • One bush walk

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages
  • Race package (EUR 300)
  • Private transfer (EUR 400 one way). Private arrival transfers after 16.00 (4 pm) can't be guarenteed.
  • Tips for rangers and lodge staff
  • Anything not mentioned in 'Inclusions'

Booking and payment

The booking of a trip is binding for both customer and travel agency once the deposit (25% of the total trip price) has been paid at the time of booking on the booking.albatros-adventure.com website. The remaining amount, 75% of the total trip price, will have to be paid 75 days before trip departure via the link that will be sent to the customer a week before the due date. Bookings made later than 75 days prior will require full payment immediately.

The email sent to the customer upon booking a trip acts as the booking confirmation. It is therefore of vital importance that the customer provides a valid email address.

Refer to our Terms & Conditions for further information.

Important Info

Age restrictions

Entabeni Safari Conservancy imposes an age restriction on children who may participate in game drives and bush walks. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted on game drives. To participate in bush walks, children must be 12 years of age or older.
To participte in the marathon or half marathon all runners must be at least 18 years old on race day.

Flight to/from Johannesburg

Flights are not included in the package. All guests must book their own flights to Johannesburg (JNB)

Book this package

You will be taken to our booking site where you can complete your booking.