Big Five Marathon®  June 24th – July 1 2008                       
                Entabeni Private Game Reserve, South Africa

This exclusive event combines a challenging marathon experience with a classic African safari vacation. Situated in the Limpopo province, the Entabeni Game Reserve provides the perfect setting for the event. Within this 12,000 ha private game reserve, several accommodation facilities are provided, varying from tented camps to luxurious lodges. For this event we have the pleasure in offering three 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.



Package 1
7 nights

24th June 2008: Arrival at Entabeni
Participants arrive at Johannesburg airport and are transferred to the Entabeni game reserve. After 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 Game Reserve offers diverse wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists creating an ideal wilderness atmosphere

25th & 26th June 2008: Entabeni Game Drives

Days two and three of the program 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 program, 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 probably 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 safari, 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 antelopes 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 experience.

During the stay, the participants will have a number of park rangers allocated: one for approximately 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.

27th June 2008: 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 locations 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.

28th June 2008: 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!

29st June 2008: After Marathon party

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

30th June 2008: Entabeni

On the final day at the Entabeni 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.

1st July 2008: Depart for Johannesburg

After breakfast transfer to Johannesburg Airport.

Package 2
4 nights


26th June 2008: Arrival at Entabeni
Participants arrive at Johannesburg airport and are transferred to the Entabeni game reserve. After 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 Game Reserve 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 approximately 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.

27th June 2008: 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 locations 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.

28th June 2008: 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!

29st June 2008: After Marathon party
Today you will experience yet another fantastic game drive followed by our After MarathonParty. There will be great food, live entertainment, prize ceremonies, and partying under the African skies.

30th June 2008: Depart for Johannesburg
After breakfast transfer to Johannesburg Airport.





 

Package Includes:
Round-trip transfers from Johannesburg to Entebeni Game Reserve
4 or 7 Nights Accommodations
All Meals
Daily Game Drives and Bush Walks
Course Inspection
Choice of Marathon or 23 K Half-Marathon (Additional Cost)
Gala Celebration Banquet
 

Discount International Airfares Available

ACCOMMODATION AND RATES


Wildside tented camp
A real African Bush camp. The tents are big and include a bathroom ensuite. The tents are fur-nished 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 Wildside 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.



Ravineside Lodge
Ravineside Lodge is situated on the upper escarpment next to the Entabeni Rock
The lodge comprises tranquil thatched wooden lodges on stilts with bird’s eye-views. Each lodge has 3 or 4 luxury en suite bedrooms with an African ethnic theme. A private open-plan lounge and bar area extends to the open sundecks. From here the guests can indulge in bird and game watching and experience the beauty of the ravine with the rippling sound of water far down in the valley.



Earthsong Lodge
Earthsong is situated on the lower escarpment.
This alluring five-star lodge evokes the romantic Africa of yesteryear. All 10 luxury suites, furnished in African Baroque style, have private sun decks with breathtaking views across the wetlands and vast open plains. Enchanting gardens provide a paradise of foliage and tranquility.
It is refreshingly alluring with its unique blend of utter luxury and true African wilderness, with views stretching beyond the lake to Hanglip Mountain and the rest of its range.

Rates
All rates are inclusive of Accomodation, full board (starting dinner day 1 - ending breakfast day of departure), transfers, gamedrives and activities according to itinerary.


Wildside Tented Camp

7 nights package
EUR 1,220.- pr. person sharing.
Single tent surcharge: EUR 480.-

4 nights package
EUR 810.- pr. person
Single tent surcharge: EUR 270,-

Ravineside lodge

7 nights package
EUR 1,280.- pr. person sharing
Single room surcharge: EUR 520.-

4 nights package
EUR 840.- pr. person sharing
Single room surcharge: EUR 300.-


Earthsong Lodge

7 nights package
EUR 1,595.- pr. person sharing
Single room surcharge: EUR 790.-

4 nights package
EUR 1035.- pr. person sharing
Single room surcharge: EUR 450.-



Marathon and half marathon package: EUR 120.-
Incuding: 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 Timingsystem.
If you don’t have a Champion Chip you must buy



Terms & Conditions:

Deposits & Payments:
$500 deposit required on confirmation of participation
Final payment:1 May 2008
 

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

Big Five Marathon Frequently Asked Questions

Big Five Marathon Article

Back to Running Tours Main Page

Big Five Marathon Package Registration

Contact us for more information on the Big Five Marathon