Big Five Marathon

Cape Town | Four-Night Package: June 17 – 21, 2025

Cape Town is a beautiful metropolis – whether you’re enthused by glorious waterfronts, towering mountains, rich culture, or flavorful cuisine, you will be captivated by this South African gem.

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 we 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.

Tuesday, June 17

After breakfast, we will leave Entabeni and start our drive to O R Tambo International Airport where we will check in for our 2-hour flight to Cape Town. In Cape Town, we will be taken to our hotel, Southern Sun Waterfront.The rest of the day is yours to explore. (breakfast included)

Wednesday, June 18

Today, we make our way along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbor with magnificent mountain views and a lovely beach.

After a short stop, we continue via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breath-taking coastal drives, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, which is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We also visit historic Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at beautiful Boulders Beach. Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat.

(breakfast & lunch included)

Thursday, June 19

Today, you are free to explore this fabulous city at your own pace. Your tour leader will host a city walk that they invite you to join.

(breakfast included)

Friday, June 20

This morning, we depart for the famous Winelands of the Western Cape, where we will visit two well-known wineries for tours and tastings while we bask in the beauty of the surroundings.

(breakfast & lunch included)

Saturday, June 21

Depending on your flight home, you have the morning or day at your leisure for one last chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town.

Taxis to the airport are available from the hotel (departure transfer not provided). Please note that check-out time is 11 am.

(breakfast included)

Big Five Safari & Panorama Route| Four-Night Package: June 17 – 21, 2025

Treat yourself to more game drives and bush walks! Stay at our Mantobeni tented camp situated near the world-famous Kruger National Park and extend your safari adventure.

Join us for 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. During our stay in Mantobeni Camp, we will have the opportunity to visit a local community situated beside the reserve that our camp works closely with. This is a great chance to gain insight into the daily lives of the locals. If you are interested in the local community visit, please let the tour leader know in advance.

Tuesday, June 17

After breakfast, we will leave Entabeni and start our drive to Mantobeni Camp.

The 7-hour drive will be broken up with an exhilarating zip wire adventure. Glide through a scenic river valley and enjoy astounding views from the treetops while swaying over a gushing waterfall and rushing river. The activity is suitable for everyone (not only for marathon runners).

A light lunch will be served after the adventure. Dinner will be enjoyed at the camp.

(Breakfast, light lunch & dinner included)

Wednesday, June 18

Over the next few days, we will experience morning and afternoon safaris and hiking in the wilderness. Not much can compare with the spicy morning scents and the special glow over the savannah in the early morning. Enjoy the peacefulness, and the quiet lull that descends upon the savannah when the night’s hunting is over.

Today we spend exploring the bush with game drives or bush walks after breakfast and lunch.

As you experienced in Entabeni, early morning and late evenings can be chilly, so we provide blankets in the open safari vehicles, but we also recommend that you bring a hat and a windproof jacket or fleece along.

(Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Thursday, June 19

After breakfast we will drive from the camp to the province of Mpumalanga, which means “place where the sun rises.” The Panorama Route is true to its name, with magnificent vistas and a stop at the scenic vantage point known as “God’s Window,” with panoramic views of the lowveld savannah that lies 1,000m below the plateau.

The route also takes us to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a rocky landscape where water has carved deep cylindrical holes into the bare rock. Finally, we stop at Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world. We’ll have a break for lunch in Pilgrim’s Rest, an old gold mining town (lunch is not included). We expect to be back in Mantobeni in the late afternoon, allowing you some time to relax before dinner.

(Breakfast & dinner included)

Friday, June 20

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy another day of game drives (morning and afternoon) and experience the bush. There will either be two game drives today or one game drive and a bush walk.  All meals will be enjoyed at the camp.

(Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Saturday, June 21

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Johannesburg. The journey will take approximately seven hours by bus. We’ll stop for lunch (not included) and be back in Johannesburg at around 3pm. Please allow at least three hours between arrival and your flight home or onward.

Victoria Falls | Four-Night Package: June 17 – 21, 2025

Extend your African adventure by joining us  in Victoria Fall and visit one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

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.

In the Bantu language, the falls are called “mosi-oa-tunya,” which means “the smoke that thunders,” and that is a perfect representation of Victoria Falls – a huge puff of “smoke” accompanied by the thunderous sound of the water.

Additionally, we will visit the breathtaking Chobe National Park in Botswana for a full day tour.

