This sensational marathon has the ambition of running to raise awareness of the plight of the gorilla population as well as raising funds for conservation work, which has seen a welcome increase in the numbers of mountain gorillas in Uganda.
The race itinerary is based around the Source of the Nile, a spectacular region near the town of Jinja where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile River. The surrounding area is a mixture of forest and small farms and villages linked by red clay trails which will form the route of the marathon and half marathon.
After the race the tour options allow for a grand tour to see the rich variety of Uganda, including visiting a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, tree climing lions and probably the largest collection of hippo's in the world in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Race
We start right at the waters edge where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile - the river is already wider than the Thames in London at this point and descends in a series of rapids and small waterfalls through a rolling green tropical landscape.
After a short distance on a mixture of roads and trails as the route leaves Jinja we cross the Nile on a sturdy foot bridge and return a little further along over the hydro electric dam. From here we then go onto soft red clay trails through farms and fields until you reach the Nile Porch Resort where the 21.1km finishes.
The marathon then continues on trails past a number of schools which are being supported and refurbished by the charity Soft Power - who we are engaging to help with the event and raise funds for the project. You will be heading back towards Jinja where the route will rejoin that taken out of town at the 8km point and then continue on the 21km route back to Nile Porch.
The course is undulating in nature with no steep hills to climb. The start at the Source of the Nile is at 1,170mts above sea level, the high point of the race is 1,220mt and the low point 1,140mts.
There will also be a community 5km in support of Soft Power Education starting and finishing at the Nile Porch Resort for local children, Ugandan adults and supporters of those running the half or full marathons.
The routes are safe and the most dangerous possiblity is tripping over the lead teathering a goat to the verge - there are no crocs or hippo on this stretch of the Nile as the water is too fast.
Nile Porch is an adventure centre with a spectacular location overlooking the Nile rapids - there will be water and a BBQ buffet available for finishing runners to refuel and cold beer for those looking to celebrate their achievement.
The Climate & Health
Mid-May is the end of the rainy season. It is likely to be sunny most of the time but there is a chance of short heavy rains - usually lasting for 30mins to 1 hr when a lot of water will come down and the trails get very wet and sticky. But as soon the rain stops the sun will come back out and everything starts to dry out.
Because of the 1,200mt altitude it is not hot at this time of the year and you can expect temperatures in the mid-20C but the sun is very strong and you need high factor sun screen.
To avoid being in the strongest sunlight for too long the race will start at 7am.
Lake Victoria is a Malaria region and you should consult your doctor about precautions before travel. We are not qualified to give advice on vaccinations required and you should check with your doctor.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
OPTION 1: MARATHON PACKAGE - 3 NIGHTS JINJA
Day 1- 14th May 2010 ENTEBBE TO JINJA
Meet and assist at Entebbe Airport, Entebbe hotels or from Pearl of Africa Office in central Kampala before travelling on to Jinja and the Source of the Nile.
At the Source of the Nile we will enjoy a trip out to the springs that originally formed the Source of the Nile until the dam forced the water level to rise to the level of Lake Victoria. The springs can still be seen as they disturb the surface water. The boat trip will venture a short way out onto Lake Victoria before returning along the banks of the Nile where you can see many birds including Kingfisher and Fish Eagles and possibly monkeys in the trees.
Lunch open this day and you can fill the day with many activities - we will also take a short run through some of the local villages on the 5km fun run route from Nile Porch.
Dinner & overnight at the Nile Porch.
Activities available that can be paid direct in Jinja. Horseback Riding, Quad-Biking, Rafting, Canoeing, Bunjee Jumping, Fishing, etc.
Day 2- 15th May 2010 JINJA
Breakfast. Transfer to Nile Explorers to take a Family Float Trip on the Nile - the trip in inflatable 6 person craft will gently float down the Nile from the dam back to Nile Porch, occasionally paddling from one bank to the other to spot wildlife. It is also safe to jump from the raft at some of the calm sections for a refreshing dip in the Nile. Life vests and instruction will be provided.
Short run on part of the route.
Dinner (Pasta party). Nile Porch for Overnight.
Day 3 - 16th May 2010 JINJA
Breakfast at the lodge/hotel and participate in the Race. BBQ Lunch, Dinner and accommodation at Nile Porch.
