7-Day Tanzania Great Serengeti Safari Marathon Tour

7-day/6-night classic Tanzania safari with a twist: Let’s run the Serengeti Safari Marathon!

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Group Size

Min 6-Max 12

Min Age

18+

Start/End

Kilimanjaro-Arusha/Seronera Airport

Classic Tanzania Safari with a twist: Serengeti Safari Marathon Tour!

We are extremely excited and proud to announce this fabulous itinerary to Tanzania, a country that is nothing short of amazing! We will take you on a journey where you’ll witness a spectacular landscape of diversity and nature at its finest.

We’ll go on Big 5 game drives in the incredible Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, visit the diverse Tarangire National Park with its Baobab trees, large population of elephants, antelopes, lions, many bird species among others, and of course we will run the Serengeti Safari 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon! Note: Secure your participation in advance, as spots for the race are extremely limited!

The Serengeti Safari Marathon attracts runners and spectators from all parts of East Africa and now all over the world. International and local tourists are offered an exceptional platform to experience the amazing nature and numerous attractions of Tanzania.

Another remarkable aspects is that a majority of animals give birth to their young at this time of year. Impala, warthogs, hartebeest, and various other animals are already nursing their young by early November.  One often feels a sense of joy when observing these new inhabitants of the earth, and you might even have the exciting opportunity to witness a live birth!

Trip Highlights

  • Visit the most spectacular game park on the planet for 3 nights: the Serengeti National Park, home to by far the richest wildlife population in Africa.
  • Game drive in Tarangire National Park.
  • A natural wonder: Ngorongoro Crater inhabited by rhinos and hippos.
  • Serengeti Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Executive Run or 5K Fun Run, the event in East Africa where you can feel the slipstream of African elite athletes in Serengeti National Park!

 

Do you feel daunted because you’re not an extreme athlete? Fear not. 

This trip is not all about fitness, nor it’s a training camp to run away from chasing lions (!), we promise! Don’t miss out on running amidst the wildlife in the Serengeti National Park, where the armed park-rangers will ensure the safety of participants and animals.

Whether you are an experienced runner or a first-timer, this is a bucket list event not to be missed to raise awareness for wildlife conservation!

Moreover, your participation in the race will help fundraise for a local NGO which directly assists rural communities, primarily children, through enhancing education, improving health awareness, increasing knowledge of environmental conservation and upholding the traditions and culture of people within the region.

What better way to motivate yourself to exercise regularly and get to know Tanzania’s enthusiasm for sports?

JOIN US IN TANZANIA!

So we’ve built this unique itinerary around THE only sports event that starts in Serengeti National Park, which is open for all who dare and care.

Let’s do something good together!

Secure your spot now, as the spots for the race is extremely limited!

This is your chance to tick off that bucket list trip, one that you’ll never forget! The wonders of Tanzania await!

 

Optional extensions:

7-Day Best of Zanzibar Island Tour*

4-Day Mount Meru Climb

7-Day Exclusive Kenya Wildlife and Cultural Safari

*  You can also opt for the first 2 nights/3 days of our unique Zanzibar itinerary.

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • 6 nights of accommodation
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 6 Dinners (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
  • All in country transport according to the itinerary
  • Game drives in a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
  • All entrance fees according to the itinerary
  • Unlimited game drives in Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater game drive
  • Game drive in Tarangire National Park
  • Local English speaking guide and driver throughout the trip
  • Pre-departure information pack
  • German and Turkish language support
  • Bottled water in safari vehicle
  • Flying Doctors Services Insurance in Tanzania
  • Guaranteed window seat (max 6 in a safari vehicle)
  • Donations to local NGOs
  • Registration for the race through MAHO on Earth
  • Delivery of your race kit
  • Airfares
  • Tanzanian visa fee
  • Medications, vaccinations, personal expenses
  • Travel/health insurance (recommended)
  • Tips for local guides
  • Optional activities and anything else not specified as included in the itinerary
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Meals other than specified
  • Race entry fee into the event of your choice (5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon)

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival in Arusha

Karibu Tanzania!