Tuesday, June 17

After breakfast, we start our drive to O R Tambo International Airport where we will check in for our 1 hour 40-minute flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

On arrival, and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be transferred to your hotel for the next four nights Explorers Village (Deluxe Room)
Victoria Falls is a town in western Zimbabwe and a gateway to the massive waterfall of the same name. Here, the Zambezi River plummets over a cliff and into the Boiling Pot before flowing through a series of gorges.

(Breakfast included)

Wednesday, June 18

After breakfast, we will take a walking tour around the indescribably beautiful Victoria Falls. Our guide will explain the history & culture of the area and provide information about its location along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

It is a good idea to bring an umbrella or light raincoat to protect yourself from the ever-present spray of the falls.

(Breakfast included)

Thursday, June 19

Today we will visit Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe allows close encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife amidst diverse landscapes. Complementing this, a game viewing boat cruise along the Chobe River is included and offers a unique perspective on animals gathering at the water’s edge, enhancing the safari experience.
If you like elephants you will love Chobe National Park as it offers one of Africa’s highest concentrations of elephants.

(Breakfast & lunch included)

Friday, June 20

Today is free for you to experience the many activities that are available around Victoria Falls. Enjoy a helicopter flight over the falls, go river rafting on the Zambezi, or perhaps bungee jump over the falls. There is also the opportunity to experience the falls from the Zambia side. Our local representative will be able to assist in booking activities.
In the early evening, we will all meet for a Dinner Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. The cruise offers a serene and picturesque experience, combining dining with stunning views of the sunset over the water. As you glide along the river, look for wildlife on the river’s edge and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the African landscape.

(Breakfast & Dinner Sunset Cruise included)

Saturday, June 21

You will have the morning free for optional activities before your transfer back to Victoria Falls airport, where we will take a flight to Johannesburg.  Flight times are provided below (subject to change).  Please allow at least 3 hours between arrival to JNB today and your international flight home.

Flight Information

June 17 – Depart Johannesburg (JNB) at 11:35am on 4Z494. Arrive Victoria Falls (VFA) at 1:20pm
June 21 – Depart Victoria Falls (VFA) at 2:00pm on 4Z 495. Arrive Johannesburg (JNB) at 3:40pm

Race Date:  Saturday, June 14, 2025

Race Time: 9:00 AM (Marathon) and 9:15 AM (Half-Marathon)

Course: The Big Five Marathon is known for its challenging course, which takes runners through incredible scenery and showcases the natural beauty and wildlife of South Africa. Course Information, Course Map and Course Elevation.

Temperature: The weather is very dry, sunny and cool at this time of the year. Participants can expect a temperature of around 60 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, but with variations due to sun, shade wind and altitude.

Entry Fee: Entry $355 USD per person.

Eligibility: Runners must be a minimum of 18 years old on race day.

Time Limit: To ensure runners’ safety, three cut-off points have been established on the route.  The cut-off times are extremely strict, so please review the information below very carefully.

Marathon

• Cut-off #1 – 26.5km – 4 hours and 15 minutes after start
• Cut-off #2 – 32.5km – 5 hours and 15 minutes after start
• Cut-off #3 – Finish Line – 7 hours after start

Half-Marathon

• Cut-off #1 – 10.5km – 4 hours after start
• Cut-off #2 – 16.5km – 5 hours after start
• Cut-off #3 – Finish Line – 6 hours 45 minutes after start

Runners who haven’t reached the cut-off points in time will not be allowed to continue and will be picked up by a ranger vehicle and taken back to the finish line. The cut-off times are strictly enforced to keep everyone safe!  It is recommended that you add at least 25% to your “flat” marathon time (ex. If you are a 4-hour marathoner plan for this race to take you 5 hours).

*Please keep these times in mind especially if you are on a quest to complete a marathon on all seven continents.  Should you finish even 30 seconds after the cut-off times you will receive a DNF or FNT and it will NOT count towards a completed continent.

Wristbands: Wristbands will be given to all runners passing the Yellowwood Valley to prove they completed their distance. No wristband = disqualification.

Number Pickup: Your bib number, timing chip and t-shirt will be handed out after the route inspection.  Do not fold or wrinkle the number as this may damage the chip.  You will get two copies of your bib number and both must always be clearly visible to the race officials during the race, one on the front and one on the back.

Awards: Top three overall for males and females in both races.

Running Shoes: Although not mandatory, you may consider training and bringing trail shoes for the race. The trail is run on a well-traveled dirt surface, but you will still come across loose rocks and soft beach sand. Regular running shoes are worn by most participants.

Difficulty: High altitude, challenging hilly course, trail run in a remote area.

For more information click here