Comrades Marathon

PRIVATE GAME RESERVES | 15 – 18 June 2027 | 3 nights

Note: These extension trips start and finish in Durban.

Thanda Safari is malaria free and are homes to the Big Five Game (Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo)

3 Nights Extension Package includes:

• 3 nights’ at your chosen game reserve and accommodation
• Transfer from Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban to the game reserve and accommodation of your choice
• 2 game drives per day with professional guide and tracker
• Refreshments on the game drives
• All meals and selected local beverages (minibar, soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers) included at Thanda
• Wi-Fi in public areas
• Transfer from your chosen accommodation to Durban King Shaka Airport
• Tips for guides, drivers and general staff
• Conservation / Community Levy

Not included:

• Anything not mentioned in inclusions above

NOTE: All Game Reserve extensions are guided by a professional guide and tracker. Extensions are not accompanied by Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) staff unless we reach a minimum number of sales and also at our discretion. The Game Reserve staff will look after you and MTT staff will be available via telephone.

Please refer to the last day of itinerary for flight recommendations and group transfer times.

THANDA

Rates – please refer to our Packages & Rates section for more details

Thanda Safari is an award-winning 5-star experience, situated in a private game reserve in the heart of the Royal Zulu Kingdom of Kwazulu Natal, a 3 to 4 hour drive from Durban. The reserve provides a world of wilderness and wildlife, matched with a deep commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation. Thanda means ‘Love’ in the language of the Zulu people, and Thanda Safari lives this ethos in the management of its 14,000-hectare reserve and its community partnerships. Experience the ultimate safari camp experience with Thanda Safari, which has repeatedly been named the World’s Leading Luxury Game Reserve Lodge. Whether you stay in the Villa iZulu, a Lodge Suite or a luxury tent in the camp, you will fall in love with Thanda. (Please Note: Each form of accommodation is separate so if you are travelling with friends, please select the same accommodation type to ensure you will share the experience and be on the same game drives etc.)

Each of Thanda’s Luxury Tents are non-electrified colonial style safari tents, providing an authentic rustic bush experience (leaving a smaller carbon footprint). Each tent has an open-plan bedroom with en-suite canvas bathroom with an indoor and/or outdoor shower, as well as a wooden viewing deck.

No children younger than 7 years are permitted to stay at this property.

Itinerary

Tuesday 15 June 2027

After breakfast, at 10:00am you will be collected from Southern Sun Hotel Elangeni & Maharani in Durban to your chosen game reserve and accommodation. The group transfer will be an approximately 3-and-a-half hour drive along the Indian Ocean. After arriving you will depart for your first game drive in four-wheel Land Rovers or similar. An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best time to look for the Big Five. With 1,000’s of hectares to explore and led by experts of the African bush, you’ll see array of wildlife, bird and plant life. (Lunch and Dinner included)

Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 June 2027

Each day is an early morning wake-up (5:30am/6:00am) with coffee available before departing for your morning game drive. This is a great time to view many animals visiting the water holes and/or predators hunting for their food. We will return around 9:00am for breakfast and spend the middle of the day relaxing and/or enjoying optional activities such as bush walks that you can book on site. We will head out for our last game drive at 3:00pm and return for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Friday 18 June 2027

After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation for the group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport. There will be 2 morning departures.

Departure 1 will depart at 08:00am and arrive between 11:30pm to 12:30pm

Departure 2 will depart at 11:30am and arrive between 15:00pm to 16:00pm

If neither group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport suits your plans or should you need a transfer to Richards Bay Airport, we can arrange a private transfer. Please contact us for the additional cost if an individual transfer is required. (Breakfast included)

Itineraries are subject to change.

Guaranteed Comrades Marathon 2027 Entry 

We are the only official international tour operator and can offer guaranteed international race entry into the Comrades Marathon 2027. This applies to runners living outside of South Africa. You can buy the entry from Marathon Tours & Travel if you also buy a Comrades Marathon 2027 package from us. All race rules must be adhered to which includes a race qualification time.

Please Note: Entries bought through Marathon Tours & Travel are non-refundable.

Our Comrades Marathon 2027 Experience

Marathon Tours & Travel are trusted as the only official international tour operator. Comrades Marathon trips are available for everyone to book; supporter or runner; we will look after you. Foreign athlete race entry can be purchased if required. Whether you are running or supporting, we have an expert team on the ground to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Our Head of Product is a Comrades Marathon medal holder, having run and finished both the Up and Down runs. Most of our local team also have a wealth of experience with Comrades. Previous clients over the years have returned with fabulous feedback too.

As many months are invested in training for the event with time spent away from family and friends, our travel packages offer all participants from around the world (runners, supporters, partners, friends, family) the opportunity to share the experience together.

