What’s So Great About Marathons In Africa? What Isn’t?!

If you are looking for your next destination marathon or looking to run your first, Africa is one of the most spectacular countries to find inspiration. From jungle to desert terrain, there are hidden treasures abound.
An escape from the everyday, the scenery of the African countryside is unimaginable. Many places completely devoid of modernity, you will experience sites you never even dreamed.
Regardless if you are a novice runner or a marathon diehard, with so many marathons in Afric ... Continue Reading

Serengeti Safari Marathon

Tanzania

15 November, 2025

4.5

(6)

Starting at 19 EUR

Oyster Catcher Trail Run

Boggoms Bay , South Africa

10-12 October, 2025

Starting at 196 EUR

Serengeti Migration Marathon

Mugumu , Tanzania

30-31 August, 2025

(4)

Starting at 15 EUR

Southern Cross 3-Day Trailrun

Wilderness , South Africa

08-10 August, 2025

Starting at 27 EUR

Kilimasai Marathon+safari

Arusha , Tanzania

27 July, 2025

(2)

Starting at 57 EUR

Sao Tome Maratona

Sao Joao dos Angolares , Sao Tome and Principe

29 June, 2025

Starting at 45 EUR

Congo River Marathon

Kinshasa , Congo (Democratic Republic of the)

01 June, 2025

(5)

Starting at 10 EUR

Banjul Marathon

Serrekunda , Gambia

27 April, 2025

(1)

Starting at 10 EUR

eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon

Durban , South Africa

02 March, 2025

Starting at 5 EUR

Dune Marathon. Run in the Desert

Merzouga , Morocco

16 February, 2025

(8)

Starting at 28 EUR

International Marathon of Marrakech

Marrakesh , Morocco

26 January, 2025

3.5

(9)

Starting at 50 EUR

Egyptian Marathon

Luxor , Egypt

10 January, 2025

4.5

(4)

Starting at 80 EUR

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Things To Think About

If you are going to run in a hilly marathon, you will have to consider how the altitude will affect your running abilities

Consider bringing some energy snacks, just in case they aren’t readily available

Make sure that you have the basics of first aid like Motrin and blister band-aids for post-marathon soreness

Since there are many remote areas that you might want to travel to, renting a car might be a good idea

If you are traveling to Africa for a marathon, plan to do other things while there. Booking ahead will ensure that you don’t miss out

Marathons in Africa 2025, which one will inspire you?

For the athlete looking to run alongside the most exotic creatures ever witnessed, the Serengeti Marathon courses through the Serengeti National Park. Or, try your hand at the Victoria Falls Marathon that takes place in Zimbabwe, Zambia. Running through the Zambezi National Park, participants get scenic waterfall views abound. For the beachcomber, the Mauritius Marathon has been termed one of the most beautiful marathons in the world. The race runs through blue lagoons on both sides and Creolan Villages that are nearly untouched, as if frozen in time. For flat and fast runners, there is a gold-label race, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. The runner who is looking for a little more challenging course than the flat and fast will find what they desire running the Rift Marathon. The trail of the Rift Marathon goes through the UNESCO World Heritage Ruwenzori Mountains. Excellent not just for the mountain backdrop, the marathon is held to support a great cause.

The proceeds from the marathon go to local charities that work with disabled children. Whatever it is that motivates you to hit the pavement running will definitely be enhanced by the abundance of spectacular uniqueness that can be found in Africa. With so many marathons in Africa 2025 to choose from, what are you waiting for? Register and get training today!

Good to Know

Bring along an adapter to charge your appliances

Overseas travelers will require specific documentation to enter Africa. Make sure that you have everything you need for entrance to go smoothly

Try to stick to tourist areas after dark

You will need certain vaccinations to keep yourself safe when traveling to Africa. Consult your physician to ensure that yours are up to date ahead of time

You don’t need to worry about the internet; it is accessible in most cities around Africa

Which races are you running this year?

Create your own bucketlist and get notified when tickets are available

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What runners are saying about What’s So Great About Marathons In Africa? What Isn’t?!

