The Red Cross Big Five Marathon 2009


This exclusive event combines a challenging marathon experience with a classic African safari vacation. Situated in the Limpopo province, the Entabeni Private Game Reserve provides the perfect setting for the event. Within this 22,000 ha private game reserve, several accommoda-tion facilities are provided, varying from tented camps to luxurious lodges. For this event we have the pleasure in offering two accommodation packages as described further below. The program detailed below is for all participants regardless of the chosen accommodation.
We offer 4 and 7 nights packages for the event. Please see detailed itinerary below.



7 nights’ package


16th June 2009: Arrival at Entabeni
The participants are transferred to the Entabeni Private Game Reserve from Johannesburg. After arriving and checking into the respective lodges, and enjoying some sandwiches and snacks, it is time for the first of several exciting game drives. These drives will provide the opportunity to experience an authentic African safari in serene surroundings. The Entabeni Private Game Re-serve offers diverse wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists, creating an ideal wilderness atmosphere

17th & 18th June 2009: Entabeni Game Drives

Days two and three of the programme are dedicated to exploring the game reserve through daily game drives and a bush walk. During these days you will get accustomed to the park’s geography, and climate, and you will slowly begin to look forward to the big event: The Red Cross Big Five Marathon®. During these two days there is one daily game drive included in the programme, which will take place either in the early morning or in the late afternoon. Also a bush walk is included on day 3.
The early morning game drive typically takes place between 0600hrs and 0930hrs. During these early hours you will enjoy the cool African morning, spot spectacular wildlife, and most proba-bly work up an appetite. Upon your return from morning safari you will be richly satisfied by the overwhelming breakfast buffet that awaits you at the lodges!

The afternoon game drive begins around 1600hrs, arriving back at the lodge in time for dinner around 1930hrs. Similar to the morning game drive, the afternoon drive provides great wildlife experiences. Moreover the afternoon drive offers you the opportunity to experience a genuine African sunset in ideal settings: enjoying a cold drink on the savannah, while admiring the changing colours of the darkening evening sky. The afternoon drive then turns into a night sa-fari, where you will get the chance to spot the fascinating nocturnal wildlife with a spot light.

Over the last few years the reserve’s wildlife has become increasingly accustomed to the visiting tourists. It is therefore not uncommon to see elephants, giraffes and different species of ante-lopes grazing in close proximity to the safari vehicles. A pride of lions even occasionally holds up traffic, lying lazily across the track. We use open 4x4 safari vehicles, which provide us with an excellent opportunity for viewing the wildlife in safety.

As an alternative to the game drives, the lodge offers "Bush Walks" that allows you to examine the surroundings on foot in the company of an armed ranger with extensive tracking experi-ence.

During the stay, the participants will have a number of park rangers allocated: one for approxi-mately every ten participants. The rangers ensure your safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide competent guiding, coordinate the events with the race management, and are at your disposal around the clock. Everything is done for you to have an unforgettable experience.

19th June 2009: Route Inspection

After breakfast all the participants are transported from their respective lodges to the starting point of the marathon. It is now time for the route inspection: all safari vehicles follow the route in a convoy, allowing the participants to examine the different running surfaces, note the loca-tions of water posts, and assess the overall difficulty of the route.

After the route inspection a large lunch buffet will be served for all the participants. This is the time where everyone is gathered – the participants, technical staff, medical staff and race co-ordinators - for a formal introduction to the event, and a presentation of the practical issues surrounding the marathon. (no scheduled game drives on this day)

20th June 2009: The Red Cross Big Five Marathon ®

The big day has come. Today you will be met by a challenge that will be worth remembering: The Red Cross Big Five Marathon®. In the morning all the participants will be transported from the various lodges and camps to the starting line in time for final preparations. The marathon is planned to start at 0800hrs, however the exact time will be dependent on the location of the local pride of lions, as they are often found at the foot of the Entabeni ridge, where the route is going. Good luck! (no scheduled game drives on this day)

21st June 2009: After Marathon party

Today you will experience yet another fantastic game drive followed by our After Marathon-Party. There will be great food, live entertainment, prize ceremonies, and partying under the African skies.

22nd June 2009: Entabeni

On the final day at the Entabeni Private Game Reserve you will have one last game drive either in the morning or in the afternoon. 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.

