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

Dune Desert Marathon. Run in the Desert

Merzouga , Morocco

22 February, 2026

(8)

Starting at 28 EUR

Egyptian Marathon

Luxor , Egypt

09 January, 2026

4.5

(10)

Starting at 80 EUR

Serengeti Safari Marathon

Tanzania

15 November, 2025

4.5

(6)

Starting at 18 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

International Peace Marathon of Kigali

Kigali , Rwanda

08 June, 2025

4.5

(3)

Starting at 28 EUR

Congo River Marathon

Kinshasa , Congo (Democratic Republic of the)

01 June, 2025

(5)

Starting at 9 EUR

Cape to Cairo - Arusha City Marathon

Arusha Region , Tanzania

01 June, 2025

Starting at 14 EUR

Banjul Marathon

Serrekunda , Gambia

27 April, 2025

(1)

Starting at 9 EUR

Show all

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!

Kenya Wildlife Marathon and Half-Marathon

(1)

Starting at 461 EUR

Serengeti Safari Marathon

4.5

(6)

Starting at 18 EUR

Banjul Marathon

(1)

Starting at 9 EUR

Serengeti Migration Marathon

(4)

Starting at 15 EUR

Kilimasai Marathon+safari

(2)

Starting at 57 EUR

Sao Tome Maratona

Starting at 45 EUR

Congo River Marathon

(5)

Starting at 9 EUR

Hobbit 90km Journey

Starting at 8 EUR

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?

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

Ndizihiwe

International Peace Marathon of Kigali, Reviewed 27 February, 2025

C'est très bien et je courir avec tout mes forces pour réduire les munite

Sunara

Egyptian Marathon, Reviewed 27 January, 2025

It is 4 loops of 10k but you don't feel it as the loops are long, they run by historic locations and there are are people cheering at every turn. The course is flat, you can attempt your PB here as th...

Moh.	Moh. Egyptian Marathon, Reviewed 14 January, 2025 What an AMAZING race experience.. It is my third time to join Luxor Marathon, and of course, will not be the last ensha'a Allah (God willing). Really It was AWESOME!! I wonder about the old reviews I... 08 January, 2025 - more