Run Wild: Lewa Safari Marathon
Led by Far & Wild founder Ben Morison, this trip pairs an incredible safari experience through Kenya's majestic Lewa Conservancy with the challenge of running the iconic Lewa Safari Marathon.
The Lewa Safari Marathon is an annual race held in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a protected area in northern Kenya renowned for its population of endangered black rhinos. Taking place along the dirt tracks and trails within the conservancy, the marathon winds its way past grazing zebra, giraffe, and antelope herds. Unlike regular city marathons, runners here have to occasionally dodge elephants or lions crossing the route! The event started in 2000 as a fundraiser to support Lewa's conservation efforts and community development projects in the region. Today it attracts over 1,000 local and international runners seeking a uniquely wildlife-filled African running experience while also raising funds for this important cause. The race has helped generate millions of dollars to protect Lewa's wildlife and ecosystems over the past two decades.
“One of the top ten races to run in your life” – Runner’s World
I created this trip - call me to create yours.
The itinerary…
Day 1: Thursday 27th June - Head for Nairobi
Nairobi
Head to your chosen airport for your direct flight to Nairobi. You will be met and assisted through the airport for a smooth transfer to the Tamarind Tree Hotel to stay for one night.
Day 2: Friday 28th June – Head for Lewa
Lewa wildlife
Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to Wilson Airport for our 09:00 flight to Nanyuki at the foot of Mount Kenya. This 35-minute flight offers great views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kenya's snowcapped peaks. On arrival in Nanyuki, around 10:00, our tour leader will brief us before introducing Stephen Kamar, a former international long-distance athlete with a marathon PB of 2:10. He will share expert tips on the Lewa course and answer any questions you may have about the race. Around noon we'll drive to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, home of the Lewa Marathon and a premier wildlife viewing area. We'll travel in 4x4 safari vehicles equipped for camping and off-roading. The scenic journey will take approximately 2.5 hours, taking us past Mount Kenya and down to Lewa. On arrival at about 2.30pm, we’ll complete race registration and collect race numbers and then settle down to a delicious meal around the campfire, and a good night's sleep.
Day 3: Saturday 29th June - Race Day
Lewa Safari Marathon
We'll rise early, around 6am, for a quick breakfast before heading to the 7am start line. As dawn breaks over the marathon campsite, we'll line up for the start of the scenic Lewa Safari Marathon. We'll run through the beautiful Lewa scenery, with rangers along the route ensuring runners' safety even if wildlife is spotted. With Mount Kenya as a backdrop, the world-class views are sure to inspire. After completing the race we'll pack up our camp and drive two hours to The Safari Series tented camp in the stunning Loldaiga Hills. We'll arrive in the afternoon with time to relax or optionally squeeze in a quick game drive. In the evening retire to our en-suite tents for a well-deserved rest.
Day 4: Sunday 30th June - Safari Life with Safari Series
Safari Series Camp
Today we will enjoy a full day of safari activities from our camp base. We’ll start by rising early to see the sunrise over Mount Kenya from the Loldiaga Hills. After admiring the glowing morning light on the iconic snowcapped peak, we'll head out on a game drive across the conservation area's lush savannah to spot wildlife like giraffes, elephants, lions, endangered wild dogs, rhinos, buffalo, and antelope. Around mid-morning, we'll stop for "brunch in the bush," dining outdoors surrounded by nature. Then, we'll continue our game drive until sunset, when we'll sip cocktails while listening to the wilderness sounds awaken for the evening under colourful skies - a perfect end to an incredible safari day.
Day 5: Monday 1st July - Morning Game Drive
Safari Series
After a final morning game drive and hearty lunch at The Safari Series, we'll bid farewell to our hosts and board our 4x4s to return to Nairobi, reminiscing on our adventure-filled long weekend.
Back in the capital, we'll celebrate our Lewa Marathon with a final dinner together. Then it's off to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch our overnight flights home on British Airways.
Day 6 - Tuesday 2nd July: Overnight flight
Land in the UK in the morning, and either head home or go straight into the office and look forward to a colleague asking you ‘How was your weekend… do anything interesting?’
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Kenya, Africa
Price: £1965pp
From £1,965 pp based on two people sharing, excluding international flights.
The trip includes all accommodations and activities specified above. Rooms and meals as below:
- 1 night at Tamarind Hotel, Nairobi – full board
- 1 night at Lewa Conservancy Private Camp, all meals included
- 2 nights at The Safari Series, Laikipia - full board
Also includes:
VIP airside meet and greet in Nairobi.All accommodation, meals and activities as stated.
Internal flight with Safarilink Nairobi to Nanyuki.
All national park and conservancy fees.
AMREF Flying doctors cover
This trip excludes:
International flights to Kenya (budget +/- £700pp from the UK / Europe)
Race registration fee £150pp
TUSK TRUST
The race is a joint venture between Lewa and the UK conservation charity
TUSK whose patron is HRH Prince William, and all competitors are
expected to raise £1750 in sponsorship.
For full details see; www.tusk.org/our-events/lewa-safari-marathon
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.