Durban is the place to stay leading up to the Comrades Marathon 2027! Home of the Expo and where you can experience the pre-race excitement as throngs of runners fill the city each year and bring the gees (vibe). Add to this quality accommodation with exhilarating sea views and an itinerary with activities, guidance and support and you will not regret your decision to book with us, the official Comrades Marathon Tour Operator. Our team will be available every day to offer a wealth of advice and experience to ensure your trip is successful and stress-free.

Marathon Tours & Travel Comrades Ultra Marathon 2027 Signature package includes the following:

• 5 nights stay at a beachfront hotel in Durban from 10- 15 June
• Daily breakfasts
• Shake-out run (Thursday)
• Welcome dinner (Friday)
• Pre-race dinner (Saturday)
• Transfer from hotel to race start
• Transfer from race finish to hotel
• Lunch and After Party  (Monday)
• Support from our expert Marathon Tours & Travel team in South Africa

Not included:

• Comrades Marathon Entry (can be added at an extra cost)
• Private Comrades course tour – Friday (can be added at an extra cost)
• Half day sightseeing tour of Durban – Saturday (can be added at an extra cost)
• Airport Transfers
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions above.

Solo Travellers

Travelling alone shouldn’t mean travelling by yourself.
Our packages take the stress out of planning and bring together like‑minded, adventure‑seeking runners for an unforgettable experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be part of a supportive group who share your passion for running and exploring new places. Discover new sights, enjoy the camaraderie of group activities, and soak up every moment surrounded by people who “get it.” With us, you arrive a stranger… and leave as part of the Comrades family.

Travelling with children?

Children will love the sun, sea and South African experience. Families with children are welcome, however small children might find the tours and race day itself a little restricting and tiring. Thanda Safari extension is not permitted for children 6 years and younger.  Please contact us for availability and more details or go ahead and follow the booking process.

About The Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, attracting runners from around the globe to South Africa each year. First held in 1921, the race alternates annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg and covers approximately 87km (55 miles). Renowned for its challenging hills, breathtaking scenery, and incredible camaraderie, Comrades is far more than a race. It is a test of endurance, determination, and spirit, offering runners the opportunity to be part of one of the most celebrated events in distance running.

Comrades Marathon 2027 Down Run details

Race Date: 13 June 2027

Race Start: from 05:00am in Pietermaritzburg (TBC)           Race Finish: 12 hours later in Kings Park Stadium Precinct       Distance: ULTRA approx. 87kms – 92kms (TBC)

Entries: 26,000 (6,000 more than 2026)

The Course

The 2027 Comrades Marathon will be a historic Down Run, celebrating the 100th running of the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon. Starting in Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Durban, runners will begin their journey to the iconic sounds of Chariots of Fire, Shosholoza, the famous cock crow, and the South African National Anthem.

Despite being a downhill route, this 87-92km challenge is no easy run, with demanding hills, spectacular scenery, and incredible roadside support. Reach Durban within the 12-hour cut-off and earn your place in Comrades Marathon history.

Temperature 

Winter in the Southern Hemisphere and conditions for Comrades Marathon are usually dry and warm. Weather is extremely variable globally therefore expect the unexpected but the following temperatures are based on 2026 recorded temperatures at the given points.

Pietermaritzburg at 5am = 9°C (48°F)

Inchanga at 11am = 22°C (72°F)

Durban at 5pm = 19°C (66°F)

Tip! Train in warm/hot temperatures where possible.

Back to Back 

2026 saw 20,349 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line and 18,276 finishers, an astounding 89.81% finish rate. This total breakdown included 14,479 men and 3,797 women Any novice who completed 2026 will receive a back-to-back medal in addition to their Comrades Marathon medal when finishing 2027 before the cut-off time.

Time Limits & Cut-Offs

The race will have batch wave starts and be timed “mat-to-mat”. The cut-off times for these points will be confirmed in the final race instructions. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website

Qualification Requirement

All entrants are required to meet the Comrades Marathon 2027 qualifying criteria. Qualifying period 15 June 2026 – 3 May 2027

Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. The cut-off date for supplying the below information in order to make your entry complete is 3 May 2027.

Update your qualifying details either by using your online entry profile, email, or contacting the CMA office by 3 May 2027.

Generally speaking, you need to complete the medical questionnaire (available by logging into your entry profile once entered) and you would need to complete a standard marathon in a time of sub 5 hours (4:59:59) and between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027, but other ultra distanced races can be used as qualifiers. The qualifying table and for more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.

Minimum Age: 20 years old (TBC)

Entry Fee 

Guaranteed entry is available as an additional cost when booked with our package.

Number Pickup:

You must collect your (2) Comrades Marathon race numbers, FREE runners t-shirt and goodie bag from the venue you have indicated on your entry form.

It is important to note the following when collecting your race number package:

• All runners MUST provide proof of identity to collect their race number pack e.g. ID book, Passport or Driver’s License – along with your race entry confirmation.
• NO race numbers will be issued on race day

Difficulty:

Very challenging! Ultra-marathon with strict time limit and endless hills.

For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.

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