Days two and three of your stay in Entabeni are dedicated to exploring the game reserve and the impressive African Savannah with daily game drives. This will allow you to become familiar with the park’s geography, and climate, and we can slowly start preparing ourselves for Saturday’s exciting event: The Big Five Marathon.

During our stay, we will have a number of park rangers allocated: one for approximately every ten participants. The rangers ensure our safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide competent guiding, coordinate the events with the race management and are at our disposal around the clock. Furthermore a tour leader will be with the group from beginning to end.

PLEASE NOTE: June is winter time in South Africa, and while the temperature often rises to 20-25°C during the day, temperatures can drop below freezing at night time! 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!

The daily game drive is included in the itinerary and will take place either in the early morning or in the late afternoon. A bush walk with an experienced armed ranger is also included on the third day, giving us a chance to get really close to the nature and wildlife. Some of your free time can also be used for shorter runs outside Entabeni – the tour leader will help organise the runs.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Route Inspection – 24th June 2022

There are no scheduled game drives for this day.

After breakfast, all participants will be transported from their respective lodges/camp to the starting point of the marathon. All safari vehicles will follow the route in a convoy, allowing the participants to examine the different running surfaces, note the locations of water stations, and assess the overall difficulty of the course. Before we set off for the start line, there will be a short briefing about the route inspection. Afterwards, a large buffet lunch will be served for all of the participants. Everyone will be gathered – participants, race officials, medical staff and rangers – for a formal introduction to the event, and a presentation of the practical issues surrounding the marathon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Race Day – 25 June 2022

There are no scheduled game drives this day.

The day we have all been waiting for has arrived! The marathon is scheduled to start at 09:00, but delays may be expected, as the exact start time will depend on the location of the big five game – if the animals are too close to the route, the start will be postponed. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Celebration Dinner – 26th June 2022

Today you will have the option to purchase additional game drives and excursions for the morning. In the afternoon, we will venture out for yet another fantastic game drive followed by our post-marathon party. Alternatively you can use today to relax, after running through the African Savannah, before this evening’s celebratory dinner. 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 boma with open roof and large open doorways. It is therefore advisable to dress warm! For the same reason, there will be no dress code and casual clothing is recommended.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Last Day at Entabeni – 27th June 2022 

On the final day at the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, can enjoy one last game drive, either in the morning or in the afternoon. Those interested can also stretch their legs on one final bush walk.

In the evening, farewell dinners will be held at the respective lodges.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Farewell South Africa or Hello Extension – 28th June 2022

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

Transfer arrival times at the airport are: 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. 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.