This sensational marathon has the ambition of running to raise awareness of the plight of the gorilla population as well as raising funds for conservation work. We will be based at Jinja at the Source of the Nile, a spectacular region where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile River.
The surrounding area is a mixture of forest and small farms and villages linked by red clay trails which will form the route of the marathon and half marathon.
The start is at the waters edge of the Source of the Nile (altitude of 1,175m) - the river is already wider than the Thames in London at this point and descends in a series of rapids and through a rolling green tropical landscape - there are no big hills. After a short distance we cross the Nile on a sturdy foot bridge and cross back further along over the hydro electric dam. From here we then go onto soft red clay trails through farms and fields until you reach the Nile Porch Resort where the 21.1km finishes.
The marathon continues on trails past a number of schools which are being supported and refurbished by the charity Soft Power - which the event is supporting through a 5km run. The trails are safe - the biggest danger is tripping over the lead tethering a goat to the verge!
Mid-May is the end of the rainy season; it will be sunny most of the time but there is a chance of short heavy rains - usually lasting for up to 1 hr when a lot of water will come down and the trails get very wet - as soon the rain stops the sun will come out and every thing dries out. Because of the 1,200mt altitude it is not hot at this time of year, expect temperatures in the mid-20C, but the direct sun is very strong.
Lake Victoria is a malarial region and you should consult your doctor about precautions and other vaccinations before travel. A visa is required at a cost of US$50 and can be paid and issued on arrival at Entebbe Airport.
Tue 12 May: Depart London Heathrow on BA63 for the direct flight to Entebbe
Wed 13 May: Arrive Entebbe and transfer to Mabira Rainforest Lodge for lunch and freshen up. Afternoon forest walk, swimming or birdwatching. Proceed to Jinja Nile Resort in the early afternoon. All rooms at the Jinja Nile resort are in spacious bungalows with en suite bathrooms and TV. There's a pool and pool bar overlooking the Nile and excellent gym. The Business centre has free broadband. Lunch and dinner.
Thu 14 May: Visit the Source of the Nile followed by a Family Float Trip and lunch at Nile Porch then familiarize yourself with the area, the people and part of the marathon route. Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
Fri 15 May: Morning jog/walk some of the marathon and half marathon route. In the afternoon there are optional activities such as; horse back riding, zip line, quad biking and bird watching.
Sat 16 May: Morning at leisure with optional activities. In the evening we have registration and Pasta Party at Nile Porch.
Sun 17 May: The Half Marathon & Full Marathon starts at the Source of the Nile at 7am and finish at Nile Porch where there will be a buffet style lunch overlooking the Nile and prize giving.
Mon 18 May: Free day with optional activities as above.
Tue 19 May: Drive to Entebbe and afternoon visit by boat on Lake Victoria to the chimp sanctuary. Overnight at the Imperial Resort Beach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wed 20 May: Transfer to Entebbe Airport at 0700 for departure at 0940 of BA62 to London Heathrow, arriving at 16.00.
It would be a shame visit Uganda and not actually meet the gorillas - this add-on package includes the US$500 gorilla trekking permit.
Tue 19 May: Depart from Jinja for Lake Mburu crossing the Equator en route. Afternoon game drive and boat ride. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge and Lake Mburu Tented Camp.
Wed 20 May: Morning game walk in search of hyena. Proceed to Gorilla Sanctuary at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Lunch enroute in Kabale. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Resort or Buhoma Homestead.
Thu 21 May: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Fri 22 May: Transit to Queen Elizabeth National Park and afternoon game drive and boat ride on Kazinga Channel. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Sat 23 May: Early breakfast. Checkout and morning game drive on the Northern Circuits. Continue to Mbarara for Lunch. Arrive late afternoon or early evening in Kampala. Overnight at Golf Course Hotel or Hotel Africana. Dinner at Le Chateau Belgian Restaurant. 3 course meal with coffee/tea.
Sun 24 May: Transfer to Entebbe (approx 45mins)and visit the chimp sanctuary by boat on Lake Victoria.Dinner at Imperial Resort Beach or similar Hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mon 23 May: Transfer to Entebbe airport at 0700 for departure at 0940 of BA62 arriving in London Heathrow at 16.00. Breakfast included.
| Price Per Person | Twin | Single |
| With UK fligthts | £1795 | £2145 |
| Gorilla Trek add-on | £995 | £1225 |
| Deposit £300/£500 with Gorilla Trek add-on | ||
Have you got the right gear for your race? Check out our Kit section to find out what Salomon recommend.
Click onto the GALLERY button to view photos of the event.
