Big Five Marathon

The wildest marathon of them all!

The big five, the Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino and Lion. Not many can say they have run a marathon through the vast untouched surroundings of the African Savannah, and seen these incredible animals in their natural habitat. We are very excited to offer you the chance to take part in this once in a lifetime event, that will not only challenge you, but will reward you in the most spectacular and memorable way.

For international participants, race entry is only possible in conjunction with a multi-day tour package. The packages include all the ingredients for a fantastic getaway: accommodation, social events, sightseeing, and select meals and transportation per the itinerary. Packages also generally include ample amounts of free time, during which you can choose to join organized excursions or explore the region at your own pace.

Price From £2435 shared basis. Single rooms available

Why book with Destination Sport Experiences?

You're in safe hands

Whether you are running or supporting, we have an expert team to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Your travel package is protected by ABTA.

Logistics covered

We take care of all the logistics for you, so you can focus on the event and your trip. Book our 7-day package and in addition, have the option to add on one of three extension tours to discover South Africa in-depth.

Choice of two distances

Elect to join one of two distances; the Full marathon - 42.195km/26.2mi or the Half marathon - 21.1km/13.1mi.

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2023 Big Five Marathon Itinerary

13 June 2023: 8-day package arrival; transfer to Zebra Nature reserve

Those of you on the 8-day package begin your adventure at Johannesburg International Airport where you will pick up your scheduled transfer to Zebra Nature reserve. This afternoon you’ll learn about endemic reptiles as you join a guided nature walk ending at the reptile centre.

14 June 2023: Activities at the Zebra Nature Reserve/Arrival at Entabeni

8-day tour: This morning is free time to enjoy one of the many activities available at the Zebra Nature resort before a scheduled 5km run mid-morning. Lunch will be served afterwards at The Stables Restaurant. The reserve is 400 hectare fenced area where non predatory animals roam. Here, you are likely to see animals including Zebra, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, and impala. This afternoon enjoy a nature drive with sundowners before a traditional boma dinner. 7-day tour: You will start your tour at Johannesburg International Airport where you will pick up your scheduled transfer to Entabeni Game Reserve. If you are on one of the morning transfers, there may be the possibility to go on the first of several exciting game drives. The Entabeni Game Reserve offers diverse wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists, creating an ideal wilderness atmosphere.

15 June 2023: Game Drives/City Tour

8-day tour: Swap the wild for urbanisation today as you head out to visit Soweto and the administrative capital Pretoria with a local guide. 7-day tour: Day two of your stay in Entabeni is dedicated to exploring the game reserve through a morning game drive and a bush walk. We will get accustomed to the park's geography, and climate, and we can slowly start preparing ourselves for Saturday's exciting event: The Big Five Marathon.

16 June 2023: Transfer to Entabeni; Route Inspection

7 & 8 day tour: After breakfast, all participants will be transported to the starting point of the marathon where there will be a short briefing about the route inspection. You will follow the route in a safari convoy, to examine the different running surfaces, note the locations of water stations and assess the overall difficulty of the route. Afterwards, a large buffet lunch will be served, and you will be given a formal introduction to the event. There are no scheduled game drives this day. Those on the 8-day tour will check-in to the Legend Safari Resort for the rest of their tour.

17 June 2023: Race Day

7 & 8 day tour: 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 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.

18 June 2023: Celebration Dinner

7 & 8 day tour: Today there is time to relax after running through the African savannah. You will have the option to purchase additional game drives and excursions for the morning. In the afternoon, venture out for yet another fantastic game drive followed by our post-marathon party. There will be delightful food, live entertainment, a prize ceremony, a big bonfire, and partying under the starry skies.

19 June 2023: Entabeni

7 & 8 day tour: On the final day at the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, you will have one last game drive in the morning. Those interested will also get the opportunity to stretch their legs on one final bush walk. In the evening, farewell dinners will be held at the respective lodges.

20 June 2023: Farewell South Africa or Hello Extension

7 & 8 day tour: Your stay 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 at scheduled departure times.

Tour Extensions

Big Five Safari & Panorama Route - 20-24 Jun | 5 days

Join an exciting safari trip which includes game drives, bush walks, and exploration of the area along the famed Panorama Route. Spot the Big Five game and a wealth of bird species, as well as other African wildlife. Our camp is beautifully situated in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, bordering the famed Kruger National Park. Consisting of fifteen stylishly-appointed tents with modern ensuite facilities and private terraces, a pool, bar, lounge and dining area and spacious, lush lawns, the camp provides an authentic African safari experience. Ask the DSE team for more details and a full itinerary.

Victoria Falls - 20-23 Jun | 4 days

With a height of 108 meters, a combined width of 1700 meters, and picturesque rain forest backdrop, Victoria Falls is an impressive place to spend four days topping off your African adventure. You will stay 3 nights at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge with breakfast. Enjoy a tour of the falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi and a Boma Dinner Drum show as your included activities, along with hotel transfers and roundtrip flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. Ask the DSE team for more details and a full itinerary.

Cape Town- - 20-24 Jun | 5 days

Underneath the renowned Table Mountain lies the blue, frothy waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. South Africa’s southern cape marks this oceanic convergence, and during your journey you pay a visit to one of the most famous of the meeting points – Cape Point at The Cape of Good Hope. Other activities that are sure to whet your whistle include a tour of the Winelands with tastings (of course!) and various highlights throughout Cape Town itself. Ask the DSE team for more details and a full itinerary.

Route Information

Route map:

The worlds best sporting events

Travel and accommodation

Official tickets*

The wildest marathon of them all!

13 June 2023: 8-day package arrival; transfer to Zebra Nature reserve

14 June 2023: Activities at the Zebra Nature Reserve/Arrival at Entabeni

15 June 2023: Game Drives/City Tour

16 June 2023: Transfer to Entabeni; Route Inspection

17 June 2023: Race Day

18 June 2023: Celebration Dinner

19 June 2023: Entabeni

20 June 2023: Farewell South Africa or Hello Extension

Big Five Safari & Panorama Route - 20-24 Jun | 5 days

Victoria Falls - 20-23 Jun | 4 days

Cape Town- - 20-24 Jun | 5 days

Customer Services

Contact us

Our experience

Your booking is safe with us

The worlds best sporting events

Travel and accommodation

Official tickets*

17th June 2023

The wildest marathon of them all!

13 June 2023: 8-day package arrival; transfer to Zebra Nature reserve

14 June 2023: Activities at the Zebra Nature Reserve/Arrival at Entabeni

15 June 2023: Game Drives/City Tour

16 June 2023: Transfer to Entabeni; Route Inspection

17 June 2023: Race Day

18 June 2023: Celebration Dinner

19 June 2023: Entabeni

20 June 2023: Farewell South Africa or Hello Extension

Big Five Safari & Panorama Route - 20-24 Jun | 5 days

Victoria Falls - 20-23 Jun | 4 days

Cape Town- - 20-24 Jun | 5 days

Customer Services

Contact us

Our experience

Your booking is safe with us