Day 4- 17th May 2010 JINJA TO KAMPALA/ENTEBBE
The day will be at leisure before transfering back to Entebbe to Kampala or Entebbe.
Optional visit to Ngamba Island at a price of US$100.00
OPTION 2: MARATHON PACKAGE - 7 NIGHTS JINJA.
Day 1 - 12th May 2010 ENTEBBE TO JINJA
Meet and assist upon arrival from the British Airways flight from London and transfer to Mabira Forest via Kampala city. Lunch at Mabira Forest Lodge. Afternoon Forest Walk. Dinner and overnight at the very comfortable bungalos at (all with en suite facilities) Mabira Lodge.
If arriving on a day flight with KLM or Belgian Airlines you will arrive on 11th May 2010 and stay for the first night at Bomas or similar hotel before being collected to join the tour on Day 1.
Day 2 - 13th May 2010 JINJA
Breakfast, proceed with the Tour to the Source of the Nile with Boat-ride to the Speke Monument. Lunch Break. Evening Running session. Dinner & Overnight at the Nile Porch
Day 3 - 14th May 2010 JINJA
Breakfast, Free morning for Optional activities in Jinja. Lunch at the Lodge/Hotel. Afternoon participation in the Run session. Dinner and overnight at either Nile Porch
Day 4 - 15th May 2010 JINJA
Breakfast. Transfer to Nile Explorers to take a Family Float Trip on the Nile - the trip in inflatable 6 person craft will gently float down the Nile from the dam back to Nile Porch, occasionally paddling from one bank to the other to spot wildlife. It is also safe to jump from the raft at some of the calm sections for a refreshing dip in the Nile. Life vests and instruction will be provided.
Short run on part of the route.
Day 5 - 16th May 2010 JINJA
After breakfast, transfer to participate in the Race. Barbecue Lunch. Dinner and overnight at the Nile Porch.
Day 6 - 17th May 2010 JINJA
Free day for you to take your individual activities. All meals and overnight at the Nile Porch.
Day 7 - 18th May 2010 JINJA TO ENTEBBE
Breakfast, transfer to Entebbe via Kampala. Early Lunch. Afternoon visit to Ngamba Island. Dinner and overnight at either Bomas or Gately or transfer to the airport for the evening flight if returning on KLM or Belgian Airways.
Day 8 - 19th May 2010
After breakfast to transfer to the airport to arrive in time for your flight back to London.
OPTION 3: MARATHON & SAFARI PACKAGE - 3 NIGHTS JINJA & 7 NIGHTS SAFARI
Day 1 - 14th May 2010 ENTEBBE TO JINJA
Meet and assist upon arrival from the British Airways flight from London and transfer to Mabira Forest via Kampala city. Lunch at Mabira Forest Lodge. Afternoon Forest Walk. Dinner and overnight at therein.
If arriving on a day flight with KLM or Belgian Airlines you will arrive on 13th May 2010 and stay for the first night at Bomas or similar hotel before being collected to join the tour on Day 1.
At the Source of the Nile we will enjoy a trip out to the springs that originally formed the Source of the Nile until the dam forced the water level to rise to the level of Lake Victoria. The springs can still be seen as they disturb the surface water. The boat trip will venture a short way out onto Lake Victoria before returning along the banks of the Nile where you can see many birds including Kingfisher and Fish Eagles and possibly monkeys in the trees.
Lunch open this day and you can fill the day with many activities - we will also take a short run through some of the local villages on the 5km fun run route from Nile Porch.
Dinner & overnight at the Nile Porch.
Activities available that can be paid direct in Jinja. Horseback Riding, Quad-Biking, Rafting, Canoeing, Bunjee Jumping, Fishing, etc.
Day 2 - 15th May 2010 JINJABreakfast. Transfer to Nile Explorers to take a Family Float Trip on the Nile - the trip in inflatable 6 person craft will gently float down the Nile from the dam back to Nile Porch, occasionally paddling from one bank to the other to spot wildlife. It is also safe to jump from the raft at some of the calm sections for a refreshing dip in the Nile. Life vests and instruction will be provided.
Short run on part of the route.
Dinner (Pasta party). Nile Porch for Overnight.
