Looking for where to go trail running in Tanzania? You’re in luck, because Tanzania is one of the top trail-running destinations in East Africa.
Each year, marathons incorporated into safaris are organized in Tanzania, attracting runners from all over the globe.
Quite different from the routes marathon runners are used to, running in Tanzania is exciting because runners will run through small villages, small holding farms, coffee and banana plantations, wildlife parks and reserves.
Trail running in Tanzania, then, becomes more than just the running – it’s a chance to interact with new people, run alongs locals, and more.
Try One Of These Tanzania Trail Run Safaris
One of the most spectacular experiences is Nomadic Experience’s Tanzania running and wildlife safaris. This accommodating running adventure is divided into sections to suit the preference of all runners. We have listed down the types of running safari expeditions available.
Half-day Guided Trail Run in Tanzania
Enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery and culture of the people of Tanzania who live in the lower part of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This run is ideal throughout the year except in April and May when the weather is unfavorable. Every individual participating in this half-day trail run Tanzania is charged US $45.
Kilimanjaro Marathon Package
Want to run a marathon in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain?
This trail run is preferred in March; when the weather is favorable, you will experience a well-organized race fully supported by the community. This race is preferred because you will run through the less-used Ongai route along the Kenya-Tanzania border.
This trail run has multiple run options, therefore suitable for athletes seeking multiple options. With this race, you will be charged US $4,095 per person.
Tanzania Running and Wildlife Safari
This race is notable because you will run along the rich parks and experience wildlife viewing. There will be a six-day guided running with all non-runners welcomed to join the race.
This run trail is recommended throughout the year except in April and May when the area is experiencing heavy rains. This trail is made along both the Kilimanjaro foothills and the Maasai plains.
The Kilimanjaro Stage Run
With this run, you’ll spend 8 days and 160 miles/260 kilometers running around Kilimanjaro.
Usually, the Kilimanjaro stage run starts early in the morning, with participants being served either tea or coffee. A full breakfast will typically include toast and bread, fresh fruits, eggs, porridge, bacon, coffee, tea, and cocoa and is served at the dining tent at 7 am. You will have a good time packing what you will need during the day with not less than 2000 calories of snacks of your own and also from the water and snack table. Before any departure, runners gather to confirm the map of the day’s race.
With this race, you can carry your water or get it from the support vehicles at different aid stops. You can refresh yourself when thirsty and get more snacks to sustain you. The day’s race ends between 2 pm and 6 pm. At this time, all the runners meet at the camp and are served snacks and drinks at the dining tent.
A substantial dinner is prepared by experienced chefs and is served at 7 pm. During dinner, the crew briefs the runners on the next day’s activities, schedules, and routes.
Best run training camps in Tanzania
Rubondo Island Camp
This eight-cottage camp is the only haven accommodating tourists in Rubondo, an island 25 kilometers from Lake Victoria. For travelers looking to mix running and wildlife tourism, this camp is a delightful spot to stop.
It is a wild animal sanctuary for animals like chimpanzees (including 16 rescued from European zoos in the 1960s), giraffes, elephants, the amphibious sitatunga antelope, and 300 species of birds and hippos.
The Rubondo Island Camp is suitable for trail running because it has running paths, and the camp has essential facilities for all runners’ preferences. It also has driveways and walkways. You can visit this region of the country and discover other parts of the island.
Cherero Camp, Serengeti National Park
This camp is suitable for athletes who want to explore the area and, at the same time, run for fun. Before the Great Migration sees tremendous wildebeests reach the Mara River and cross to Maasai Marra in Kenya, they move to the northern region and western corridor of Serengeti.
Cherero camp is strategically located so guests can watch the herds pass by as they move on to their migration routes. It is also more interesting because it accommodates runners who want to undergo training while exploring Tanzania’s rich wildlife. Even when the wild beasts have migrated to other parts, Cherero camp remains the best camp to spot the Big 5 animals in the savannah.
This camp has tents accommodating marathoners and tourists; therefore, it is a strategic point to conduct meetings before any race. The guests will enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area, listening to birds and sitting out on the deck while watching the rich wildlife.
Greystoke Mahale Camp
The Greystoke Mahale Camp is well-known for being an ideal area for primate watching. The mountains are located in the western part of Tanzania and are known for the presence of chimps on the site; the estimated number of chimps is about eight hundred, and some are likely habituated.
The lodge has a combination of a tented camp in the rarely visited Katavi National Park. The name of the tented camp is Chada Katavi. The combination of the two sites makes it an excellent experience for trail runners. You can enjoy the tourist sites and still get a chance to put in the much-needed running time.
The guests at this beach lodge on Lake Tanganyika have high chances to spot other primate species in the forest, crocodiles and hippos, during the dhow trips. The lodge comprises six bands made of wood and thatched with an upper deck which you reach by walking up on steps carved in an ancient canoe. They have a bar on the rocks offering a fantastic sunset view.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Want a bit of luxury alongside your long runs? Check out the Singita Sasakwa Lodge, a camp is best suited for individuals who would love a luxury safari experience in the well-known Serengeti National Park.
Its main attraction is the sight of the excellent wildebeest migration, a show of over two million animals crossing the Mara river. The combination includes gazelle, zebra, and the main attraction, which is the wildebeest. The National Park, which is 350 thousand acres, offers excellent tourist scenery and is a great destination for trail runners.
You can run on the trails while enjoying the incredible tourist sites. This is a must-visit destination if you are a trail runner. The exclusive lodges and camps with cottages have superb lodges, and safe running paths, which are great if you are in the mood for running.
Trail Running in Tanzania
In addition to going trail running in Uganda or finding runs in Rwanda, Tanzania is one of the best East African countries for getting outside. I mean, as great as our well-known running routes are at home, it’s not too often we’ll see giraffes or elephants while we’re doing our morning 5k.
