Can I combine my safari with a marathon? Yes! Of course, this is very possible and actually its most advisable for all foreigners visiting the Uganda for one of its many marathons to combine the marathon with their intended safari.

Uganda has about 7 major marathons that happen every year in the country, but there are many more other marathons that you can be part of in Uganda. However, the main seven are: –

  1. Kabaka birthday run: This run Usually starts off the year in the first quarter and it’s done to celebrate the Kabaka’s birthday. The Kabaka is the King of the Baganda, the tribe found in the central region of Uganda. This run is majorly an amateur run with 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km distances to cover.
  2. Rwenzori/ Kasese Marathon: This is a professional run done in the western part of Uganda (the Rwenzori area) to showcase the beauty of the Rwenzori region. This is the best tourism related run and on top of that allows professional athletes to garner qualification for other international races.
  3. Uganda International Marathon: This race is the talk of Kampala in June, attracting over 10,000 runners from across the region. Its massive one that gives people a platform to take on the magnificent hills of Kampala. The beauty of this race is the beautiful Kampala scenery of not just the hilly landscape but the urban communities and suburbs.
  4. Kampala Marathon: Just like the Uganda International held in Kampala, this annual event takes you around the streets and hills of Kampala to experience the beauty of Kampala. It is smaller than the international event and usually has a number of Ugandans and East Africans but the funny in this one is unlimited. Actually, what makes this marathon the it marathon is the after party of the marathon that allows you enjoy the Kampala night life, as you also get to taste the different street food in Kampala.
  5. Source of the Nile Half Marathon: This is another tourism marathon, that’s why it’s held in the tourism capital to allow people to run as they experience the beauty of the beautiful Jinja city. It’s usually held in September with the start and stop at the source of the Nile.

    Can I combine my safari with a marathon?
    Source of the Nile Half Marathon
  6. Elgon Half Marathon: Held in Mbale town this fun marathon, is a way of showcasing the beauty of the Mbale district and the Bagishu culture. It will start and end at the slopes of Mt Elgon the most popular attraction in Mbale.
  7. Cancer run: A marathon to support the cancer support treatment and prevention initiatives in the country, it run my mainly corporate companies who come together to contribute to this noble cause.

Other marathons in the country include but are not limited to: – the legends run, the east Africa revival run, NSSF run, Mtn Marathon and many more.

Well combining a safari with a marathon will give you a chance to run and also experience wildlife in the country, however to achieve the best of both you have to: –

  • Plan ahead and plan accordingly; Your safari should be planned within the time of the marathon and for as long as you know the time of the marathon start planning your safari in line with that.
  • Choose races you can do and not kill your safari spirit, things that will encourage you to run and enjoy your safari too.
  • To enjoy both activities you should also get some time in the country to get used to the climate. A bit of advice for you here, you can divide your safari into two have half before the run and the other half after the run.
  • For search safaris its good to have company.

For queries and more information. Consult your Uganda safari tour operator.