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International Tour Packages
The Big Five Marathon 2012
The Big Five Marathon is an exclusive event that combines a challenging marathon
experience with a classic African safari vacation. Situated in the Limpopo
province, the Entabeni Private Game Reserve provides the perfect setting for the
event. Within this 22,000 ha private game reserve, several accommodation
facilities are provided, varying from tented camps to luxurious lodges. For this
event we have the pleasure in offering 4 accommodation packages as described on the
Accommodation and Rates page. We offer 4 and 7 nights packages for the event.
The programme described below is for all participants regardless of the chosen
accommodation.
7 nights’ package
19th of June 2012: Arrival at Entabeni
All participants are transferred to the Entabeni Private Game Reserve from Johannesburg
International Airport where all tours start and end. Transfers will depart from
the Airport time 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. If the transfers doesn’t fit in
your travel plans it is possible to pay an extra surcharge for an individual
transfer to Entabeni.
After arriving and checking into the respective lodges the
participants can enjoy some sandwiches and snacks. For participants arriving on
the first two transfers (departure from Johannesburg International Airport at
10:00 & 12:00) today is the time for the first of several exciting game drives.
These drives will provide the opportunity to experience an authentic African
safari in serene surroundings. The Entabeni Private Game Reserve offers diverse
wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists, creating an ideal
wilderness atmosphere.
20th & 21st of June 2012: Entabeni Game Drives
Days two and three of the programme are dedicated to exploring the game reserve
through a daily game drive and a bush walk. During these days you will get
accustomed to the park’s geography, and climate, and you will slowly begin to
look forward to the big event: The Big Five Marathon®. During these two days
there is one daily game drive included in the programme, which will take place
either in the early morning or in the late afternoon. Also a bush walk is
included on day 3.
The early morning game drive typically takes place between
0600hrs and 0930hrs. During these early hours you will enjoy the cool African
morning, spot spectacular wildlife, and most probably work up an appetite. Upon
your return from morning safari you will be richly satisfied by the overwhelming
breakfast buffet that awaits you at the lodges!
The afternoon game drive begins
around 1600hrs, arriving back at the lodge in time for dinner around 1930hrs.
Similar to the morning game drive, the afternoon drive provides great wildlife
experiences. Moreover the afternoon drive offers you the opportunity to
experience a genuine African sunset in ideal settings: enjoying a cold drink on
the savannah, while admiring the changing colours of the darkening evening sky.
The afternoon drive then turns into a night safari, where you will get the
chance to spot the fascinating nocturnal wildlife with a spot light.
Over the
last few years the reserve’s wildlife has become increasingly accustomed to the
visiting tourists. It is therefore not uncommon to see elephants, giraffes and
different species of antelopes grazing in close proximity to the safari
vehicles. A pride of lions even occasionally holds up traffic, lying lazily
across the track. We use open 4x4 safari vehicles, which provide us with an
excellent opportunity for viewing the wildlife in safety.
As an alternative to
the game drives, the lodge offers "Bush Walks" that allows you to examine the
surroundings on foot in the company of an armed ranger with extensive tracking
experience. During the stay, the participants will have a number of park rangers
allocated: one for approximately every ten participants. The rangers ensure your
safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide competent guiding, coordinate the
events with the race management, and are at your disposal around the clock.
Furthermore a Tour Leader will be with the group from beginning to end assisting
in every need of the participants. Everything is done for you to have an
unforgettable experience.
22nd of June 2012: Route Inspection
After breakfast all the participants are transported from their respective
lodges to the starting point of the marathon. It is now time for the route
inspection: all safari vehicles follow the route in a convoy, allowing the
participants to examine the different running surfaces, note the locations of
water posts, and assess the overall difficulty of the route.
After the route
inspection a large buffet lunch will be served for all the participants. This is
the time where everyone is gathered – the participants, technical staff, medical
staff and race co-ordinators - for a formal introduction to the event, and a
presentation of the practical issues surrounding the marathon. There are no
scheduled game drives this day.
23rd of June 2012: The Big Five Marathon ®
The big day has come. Today you will be met by a challenge that will be worth
remembering: The Big Five Marathon®. In the morning all the participants will be
transported from the various lodges and camps to the starting line in time for
final preparations. The marathon is planned to start at 0800hrs, however the
exact time will be dependent on the location of the big five game – if too close
to where the route is going, the start will be postponed.
There are no scheduled
game drives this day.
24th of June 2012: After Marathon party
Today you will experience yet another fantastic game drive followed by our After
Marathon Party. There will be great food, live entertainment, prize ceremonies,
and partying under the African skies.
25th of June 2012: Entabeni
On the final day at the Entabeni Private Game Reserve you will have one last
game drive either in the morning or in the afternoon. Those interested will also
get the opportunity to stretch their legs on one final bush walk. In the evening
farewell dinners will be held at the respective lodges.
26th of June 2012: Depart for Johannesburg
Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport. Transfers will arrive the
airport time 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. As on arrival it is possible, for an
extra surcharge, to book an individual transfer to Johannesburg if the group
transfers aren’t suitable to your onward journey.
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4 nights’ package
21st of June 2012: Arrival at Entabeni
All participants are transferred to the Entabeni Private Game Reserve from Johannesburg
International Airport where all tours start and end. Transfers will depart from
the Airport time 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. If the transfers doesn’t fit in
your travel plans it is possible to pay an extra surcharge for an individual
transfer to Entabeni.
After arriving and checking into the respective lodges the
participants can enjoy some sandwiches and snacks. For participants arriving on
the first two transfers (departure from Johannesburg International Airport at
10:00 & 12:00) today is the time for the first of several exciting game drives.
These drives will provide the opportunity to experience an authentic African
safari in serene surroundings. The Entabeni Private Game Reserve offers diverse
wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists, creating an ideal
wilderness atmosphere.
During the stay, the participants will have a number of
park rangers allocated: one for approximately every ten participants. The
rangers ensure your safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide competent
guiding, coordinate the events with the race management, and are at your
disposal around the clock. Furthermore a Tour Leader will be with the group from
beginning to end assisting in every need of the participants. Everything is done
for you to have an unforgettable experience.
22nd of June 2012: Route Inspection
After breakfast all the participants are transported from their respective lodges to the
starting point of the marathon. It is now time for the route inspection: all
safari vehicles follow the route in a convoy, allowing the participants to
examine the different running surfaces, note the locations of water posts, and
assess the overall difficulty of the route.
After the route inspection a large
buffet lunch will be served for all the participants. This is the time where
everyone is gathered – the participants, technical staff, medical staff and race
co-ordinators - for a formal introduction to the event, and a presentation of
the practical issues surrounding the marathon. There are no scheduled game
drives this day.
23rd of June 2012: The Big Five Marathon ®
The big day has come. Today you will be met by a challenge that will be worth remembering: The
Big Five Marathon®. In the morning all the participants will be transported from
the various lodges and camps to the starting line in time for final
preparations. The marathon is planned to start at 0800hrs, however the exact
time will be dependent on the location of the big five game – if too close to
where the route is going, the start will be postponed.
There are no scheduled
game drives this day.
24th of June 2012: After Marathon party
Today you will experience yet another fantastic game drive followed by our After Marathon
Party. There will be great food, live entertainment, prize ceremonies, and
partying under the African skies.
25th of June 2012: Depart for Johannesburg
Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport. Transfers will arrive the airport time 12:00,
14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. As on arrival it is possible, for an extra surcharge, to
book an individual transfer to Johannesburg if the group transfers aren’t
suitable to your onward journey.
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