23rd June 2009: Depart for Johannesburg

After breakfast transfer to Johannesburg Airport.






4 nights’ package


18th June 2009: Arrival at Entabeni
The participants are transferred to the Entabeni Private Game Reserve from Johannesburg. After arriving and checking into the respective lodges, and enjoying some sandwiches and snacks, it is time for the first of several exciting game drives. These drives will provide the opportunity to experience an authentic African safari in serene surroundings. The Entabeni Private Game Re-serve offers diverse wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists creating an ideal wilderness atmosphere.
During the stay, the participants will have a number of park rangers allocated: one for approxi-mately every ten participants. The rangers ensure your safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide competent guiding, coordinate the events with the race management, and are at your disposal around the clock. Everything is done for you to have an unforgettable experience.

19th June 2009: Route Inspection
After breakfast all the participants are transported from their respective lodges to the starting point of the marathon. It is now time for the route inspection: all safari vehicles follow the route in a convoy, allowing the participants to examine the different running surfaces, note the loca-tions of water posts, and assess the overall difficulty of the route.

After the route inspection a large lunch buffet will be served for all the participants. This is the time where everyone is gathered – the participants, technical staff, medical staff and race co-ordinators - for a formal introduction to the event, and a presentation of the practical issues surrounding the marathon.

20th June 2009: The Red Cross Big Five Marathon ®
The big day has come. Today you will be met by a challenge that will be worth remembering: The Red Cross Big Five Marathon®. In the morning all the participants will be transported from the various lodges and camps to the starting line in time for final preparations. The marathon is planned to start at 0800hrs, however the exact time will be dependent on the location of the local pride of lions, as they are often found at the foot of the Entabeni ridge, where the route is going. Good luck!

21st June 2009: After Marathon party
Today you will experience yet another fantastic game drive followed by our After Marathon-Party. There will be great food, live entertainment, prize ceremonies, and partying under the African skies.

22nd June 2009: Depart for Johannesburg
After breakfast transfer to Johannesburg Airport.




ACCOMMODATION AND RATES


Wildside Tented Camp
A real African Bush camp. The tents are big and include a bathroom ensuite. The tents are furnished in the classic style: bed with mosquito net, chairs, closet, and safari chairs on the terrace. There is electricity around the clock. The camp is not fenced and lies at the foot of the mountain range. Staying at the Wild-side camp is a real African bush experience: A large pride of lions is often spotted in the surrounding area, and it is not uncommon to find lion tracks outside the tents in the morning.

Lakeside Lodge
Lakeside Lodge is situated on the banks of Entabeni Lake on the upper escarpment The lodge is very beautiful built in stone. It features large elegant suites with big balconies or terraces facing the lake (where it is common to see the area’s Hippos) and the communal facilities are of a very high standard. The start and finish line are both located next to the lodge

Rates
All rates are inclusive of accommodation, full board (starting dinner day 1 - ending breakfast day of de-parture), transfers, game drives, activities according to itinerary and compulsory medical insurance in-cluding “June 20” emergency medical treatment.


Wildside Tented Camp

7 nights’ package
EUR 1,425.- pr. person sharing.
Single tent surcharge: EUR 480.-

4 nights’ package
EUR 970.- pr. person
Single tent surcharge: EUR 270,-

Lakeside Lodge

7 nights’ package
EUR 1,515.- pr. person sharing
Single room surcharge: EUR 520.-

4 nights’ package
EUR 1,020.- pr. person sharing
Single room surcharge: EUR 300.-



Marathon and half marathon package: EUR 120.-
Including: The marathon, T-shirts, medals, diploma and charity fee for The Red Cross South Africa.



Champion Chip: EUR 35.-
The Red Cross Big Five Marathon is timed by Champion Chip Timing system.
If you don’t have a Champion Chip you must buy one



Terms & Conditions:

Deposits & Payments:
$500 deposit required on confirmation of participation
Final payment: 10 April  2009
 

Optional Extension To Victoria Falls
Includes Round-trip Air Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
1 Night Johannesburg
2 Nights Victoria Falls
Round-trip transfers
Optional Activities
Contact Us for Rates

Other Extensions Available Please Inquire

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