You'll be picked up from Arusha (ARK/JRO) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and transferred to the town of Arusha, where your fantastic Tanzanian running and Big Five safari adventure starts.

Please note: If you are joining our week-long Kenya safari as well, you'll be met at the Namanga border instead. 

Depending on your arrival time, we might have time for a bit of sightseeing to explore the town, or you may want to relax by the pool, enjoy a cocktail at the bar and get to know your fellow travellers before we meet for a welcome dinner at our lovely eco lodge set on a hillside offering stunning mountain views.

  • Included meals: Dinner (D)
  • Accommodation: Lodge (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Airport or Kenya (Namanga) border pick-up

Note: Should you wish to arrive earlier and extend your stay, please get in touch with us.

 

Day 02 Safari in Tarangire National Park

Today after breakfast, we will head to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2 hours away) for our first game drive in Tanzania.

Apart from up-close encounters with majestic elephants, Tarangire National Park with its diverse landscapes, including the iconic baobab trees, provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

We will have a picnic lunch in the park, where we will spend the most of the day before heading to our lodge in the late afternoon with a breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara ahead.

Enjoy a sunset drink by the infinity pool, and a perfect meal under the stary night before going to bed after a fabulous day in the wild.

  • Included meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Permanent tented camp with proper beds (shared facilities)
  • Included activities: Game drive in Tarangire National Park

 

Day 03 Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

This morning after breakfast, we will head toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area and drive down into Ngorongoro Crater floor for a game drive like no other.

A visit to Tanzania is not complete without experiencing the incredible beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater. The volcanic landscape is rich and fertile and attracts thousands of grazing animals and their predators. We'll visit the crater floor in search of Big 5 and abundant wildlife for 4-5 hours (max time on the crater floor is limited by the authorities).

We will have a picnic lunch in the park, where we will spend the most of the day before heading to our lodge only a few hundred meters away from the Ngorongoro crater rim in a great location facing the dense forest. Wildlife frequently visit the lodge. Dinner will be taken at the lodge, buffet style.

  • Included meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Lodge (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

 

Day 04 Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, we will depart for the Serengeti National Park, driving through the stunning scenery of the Ngorongoro Highlands.

The game viewing in Serengeti begins long before entering this world class reserve!

We will enjoy a game drive in the park for the rest of the day before checking into our tented camp in the heart of the national park.

  • Included meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Tented safari camp with proper beds (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Game drive in Serengeti

 

Day 05 Central Serengeti

Today is all about animals. We'll spend full day from sunrise to sunset on game drives in Serengeti to see the Big 5 and other countless species while we cover further parts of the Serengeti plains, the world's best game park.

The Serengeti is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard), and our safari guide will be doing his best to ensure you see all of these magnificent animals.

We will have lunch at one of the picnic sites in the park. Before sunset, we will proceed to our luxury tented camp for a sundowner and dinner by the pool in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti to minimize the distance to the marathon starting point and maximize the creature comforts before the big day tomorrow!

  • Included meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Tented safari camp with proper beds (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Game drives in Serengeti

 

Day 06 Serengeti Safari Marathon Race Day

Today is the day to participate in the only marathon that starts in Serengeti National Park: Serengeti Safari Marathon (SSM).

We will raise early to get to the start line (ca. 30 km/ +/- 1h). Starting point for all categories is located inside Serengeti National Park along the road from Seronera to Ndabaka Gate, which lies at around 1150 m altitude. The races will combine both gravel and tarmac terrains with different routes each one with the first 8-10 km conducted inside the Serengeti National Park. Outside the park, the road is tarmac. All races are running towards the shores of Lake Victoria with finish line at Ndabaka Gate.

Enjoy the unique experience of running amidst the wildlife of the Serengeti! With a bit of luck, you may see some Wildebeest or Zebra’s cross the road. It is very unlikely to encounter lions, leopards or cheetah in this far-western section of the park at this time of the year, but rangers will be present to safeguard all beings involved.

After the marathon, we will drive back to our fabulous lodge in Serengeti where you will have time to relax before dinner. How about a massage given on the balcony of your tent to soothe your muscles?

