21 JUN 2014: BIG FIVE MARATHON - SOUTH AFRICA
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Big 5 - 5 |
The Big Five Marathon is an exclusive event that 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 accommodation facilities are provided, varying from tented camps to luxurious lodges.
For this event we have the pleasure in offering 4 accommodation packages as described on the Hotel page.
We offer 5 and 7 nights packages for the event.
There are two excellent options for the Big Five Marathon of 5 or 7-night duration into a choice of 5 hotels or camps. Y
ou can add-on further travel in South Africa by letting us know the return date that you require for the flight out of Johannesburg.
Flights: Book your own flights to Johannesburg.
7-NIGHT PACKAGE
17 June 2013: Depart UK
Depart from the UK on your own choice of flights
18 June 2013: Arrival at Entabeni
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport (also known as OR Tambo). All participants are transferred on set transfer times from the airport to Entabeni Safari Conservancy.
Transfer DEPARTURE times from the airport are: 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00.
If any of the above transfers doesn't fit in your travel plans it is possible to book an individual transfer at an extra surcharge.
Upon arrival to Entabeni you will meet you tour leader and be checked in at your respective lodge/camp. Participants arriving on one of the first three transfers (departure from Johannesburg International Airport at 08:30, 10:00 & 12:00) will have the possibility to go on the first of several exciting game drives. The game drives will provide the opportunity to experience an authentic African safari in serene surroundings. The Entabeni Safari Conservancy offers diverse wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists, creating an ideal wilderness atmosphere.
19 and 20 June 2013: Entabeni Game Drives
Day two and three of your stay in Entabeni are dedicated to exploring the game reserve through a daily game drive. During these days we will get accustomed to the park's geography, and climate, and we can slowly start preparing ourselves for Saturday's exciting event: The Big Five Marathon®.
The daily game drive is included in the itinerary and will take place either in the early morning or in the late afternoon. A bush walk with an experienced armed ranger is also included on the third day, giving us a chance to get really close to the African nature and wildlife.
Additional game drives and bush walks can be purchased on spot. Alternatively some of your free time can also be used for shorter runs outside the Safari Conservancy - the tour leader will help organize the runs on spot.
Early morning game drives typically takes place between 06:00 and 09:30. During these early hours we will experience the cool African morning, spot spectacular wildlife, and most probably work up an appetite. Once back from the morning safari we will be richly satisfied by the overwhelming breakfast buffet that awaits us at our lodge/camp.
The afternoon game drive begins around 16:00 arriving back at the lodge in time for dinner around 19:30. Similar to the morning game drive, the afternoon drive provides great wildlife experiences. Moreover the afternoon drive offers 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 we will get the chance to spot the fascinating nocturnal wildlife with a spot light.
PLEASE NOTE: June is winter time in South Africa and while the temperature often rise to 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius at night time is not unusual!
Especially the large drop from day to night time temperature makes the evenings and mornings feel extremely cold. It is therefore essential to bring a winter jacket, warm hat and gloves when going on game drives!
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.
During our stay we will have a number of park rangers allocated: one for approximately every ten participants. The rangers ensure our safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide competent guiding, coordinate the events with the race management, and are at our disposal around the clock. Furthermore a Tour Leader will be with the group from beginning to end assisting with every need of the participants.
21 June 2013: Route Inspection
After breakfast all the participants are transported from their respective lodges/camp 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 buffet lunch will be served for all the participants. This is the time where everyone is gathered - the participants, race officials, medical staff and rangers - for a formal introduction to the event, and a presentation of the practical issues surrounding the marathon. There are no scheduled game drives this day.
22 June 2013: The Big Five Marathon®
The big day has come. Today you will be met by a challenge that will be worth remembering: The 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 08:00, but delays must be expected, as the exact start time will be dependent on the location of the big five game - if too close to the route, the start will be postponed.
There are no scheduled game drives this day.