Day 3 - 16th May 2010 JINJA
Breakfast, transfer to Participate in the Race. Barbecue Lunch. Nile Porch for Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 - 17th May 2010 JINJA TO LAKE MBURO National Park
At 0600hrs transfer to Lake Mburo National Park with a brief stop at the Equator. Lunch at Mihingo Lodge. Afternoon boat-ride on Lake Mburo. Short evening game-drive. Lake Mburu National Park has a semi-arid climate and abundant zebra and deer and if you are lucky you may get to see a leopard.
Day 5 - 18th May 2010 LAKE MBURO TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NP
This morning, follow the allocated Ranger-guide and take a morning safari-walk. Check-out of the lodge and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with Lunch en-route. Optional Community Walk if time permits. Dinner and overnight at Silverback, or Buhoma or Gorilla Resort Lodge.
Day 6 - 19th May 2010 BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NP
In the early morning, attend a pre-tracking briefing by the Head Ranger, get hold of your walking sticks together with you packed lunch and enter the Sanctuary to embark on your full day tracking activity.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and covers 331 square kilometers, making it one of the largest natural forests in East Africa. As part of the Albertine Rift Valley, the park is part of one of Africa's most important conservation areas and was declared a Natural World Heritage Site in December 1994. Since 2003 the Albertine rift valley has been declared a biodiversity hotspot that needs special attention to maintain conservation efforts.
The landscape here is rugged, with deep valleys running between steep sided hills and ridges. There is both lowland and montane rainforest with dense undergrowth of herbs, vines and shrubs, hence the name ...Impenetrable... This area is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse forest in Africa with the richest faunal community in East Africa.
This rich and varied landscape is home to many species found no-where else on earth and encompasses one of the last remaining habitats of mountain gorillas. More than half of the world's population of wild mountain gorilla is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approximately 325 of the remaining 690 or so individuals).
There are estimated to be 120 specifies of mammals (more than any other national park in Uganda except Queen Elizabeth). Among these are forest elephants and 10 species of primate, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and baboons and it is the only park where chimpanzees and gorillas co-exist together. A rare giant forest hog can also be found, although sightings are rare!
For bird watchers Bwindi is one of the most exciting areas in Uganda to visit with an estimated 360 species of birds, including 23 of the 24 endemic to the Albertine rift valley and another 14 species found nowhere else in Uganda, including the African Green Broadbill. The pristine rainforests of this park are also home to approximately 300 species of butterfly (including two endangered species of Swallowtails), 200 native tree species and many species of reptiles and amphibians (including one species of frog that may be new to science).
The rugged mountainous terrain makes gorilla trekking strenuous work and visitors should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking (good physical condition is a must). No-one with any sign of communicable disease will be allowed to trek. The three groups of gorilla habituated for trekking are the Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegula. Each group has approximately 15-20 individuals. A fourth family; Nukiringo, was opened for trekking in 2004, although access to this group is from Kisoro.
With great memories of the adventure, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 - 20th May 2010 BWINDI TO ISHASHA SECTOR OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NP
Last moments in the land of Mt. Gorillas, transfer to the Ishasha section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lunch at Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Evening game-drive in a bid to catch glimpse of the famous tree-climbing lions. Return to the Lodge for your Dinner and overnight Comfort.
Day 8 - 21st May 2010 ISHASHA SECTION TO MAIN SECTION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NP
Breakfast, check-out and take a game-drive as you transfer to the Mweya Peninsular section of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lunch at Mweya Lodge. Afternoon boat-ride on the approximately 30kms long Kazinga Channel - a waterway teeming with wildlife. Short evening-game. Dinner and overnight and Mweya Lodge.
Day 9 - 22nd May 2010 QUEEN ELIZABETH TO KIBALE FOREST NP
Early morning breakfast, game-drive as you exit Queen Elizabeth N.P. and transfer to Kibale Forest Nation Park where we hope to see chimps in the wild. Lunch in Kibale. Afternoon, Bigodi Swamp Walk. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge.
Day 10 -23rd May 2010 KIBALE FOREST NP TO ENTEBBE
Chimpanzee tracking this morning for an occasion to see 13 primates in the arguably Sub-Sahara's largest hardwood forest. KAFRED lunch. Take an approximately 6 hr ride to Entebbe. Overnight at the Boma or Gately-Entebbe, or transfer to the airport if departing on KLM or Belgian Airlines.
Day 11 - 24th May 2010 ENTEBBE
Early morning airport transfer to arrive in time for your onward flight back.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