Gwen	Gwen Kilimasai Marathon+safari, Reviewed 02 September, 2024 Best running experience plus a total cultural immersion. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone looking for an amazing experience! Great support, activities, food and company! 31 July, 2024 Half marathon more

César

Serengeti Migration Marathon, Reviewed 23 August, 2024

An unforgettable Marathon experience at Serengeti along wildlife like elephants and giraffes Participating in the marathon organized by Setco College near the Serengeti Park in Tanzania was nothing s... An unforgettable Marathon experience at Serengeti along wildlife like elephants and giraffes Participating in the marathon organized by Setco College near the Serengeti Park in Tanzania was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of two days, my friends and I who came all the way from Belgium, had a beautiful challenge that was deeply rewarding. The event kicked off with a half marathon in Mugumu just as the sun began to rise. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and good energy. The second day was even more unique, as we were up before dawn to travel by bus to the Ikoma Gate, where we started our 12km run at sunrise. Running among the majestic wildlife—zebras, elephants, giraffes—was a surreal experience that will forever be etched in my memory. The organization, led by Samuel and the Setco College team, did a really good job. Every detail, from the beautifully designed running shirts and medals to providing water, snacks, and even lunch. The price for such a well-organized event was also really reasonable, making it accessible to a wide range of participants. What made this marathon even more special was the cause behind it. All proceeds were dedicated to fight poaching in the Serengeti park and providing meals in schools. This way you help protecting wildlife in the Serengeti Park and feed children, making every step we took feel purposeful. The people we met were incredibly open and friendly, adding to the warmth and joy of the experience. To top it all off, one of our group members finished in the top three and received a significant cash prize:). If you find yourself in Tanzania during this period, I highly recommend participating in this marathon. It’s a rare opportunity to run literally among the wild animals of the Serengeti, contribute to wildlife conservation, and take home some very cool, well-designed gadgets. A huge thank you to Samuel and the entire Setco College team for organizing such a unique and unforgettable experience!

Jules

Congo River Marathon , Reviewed 17 June, 2024

Pour ma 4ème participation à l'évènement, j'ai été particulièrement content de cette édition. Le fait de voir les athlètes passer plusieurs fois devant nous, a été une nouveauté intéressante. Hâte de ...

Armel

Congo River Marathon , Reviewed 17 June, 2024

En résumé, malgré ces quelques aspects négatifs, le semi-marathon du 1 juin 2024 a globalement été une expérience enrichissante et inspirante pour la plupart des participants, qui garderont certaineme...

Ex: NSASHI Armel (BIB: 2185) L'expérience sur mon événement du semi-marathon du 1 juin 2024 ! Du Côté positif : L'événement du semi-marathon qui s'est déroulé le 1 juin 2024 a été une expérience exceptionnelle pour de nombreux participants. La météo était clémente, les coureurs étaient bien préparés et motivés, et l'ambiance était électrique avec les nationaux et les internationaux. Les bénévoles et les organisateurs ont fait un excellent travail pour assurer le bon déroulement de la course, en fournissant un soutien logistique et en veillant à la sécurité des participants. De plus, les paysages pittoresques et le parcours bien pensé ont permis aux coureurs de profiter pleinement de la course. Les coureurs ont repoussé leurs limites, se sont encouragés mutuellement et ont célébré leurs réalisations à la ligne d'arrivée. Personnellement je dois avouer que les internationaux (les Italiens, les Canadians, les États-Unien, les Britanniques, les Chinois, etc....) sont vraiment résistants, ils m'ont bleu fait !! Raffles tous les 10 premiers sur la ligne d'arrivée chez les Hommes et Femmes, Waouh. Beaucoup ont ressenti un sentiment de fierté et d'accomplissement en franchissant la ligne d'arrivée après avoir parcouru une telle distance. L'événement a également permis de promouvoir un mode de vie sain et actif, inspirant ainsi de nombreuses personnes à se lancer dans la course à pied et à adopter de saines habitudes de vie. Côté négatif : Cependant, malgré tous les aspects positifs de l'événement, quelques points négatifs ont également été notés. Certains coureurs ont signalé des problèmes d'organisation, tels que des retards au départ et la livraison du médaille pour tous les coureurs (être servi quelques jours après l'événement) , des points de ravitaillement insuffisants ou mal approvisionnés, ou des erreurs dans la signalisation du parcours. Ces problèmes logistiques ont pu affecter l'expérience de certains participants et ternir légèrement l'image de l'événement. De plus, quelques coureurs ont exprimé leur déception quant aux retards des médailles ou des récompenses remises aux finishers, estimant qu'elles ne reflétaient pas l'effort et l'engagement fournis pour terminer la course. Certains participants ont également regretté le manque de soutien et d'encouragement sur certaines portions du parcours, ce qui a pu rendre la course plus difficile pour nous.