Extensions within Africa post-Comrades Marathon 2025 are offered; such as a private game reserve (highly recommended) or the mother city of Cape Town; or why not get your running kit back out and book for the Big Five Marathon!
THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | 10 – 13 June 2025 | 3 nights
Note: This extension trip starts and finishes in Durban.
Thanda Safari is a world of wilderness and wildlife game reserve, matched with a deep commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation. Thanda means ‘Love’ in the language of the Zulu people, and Thanda Safari lives this ethos in the management of its 14,000-hectare reserve, its three unique properties, and its community partnerships. Experience the ultimate safari and game lodge experience with Thanda Safari, which has repeatedly been named the World’s Leading Luxury Game Reserve Lodge or sleep under the African skies in a luxury tent. For 2025, the Lodge is not available, but we can offer the Thanda Luxury Tented Camp. Comprised of fifteen non-electrified colonial style safari tents, providing an authentic rustic bush experience (leaving a smaller carbon footprint). Each tent has an open-plan bedroom with en-suite canvas bathroom with an indoor and/or outdoor shower, as well as a wooden viewing deck.
Thanda Private Game Reserve 3 Nights Extension Package includes:
NOTE: Thanda Private Game Reserve extension is guided by a professional guide and tracker. It is accompanied by Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) staff based on a minimum number of sales. Thanda Private Game Reserve will look after you and MTT staff will be available via telephone if sales do not reach a minimum number.
Please refer to the last day of itinerary for flight recommendations and group transfer times.
No children younger than 6 years are permitted to stay at this property.
Itinerary
Tuesday 10 June 2025
After breakfast, at 10:00am we will depart from the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban to Thanda Private Game Reserve. The group transfer will be an approximately 3-and-a-half hour drive along the Indian Ocean. After arriving to your suite or experiential non electrified/solar powered luxury tent, you will depart for your first game drive in four-wheel Land Rovers. An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best time to look for the Big Five. With 14,000 hectares to explore and led by experts of the African bush, you’ll see an incredible range of animals, including cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs and abundant bird and plant life. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 June 2025
Today is an early morning wake-up (5:30am) with coffee available before departing for your morning game drive. This is a great time to view many animals visiting the water holes and/or predators hunting for its day food. We will return around 9:00am for breakfast and spend the middle of the day relaxing and/or enjoying optional activities such as bush walks that you can book on site. We will head out for our last game drive at 3:00pm and return for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Friday 13 June 2025
We recommend flying from local Richards Bay Airport (90 minutes drive) or King Shaka International Airport (3-hour drive) in Durban so that you can connect with your international flight home. After breakfast, we will depart Thanda Safari Lodge for the group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport. We expect to arrive between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Please keep this in mind when booking your flights. If the group transfer does not suit your plans or should you need a transfer to Richards Bay Airport, we can arrange a private transfer. Please contact us for the additional cost if an individual transfer is required. (Breakfast included)
CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS | 10 – 14 June 2025 | 4 nights
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations, famed for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city on the Southern coast of South Africa. Visit iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and Robben Island, shop in world class malls and dine in superior restuarants, all fabulous value for money. If you love the sea you will enjoy the beaches and coastline, a wine connosur will be spoilt for choice in the wine tasting regions of Constantia, Stellebosch or Franschhoek. Nature lovers will enjoy Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, watching the penguins at Boulders Beach or exploring the many hiking trails. For the more adventurous shark cage diving and paragliding can be arranged. We recommend 4 nights minimum to be sure you have time to experience the many sights and activities on offer.
NOTE: Cape Town extension is un guided. The hotel staff will assit you with sightseeing recommendations and transport during yur stay. MTT staff will be available via telephone if sales do not reach a minimum number.
Families with children are welcome but some restrictions apply, depending on child age. Please contact us for availability and more details.
Various guided optional day tours can be booked – please refer to our Packages & Rates section for more details
Itineraries are subject to change.
