The Big Five Marathon - Wildlife Adventure & World-class Challenge in One!
by Landia Davies
Entabeni Game Reserve
The Entabeni Game Reserve is a privately owned wilderness area, hosting the Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) that the marathon is named after. The name Entabeni means "the place of the mountain" with the reserve covering over 22 000 hectares (85 sq mi) of untamed bushveld, ravines, savannahs, wetland areas and wooded hills. This diverse game park hosts more than 55 species of large mammals, 300 flower species, 50 kinds of grass, 140 tree species and over 300 species of birds, along with plenty of insects, reptiles and amphibians. Inhabitants include at least 15 antelope species, African pythons and Nile crocodiles!The Big Five Marathon Route
The Big Five Marathon follows a testing route through hills, valleys, ravines and gorges, as well as woodlands and open savannahs. Luckily it takes place in the southern hemisphere’s winter when the climate is a little more forgiving. The course starts on the upper escarpment passing the Entabeni Monolith and then runs into the steep and narrow Yellow Wood Valley and on to the lower plateau. Then it's through the valley on the lower plateau before going up through the valley again on a circular route. Back on the upper escarpment, the course runs through a small valley followed by a slight climb and descent into the last remote valley. The final leg is fairly difficult spanning halfway down the ridge, before climbing steeply towards the finish line.African Safari & Run in One
It’s time to put on your running shoes and head into the private Entabeni Game Reserve for an epic race through Big Five territory on 22 June this year. Don't let budget put you off - there are loads of affordable safari options in this part of South Africa. Budget travellers can enjoy this marathon challenge and take a wildlife adventure to Kruger Park and Big Five reserves nearby, at the same time.For budget safari options in the Kruger Park area, contact us at African Budget Safaris or browse our Kruger Safaris that won't break the bank.
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