Course Map
About this Race
The Big Five Marathon is one of the most unusual races in the world, run through an unfenced South African game reserve where lions, elephants, and other wildlife roam freely alongside the rugged bush course. The rough terrain, the heat, and the genuine wildness make it a true safari adventure rather than a fast race, with rangers on watch throughout. Held in the dry season, it offers challenging conditions amid spectacular savanna scenery. The wildlife and wilderness are the reward. It suits adventurous runners who want a once-in-a-lifetime safari race and embrace the wild over the clock.
Course Insight
The Big Five marathon is run on an African game reserve among wild animals, with rangers on hand and the real possibility of wildlife on the course, over bush trails in heat. Forget a road-course time and pace by effort over rough terrain in warm conditions. The safari setting is utterly unique. The wildness is the whole experience. Run within yourself and the adventure becomes the achievement.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (936m), tough late hills, meaningful altitude.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 936m
- Elevation loss
- 934m
- Highest point
- 1605m
- Lowest point
- 1158m
- Net elevation
- +2m
- Start
- Runs through the private Entabeni game reserve in Limpopo Province.
Race History
The Big Five Marathon was first held around 2005, one of the most unusual races in the world, run through an unfenced South African game reserve where wildlife roams freely alongside the rugged bush course. Its rough terrain, heat, and genuine wildness made it a true safari adventure with rangers on watch. From its founding it became a once-in-a-lifetime event. Held in the dry season, it draws adventurous runners to the savanna.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- O.R. Tambo Johannesburg (JNB)
- Best area to stay
- The in-reserve game lodges for the full safari-race experience, nearby bush lodges for value options, and Johannesburg for a city base before the drive out.
- Getting to the start
- The organisers move runners within the reserve to the start by official game vehicles; board those, as you can't travel through the reserve alone.