  • Included meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Tented safari camp with proper beds (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Serengeti Safari Marathon transfers

Please note: Non-runners may join the event as spectators or opt for a chill day at the lodge to enjoy the facilities and the views to the fullest, take an optional hot air balloon ride, or a boat ride on Lake Victoria etc. Today, fun for all is guaranteed. 

Day 07 Departure

After breakfast, we will do one last sunrise game drive on our way to Seronera airstrip. Those continuing to Zanzibar will board the flight departing at 11:30 am.

If you have to bid farewell today though, you’ll be taking home joyful memories, one-of-a-kind tales and new friendships.

Please note: We recommend taking a domestic flight from Seronera airstrip for your onward travel, as otherwise it would be a very long and bumpy drive back to Arusha (8+ hours instead of a 1h flight). Please get in touch with us to discuss the best option for you. 

  • Included meals: B,L
  • Accommodation: None
  • Included activities: Game drive in Serengeti

 

Tour Essentials

Tanzania Serengeti Safari Marathon Tour  - MAHO on Earth

Trip destinations: Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Mto Wa Mbu, Arusha

In the following sections, you'll find the essential information for Tanzania Serengeti Safari Marathon Tour 2024:

Accommodation

The accommodation on this trip is a mixture of standard mid-range safari tented camps and lodges with proper beds (4 nights) in national parks and good quality, lovely establishments (2 nights) in towns specially chosen for their location, uniqueness, value for money, or excellent facilities. All tents/rooms have private ensuite bathroom, except 1 night in Mto Wa Mbu town where we will enjoy the panoramic views of Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara from our camp's infinity pool.

All rooms and tents on all trips are shared with two people in each room/tent. You'll have the option of a double bed or two single beds. Rooms may vary slightly by layout and view and will be assigned based on booking order.

Solo travelers will be paired up with another participant. If you explicitly wish to have your own room/tent, or if we cannot find another participant to share that room/tent, there will be an extra surcharge as noted on the booking form.

We will be staying inside the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area not to waste time traveling between places so that we can maximize the safari experience. You should not miss the experience of hearing the hyenas or lions roaring in the distance in the night, and being woken up in the morning by the unique African sunrise.

Please note that this is Africa and one cannot expect the western standards in the places visited. Especially with respect to service, expect a lovely "laid back, unhurried" environment. In the bush, one should not expect Wi-Fi at all. Safari tented camps will run on solar powered lights and bucket showers providing a decent level of comfort yet maximum bush adventure.

Meals

On safari days, breakfasts and dinners will be taken at the dining facilities of the accommodation. Lunch will be packed and provided at check out, so that we can maximize the time spent on safari. On this trip, all meals are included. 

Vegetarians can be catered for if you inform us upon booking, however, note that the options can be extremely limited. For other dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.), please contact us to discuss the best course of action for you.

Transport

We'll use 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat with 6 or less travellers per vehicle. Our group size is limited to 2 safari vehicles (12 pax at most).

Passports and Visas

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive in Tanzania and have at least three blank pages, two facing each other.

Holders of ordinary passports issued by most nations, including EU nationalities (except Malta, Cyprus), the US, the UK, Turkey, need a visa to enter Tanzania. Please check the up to date list of visa-free countries here: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines

Tanzania has introduced an e-visa system through which applications can be submitted and approved online prior to travel (allow 2-3 weeks for processing). Please check the progress of the visa yourself on the visa.immigration.go.tz website using your application number. The visa is usually NOT sent by e-mail.

Alternatively, It's also possible to obtain a tourist visa on arrival for a single entry at the main ports of entry to Tanzania. You may be required to provide a proof of return ticket. Visas currently cost $50 USD for a single entry, with the exception of US citizens for whom a single-entry visa cost $100 USD.

Please consult the Tanzanian Embassy/Consulate (e.g. Berlin https://www.de.tzembassy.go.tz) in your country of origin for further information about visas, or visit the Tanzanian immigration website: https://www.immigration.go.tz

You must ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

Health/Vaccinations

Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional advice. We, at MAHO on Earth, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate, or error-free. 

