Comrades Marathon

Extensions within Africa post-Comrades Marathon 2026 are offered; there is a choice of Safari options.

PRIVATE GAME RESERVES | June 16 – 19 , 2026 | 3 nights

Note: These extension trips start and finish in Durban.

Both reserves are malaria free and are homes to the Big Five Game (Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo)

3-Night 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
• All meals and selected local beverages (basic teas and coffees) included at Babanango
• 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:

• Alcohol & soft drinks at Babanango
• 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 from $1850 – $4080  per person – 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 or a luxury tent in the camp, you will fall in love with Thanda.
For 2026, the Lodge is not available, but we can offer Villa iZulu or the Thanda Luxury Tented Camp. Comprised of fifteen 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.

BABANANGO

Rates from $2040 to $3535  per person – please refer to our Packages & Rates section for more details

Babanango Game Reserve is a 4-star lodge experience, situated in a malaria free area of Royal Zulu Kingdom of Kwazulu Natal, a 3.30 to 4 hour drive from Durban.  The reserve hosts a world of wilderness and wildlife, including the Big Five, matched with a deep commitment to Zulu culture, community and environmental conservation.

Nestled in the south of Babanango Game Reserve, Valley Lodge offers nine adjacent luxury rooms each of which are stylishly furnished with upscale amenities to guarantee an indulgent and delightful experience for guests. Every room is thoughtfully equipped with luxurious features such as heated bathroom floors and towel racks, ensuring a truly comfortable and pampering stay. Rooms offer views of indigenous gardens.

With a maximum capacity of 18 guests, the farm style lodge ensures a cozy experience. Unlike others, it is fenced off for safety, privacy, and exclusivity. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from infinity and splash pools or relax by the fireplace. The library offers books on local history and bird species. In the evening, the outdoor boma with a firepit creates a cozy atmosphere. The lodge’s culinary experience includes canape-style lunches, handcrafted cocktails, and traditional South African-style potjiekos and braais.

No children younger than 8 years are permitted to stay at this property.

During your stay you can enjoy three meals per day (breakfast, light lunch, dinner),  and basic teas and coffees.

Not included are extras such as other activities, soft drinks, juices, premium coffees, alcoholic beverages, minibar, items of a personal nature & treatments which can be booked and paid for during your stay.

Perched high on the Babanango game reserve, Zulu Rock Lodge offers guests breathtaking views of the expansive landscape from its cliff-edge location. Zulu Rock Lodge offers six luxurious villa-style suites and a family villa. Unwind on the deck beside the elevated pool, while watching for wildlife as they gracefully roam the valley below.

Zulu Rock Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests, ensuring a personalised experience. With no fences to separate guests from nature, this bush lodge accommodation invites guests to immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings, embracing a true sense of oneness.

At Zulu Rock Lodge, every moment is crafted to inspire awe and tranquillity. From the panoramic views that greet you each morning to magical encounters with wildlife, this sanctuary reconnects guests with the beauty of nature. Whether embarking on a thrilling safari adventure or savouring the peacefulness of the lodge, Zulu Rock Lodge promises an unforgettable experience with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

No children younger than 8 years are permitted to stay at Babanango properties.

Itinerary

Tuesday, June 16

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, June 17 and Thursday, June 18

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, June 19

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 2026 Entry 

We are the only official international tour operator and can offer guaranteed international race entry into the Comrades Marathon 2026. 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 2025 package from us. All race rules must be adhered to which includes a race qualification time.

Our Comrades Marathon 2026 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 2026! 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.

Comrades Marathon Tour | Five-Night Package: June 11 – 16, 2026

Features:

• 5 nights stay at 4* beachfront hotel in Durban from June 11- 16
• Daily breakfasts
• Return Durban airport transfers
• Shake-out run (Thursday)
• Welcome dinner (Friday)
• Pre-race dinner (Saturday)
• Transfer from hotel to race start
• Transfer from race finish to hotel
• Guidance and support from our expert Marathon Tours & Travel team in South Africa

Durban airport transfers are only available on package arrival and departure dates, or in conjunction with hotel extra nights booked with Marathon Tours & Travel.

Not included:

• Comrades Marathon Entry (can be added at an extra cost for foreign athletes)
• Private Comrades course tour (Friday)
• Half day sightseeing tour of Durban with Expo visit (Saturday)
• Runner Support Option (Race Day)
• Supporter Option (Race day)
• Lunch and After Party hosted by ‘The Comrades King’ Mr. Bruce Fordyce (Monday)
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions above.
• ** Please note optional extras availability is limited – some elements of the package might not be available, and will be subject to confirmation after booking.

Non Runners?

We recognize there are some elements of race day, the transfer to the start for example that you don’t need so we don’t make you pay for that! During the booking process a discount will be applied.

Solo Travelers

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. Babanango Safari extensions are not permitted for children 7 years and younger. Please contact us for availability and more details or go ahead and follow the booking process.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents

Rates (all prices are per person in US dollars)

About The Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is an iconic race in the world of long-distance endurance running. This ultramarathon is run annually in South Africa and is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race and alternates between the two cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg each year. At a distance of approx. 55 miles/87kms, with several large hills amongst the seemingly endless vistas and stunning scenery, it provides an incredible challenge for any runner.

Comrades Marathon 2026 Up Run details

Race Date: June 14, 2026

Race Start: 05:45am in Durban (TBC)           Race Finish: 12 hours later in Pietermaritzburg         Distance: ULTRA approx. 87kms

Entries: 22,000

The Course

2026 is an Up Run that will start in Durban, outside the City Hall from 05:45am to the sounds of Chariots of Fire, Shosholoza, the famous cock crow and the National Anthem. It’s a long day at the office for many and a beast of a race but the experience is second to none. There are lots of challenging hills and enthusiastic support from spectators along the roads. Finish as a hero before cut off 12 hours later in Pietermaritzburg.

Temperature

Conditions are usually dry and warm, with expected temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees. The start in Durban is mild, warming up throughout the day and then gets considerably cooler in the late afternoon/evening in Pietermaritzburg.

Tip! Train in warm/hot temperatures where possible.

Back to Back

2025 saw 18,884 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line and 17,313 finishers, an astounding 91.68% finish rate. Any novice who completed 2025 will receive a back-to-back medal in addition to their Comrades Marathon medal when finishing 2026 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 2026 qualifying criteria. Qualifying period June 9, 2025 – May 4, 2026

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 May 4, 2026.

Update your qualifying details either by using your online entry profile, email, or contacting the CMA office by May 4, 2026.

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 June 9, 2025 and May 4, 2026, 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

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.