23 June 2013: After Marathon party
Today we have time to relax after running on the African savannah. Additional game drives and excursions can be purchased and in the afternoon we will experience yet another fantastic game drive followed by our After Marathon Party. There will be great food, live entertainment, prize ceremonies, a big bonfire and partying under the African skies.
Please be aware that the party takes place in a traditional South African boma with open roof and large open doorways. It is therefore advisable to dress warm! For the same reason there's no dress code and casual clothing is recommended.
24 June 2013: Entabeni
On the final day at the Entabeni Private Game Reserve we 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/camp.
25 June 2013: Depart for Johannesburg
Our week at Entabeni Safari Conservancy has come to an end and it's time to head back to Johannesburg. As upon arrival all participants are transferred from Entabeni to Johannesburg International Airport.
Transfer ARRIVAL times at the airport are 08:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00.
As on arrival it is possible, for an extra surcharge, to book an individual transfer to Johannesburg if the group transfers don't fit your onward journey.
5 NIGHT PACKAGE
19 June 2013: Depart UK
Depart from UK on your own choice of flights.
20 June 2013: Arrival at Entabeni
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport (also known as OR Tambo). All participants are transferred on set transfer times from the airport to Entabeni Safari Conservancy.
Transfer DEPARTURE times from the airport are: 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00.
If any of the above transfers doesn't fit in your travel plans it is possible to book an individual transfer at an extra surcharge.
Upon arrival to Entabeni you will meet you tour leader and be checked in at your respective lodge/camp. Participants arriving on one of the first three transfers (departure from Johannesburg International Airport at 08:30, 10:00 & 12:00) will have the possibility to go on the first of a number of exciting game drives.
The afternoon game drive begins around 16:00 arriving back at the lodge in time for dinner around 19:30. Similar to a morning game drive, the afternoon drive provides great wildlife experiences. Moreover the afternoon drive offers 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 we will get the chance to spot the fascinating nocturnal wildlife with a spot light.
PLEASE NOTE: June is winter time in South Africa and while the temperature often rise to 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius at night time is not unusual!
Especially the large drop from day to night time temperature makes the evenings and mornings feel extremely cold. It is therefore essential to bring a winter jacket, warm hat and gloves when going on game drives!
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.
During our stay we will have a number of park rangers allocated: one for approximately every ten participants. The rangers ensure our safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide competent guiding, coordinate the events with the race management, and are at our disposal around the clock. Furthermore a Tour Leader will be with the group from beginning to end assisting with every need of the participants.
21 June 2013: Route Inspection
After breakfast all the participants are transported from their respective lodges/camp 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 buffet lunch will be served for all the participants. This is the time where everyone is gathered - the participants, race officials, medical staff and rangers - for a formal introduction to the event, and a presentation of the practical issues surrounding the marathon. There are no scheduled game drives this day.
22 June 2013: The Big Five Marathon ®
The big day has come. Today you will be met by a challenge that will be worth remembering: The 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 08:00, but delays must be expected, as the exact start time will be dependent on the location of the big five game - if too close to the route, the start will be postponed.
There are no scheduled game drives this day.
23 June 2013: After Marathon party
Today we have time to relax after running on the African savannah. Additional game drives and excursions can be purchased and in the afternoon we will experience yet another fantastic game drive followed by our After Marathon Party. There will be great food, live entertainment, prize ceremonies, a big bonfire and partying under the African skies.
Please be aware that the party takes place in a traditional South African boma with open roof and large open doorways. It is therefore advisable to dress warm! For the same reason there's no dress code and casual clothing is recommended.
24 June 2013: Entabeni
On the final day at the Entabeni Private Game Reserve we have one last game drive in the morning.
Early morning game drives typically takes place between 06:00 and 09:30. During these early hours we will experience the cool African morning, spot spectacular wildlife, and most probably work up an appetite. Once back from the morning safari we will be richly satisfied by the overwhelming breakfast buffet that awaits us at our lodge/camp.
