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Yellow Wood Valley is the sole connection between the escarpment and the plateau below. The route takes you through the valley - please be aware of the many loose stones on this part of the route. On the lower plateau the route takes the runners round in a circuit (in "lion land"), before going up through the valley once again.
Back on the upper escarpment, the route home towards the finish line goes through "The Loop" where you run through a small valley on a circular route of about 6 km between the valleys' two rock faces. There is a slight climb and corresponding descent as you exit the valley. This is a beautiful isolated valley with rare cycads. If you come across rhino it is advised you to continue running (although quietly!). The running surface is reasonable.
You then run halfway down the ridge, which provides a wonderful view out over the Plateau's lake. The route climbs steeply the rest of the way towards your goal and the surface is fairly tough, consisting of hard uneven stony ground with plenty of large rocks and stones of all sizes. It pays to keep a careful watch on the ground as you climb towards your goal. With the finish line in sight you can now take it nice and easy.
NOTE: Rangers will take care of runners safety during the race. They will guard all the big animals and will remain close to runners at all times. If necessary a helicopter will be in the air to spot the the animals.
In order to secure your package to the Big Five Marathon a non-refundable deposit of AU$650 per person (twin share) or AU$850 per person (single room) is required.
Please note:
All rates are quoted in Australian Dollars and are on a per person basis.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Because of the limited space available at the lodges within the Entabeni Game Reserve, and due to the expected demand, we recommend you to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
big five Marathon
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| Wildside Camp |
Marathon Start |
 (luxury tent) |
AU$2350 |
AU$1630 |
AU$845 |
AU$475 |
| Ravineside Lodge |
Upper Escarpement |
(lodge) |
AU$2455 |
AU$1685 |
AU$915 |
AU$525 |
| Earthsong Lodge |
Lower Escarpement |
(lodge) |
AU$3009 |
AU$2025 |
AU$1385 |
AU$790 |
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| 7or 4 nights accommodation |
| Marathon Entry Fee |
| All meals |
| All Transfers |
| Games drives and activities |
| Finishers T-shirt, Medal and Certificate (runners only) |
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| If you do not own a ChampionChip please add AU$60 to the above packages. You can not race without a ChampionChip. |
| Non runners please deduct $210 from the above package |
Click here to see the complete itinerary
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 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 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 watch-ing and experience the beauty of the ravine with the rippling sound of water far down in the valley.
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.
Please note that an AU$55 Per Person surcharge will apply on all packages to
1) Australian Residents who do not purchase airfares through Travelling Fit.
2) All Non-Australian residents
The entry fee for the Big Five Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package you choose and cannot be purchased independently.
There are no qualifying times for the Big Five Marathon.
The Big Five Marathon starts at approximately 10.00am. The exact time will depend on the location of the lions, as they are often found at the foot of the Entabeni ridge, where the race is set to start... Good luck!
The Big Five Marathon must be completed in 7 hours
The Big Five Marathon will be accurately timed.
T-Shirts and Race information (including race numbers) will be handed out to you on inspection day.
There are no pace setters in this event.
There will be a drink station approximately every 4kms serving bottled water. Electrolyte drinks and bananas are served at selected drink stations.
Personal refreshments can be left at certain aid stations along the course. These must be clearly labelled with your name, race number and kilometre mark.
A change of clothes for after the marathon can be placed inside plastic bags provided at the start of the marathon. These bags will be transported to the finish line for you to collect.
For those staying at Lakeside Lodge, you will be transported to the race start. Those staying at Wildside Camp can sleep in as you are at the starting line BUT you will need to be transported back to your camp at the end of the run. NOTE: The run finishes at Lakeside Lodge.
All finishers will receive a t-shirt, certificate and a great medal that you will be proud of.
The average July temperature in Entabeni Game Reserve is between 18°C-23°C (64°F-73°F). The weather can vary from dry, sunny to cool all in the same day. Note that the evenings can get extremely cold and sometimes close to 0°C (32°F)
23km "Half" Marathon
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