As of the publishing date, there are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Tanzania, however, since the information may change quickly, we advise you to follow up on the latest travel updates and/or contact your local embassy.

If you are entering Tanzania from a yellow-fewer region or have a transit time of more than 12 hours in these countries, you may need to present proof of yellow-fewer vaccination. If it is the case and you do not have the vaccination, you may be given it at the airport or refused entry. Please consult with your local health authorities. Yellow fever vaccination is officially required for onward travel to Zanzibar and if you plan on visiting Kenya as well.

The places visited on this trip pose a risk of Malaria. We do highly recommend that you obtain professional travel health advice at your doctor or an institute of tropical medicine with respect to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition, and your intended itinerary. 

Physical Level

To join this trip, you'll need to have a reasonable level of fitness. While not too strenuous, the tour involves somewhat long journeys on gravel roads (this is Africa), a fair amount of walking, early-morning wake-up calls, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, cold nights/mornings, and other similar scenarios. 

Special requests

This trip may not be suitable for people with special needs such as reduced mobility due to local conditions and activities. If in doubt, please contact us. 

Please do not send sensitive information (such as health, accident or other highly personal information) through our contact form. You may want to get in touch with us directly via phone instead.

Insurance

We do strongly recommend you take out international travel insurance as soon as you make your deposit to ensure the most coverage. Your travel insurance policy should at least cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, activities you intend to do, and repatriation in the event of an accident or illness. We will reach out and collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details shortly before the departure date. Your trip price with us does not include any travel insurance. Travel insurance policies are generally speaking more economical when taken out locally in your country of origin.

On this trip you are covered in emergencies by Flying Doctors Services in Tanzania. Please note, this service does not replace a proper travel insurance. Flying Doctors Insurance policy covers air-transport from the bush to the nearest hospital plus first-aid; medical care beyond this is not included.

Cash & Co

While your trip with us cover most of the expenses, things such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, visa fee, and tips for local guides/driver are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your safari. Any optional activity is mentioned clearly so that you don't have to worry about hidden costs.

Tanzania accepts the USD or EUR for tourism. While credit cards are accepted, there is usually an additional fee up to 10%. ATMs are scarce outside of bigger towns. We recommend carrying some cash and budgeting around $20 – $50 USD per day for incidental expenses and tips.

Please note: Our tour prices do not include tips/gratuities for the local guides, as tipping is discretionary and should be based on your satisfaction with the service provided. It is however customary to express your appreciation for a job well done, and guidelines will be given on tipping local guides.

Further details and recommendations on what to pack will be provided prior to departure.

Travel Companions

We care about getting to know our fellow travellers, hence we keep our groups small and intimate. Our tours usually run with 12 or fewer participants and require a minimum of 6 participants to take place. It will be an international group and the main language will be English. We also speak German and Turkish.

People from all walks of life and nationalities, singles, couples, friends, and families with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and an open heart can join our tours. We consider each trip as an opportunity to cultivate our travel persona with humility, curiosity, and respect, what we call a "Mindful Adventure". 

The Adventure with us

Designing a trip is engineering work, and this is not a cookie-cutter tour. Maho and Tom, founders and owners of MAHO on Earth, curated this itinerary to make the best use of your hard-earned bucks and vacation days with lots of wonderful handpicked activities and locations included! 

We want you to have the most rewarding experience possible. We take care of all the hassle of planning, and you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, not least because we support social projects and NGOs, and partner with the best local enterprises.

Join us on this Mindful Adventure, Highlands to Oceans in Tanzania! 

How to book your spot

To reserve your spot, please use our booking form!

Please note, the minimum age to participate in this tour is 18.

Should you need any support with your pre or post-tour travel arrangements, we are here to help.

Have a question?

Have we missed anything?

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your Tanzania dream a reality.

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Tour price
2.690,00
Booking Form
Enquiry Form
750,00 /per person
460,00 /per person
550,00 /per person
310,00 /per person
Deposit 30% per person
Total:
750,00 /per person
460,00 /per person
550,00 /per person
310,00 /per person