A bush walk with an experienced armed ranger is also included today, giving us a chance to get really close to the African nature and wildlife.
In the evening farewell dinners will be held at the respective lodges/camp.
25 June 2013: Depart for Johannesburg
Our days at Entabeni Safari Conservancy has come to an end and it's time to head back to Johannesburg. As upon arrival all participants are transferred from Entabeni to Johannesburg International Airport.
Transfer ARRIVAL times at the airport are 08:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00.
ACCOMMODATION
There is a selection of Hotels and camps available - please note that the Wildside camp sells out quickly.
LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI HOTEL*****
The Legend Golf & Safari Resort is located just outside the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, but with easy access to the game park as the Golf Resort borders right up to the Lower Escarpment Gate.
Participants staying at the Golf Resort can of course purchase the green fee upon arrival if they wish to play golf before or after the marathon.
About Legend Golf & Safari Resort
Fresh from being hailed Africa's Leading Sports Resort and South Africa's Leading Golf Resort at the 2010 World Travel Awards, Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts' flagship property has scooped yet another prestigious global award. Legend Golf & Safari Resort's world first Signature Golf Course has been named the Best Golf Course in Africa at the World Property Awards in association with Bloomberg.
It's located just outside Entabeni Safari Conservancy and you live close to all the African wildlife including the big 5.
The drive from the Golf Resort to Lakeside Lodge (start and finish of the race and route inspection as well as the venue for the celebration dinner) is approximately 75 minutes going through the game park. All transportation is done in open safari jeeps, so participants at the Golf Resort will get a minor game drive going to and from Lakeside Lodge in addition to the game drives already planned in their itinerary.
Legend Golf & Safari Resort consists of small houses each containing three or four individual bedrooms linked by walkways.
While the big 5 is only within the safari conservancy the property of Legend Golf & Safari Resort still enjoys daily visits from impala, zebra, wildebeest and other peaceful animals grazing on the golf course and the lawns in front of the rooms.
About the rooms
The rooms offer accommodation of unmatched, timeless elegance dedicated to relaxation and reflecting the African wilderness.
Panoramic views are enjoyed through large picture windows while glass sliding doors lead onto a secluded outdoor patio. The bedrooms are generously proportioned , measuring approximately 36.21 m², and extremely well appointed with en suite bathrooms.
WILDSIDE TENDED CAMP
A real African Bush camp. The tents are big and include a bathroom ensuite. The tents are lifted from the ground on a wooden terrace and furnished with double or twin beds, chairs, a 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.
LAKESIDE LODGE
Lakeside Lodge is situated on the banks of Entabeni Lake on the upper escarpment. The location is only a few meters away from the start and finish line of the marathon and half marathon.
All rooms are elegantly furnished and are linked with thatched walkways to the Reception, Restaurant, Conference rooms and Boma areas.
HANGLIP MOUNTAIN LODGE - 5-STAR -
Hanglip Mountain Lodge is a 5-star lodge located on the lower escarpment of Entabeni Game Reserve. This alluring five-star lodge evokes the romantic Africa of yesteryear.
All 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.
The Lodge is the furthest from the race start and finish of the hotels within the game park but is more than compensated for by the superb facilities of the Lodge.
Book this Holiday - Secure Booking System
Prices Per Person |
Twin |
Single |
7-Night Package | ||
Legend Golf & Safari Resort | ||
Wildside Camp | ||
Ravineside Lodge | ||
Lakeside Lodge | ||
Haglip Mountain Lodge | ||
5-Night Package | ||
Legend Golf & Safari Resort | ||
Wildside Camp | ||
Ravineside Lodge | ||
Lakeside Lodge | ||
Haglip Mountain Lodge | ||
Deposit (per person) |
£400 |
£400 |
Race entry fee (Mar/Half/10km)* |
£160 | |
Timing Chip |
£30 |
*Note: There is no entry package only option - all race entries are dependent on booking a travel package.
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