Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime safari and trail running adventure holiday in Kenya, where you’ll run with rangers, learn from elite athletes in Iten, and spot the Big Five in iconic national parks. From the high-altitude town of Iten to the plains of Ol Pejeta, Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate, this journey blends sunrise runs with unforgettable safari experiences. Move at an inclusive, sociable pace across plateaus and wildlife-rich reserves, guided by experts, before unwinding in luxury camps under vast African skies. Expect game drives, campfires, and the rare thrill of seeing lions, elephants, and rhinos on the run - a truly immersive Pride of Africa experience.
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Early Bird Deposits Available
Book now with 20% Deposit
Itinerary
Welcome to Kenya: the ultimate running and wildlife adventure. Over the coming week, you’ll lace up your shoes for sunrise runs across high-altitude plateaus, learn from elite athletes in the legendary town of Iten, and explore some of the country’s most iconic national parks, home to the Big Five. From the rolling mountains of Iten to the sweeping savannahs and shimmering lakes of Ol Pejeta, Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate, each day offers a unique blend of running, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery.
You’ll move at an inclusive, adaptable pace that suits all abilities, guided by experienced local runners and rangers, while learning about Kenya’s rich running culture and incredible natural heritage. Afternoons and evenings will be spent in carefully chosen luxury camps and lodges, where you can relax, share stories by the campfire, or enjoy the comfort of a hot shower and delicious local meals. Along the way, you’ll spot lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras - sometimes from the trails themselves - and experience the thrill of being fully immersed in Kenya’s extraordinary landscapes.
Get ready for a transformative week of running, wildlife, adventure, and community. From training at altitude and exploring volcanic craters to sundown game drives and lakeside reflections, every day is designed to leave you inspired, energised, and with memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than a running trip, it’s an incredible journey into the heart of Africa.
Day 1
Welcome to Run Weekends in Kenya + 5km shakeout
Good morning! Overnight flights arriving into Nairobi in the early hours are common. Please ensure you are in Nairobi by 10:30am. We’ll begin our trip with a breakfast feast at the historical Nairobi Club, having been collected from the airport on arrival (we will be in touch upon booking). The Run Weekends crew will brief you on an exciting week ahead, before introducing you to our local support team from Nairobi. You’ll be well looked-after by a big team of keen runners and explorers. We’ll drive to Iten with a lunch stop in Nakuru overlooking the beautiful lake national park, reaching our High Altitude Camp in Iten in the evening. This will be our base for the next few days.
Day 2
Welcome to the home of Champions - 15km, 300m+
Today we settle into life in Iten, set high above the Great Rift Valley. Known as the home of champions, this small town is built around running. We head out early for a relaxed sunrise run along quiet dirt roads and rolling plateau trails, adjusting the pace and distance to suit the group and allow for acclimatisation. Later in the day, there’s the option of a second shorter run as the light softens over the valley. Everything is flexible and adapted daily, with the focus on enjoyment, rhythm, and getting comfortable at altitude.
Day 3
Learning from the Best - 15km, 300m+
With a night at altitude behind us, we continue exploring the routes that shape Kenya’s distance runners. Expect another steady morning run, with an optional second outing later in the day, keeping total distance between 10 and 15 km. Between sessions, there’s time to rest, use the pool or spa facilities, and spend time with the local running community. Whether that’s sharing a coffee with elite athletes or heading out for relaxed conversational miles, Iten offers a rare chance to experience everyday life in one of the world’s most respected running hubs.
Day 4
From Mountains to Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy - Rest Day
This morning we say farewell to the mountains and travel to even more beautiful surroundings. We’ll be staying in a luxury tented camp in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a not-for-profit wildlife conservancy situated on the equator. It is a trailblazer for sustainability and animal protection, home to the ‘Big Five’, and situated beautifully under the watch of Mount Kenya. We’ll settle into our retreat before heading out on our first game drive at sunset, looking out for lions, leopards, elephants and so much more. We’ll return to camp for dinner and a campfire, looking out at the floodlit watering hole as elephants, rhinos and buffalo’s bathe before bed.
Day 5
Run with the Rangers: Safari on Foot - 15km
Set an early alarm - it’s time to run with the rangers! Today we’ll be exploring the national park on foot! Joined by local experts and runners, we’ll be taking part in a running safari where our running shoes replace our 4x4s! We’ll be out at sunrise spotting a vast array of wildlife as we run through the conservancy - there’s nothing more exciting than this! In between our running safaris, we’ll have a chance to relax by the pool, take another game drive, or learn more from local experts about the national park and its wildlife. This is a remote running retreat in its truest form.
Day 6
Nakuru National Park - 15km
We’ll once again wake up early for another sunrise run with the rangers, before returning to our lodge to enjoy a morning coffee overlooking Mount Kenya. After breakfast, we’ll travel to the Nakuru National Park and arrive at our lodge for lunch. After a short rest, we’ll head out once again for another game drive - we can’t get enough of these safaris! We’ll once again be on the look out for the Big Five, as well as diverse birdlife and other majestic animals. We’ll return for a feast before retiring early to bed, we still have some fantastic activities ahead.
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Day 7
Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park - 17km, 400m+
Hell’s Gate is one of the only national parks in Kenya where you can safely run through dramatic, wildlife-rich landscapes. Towering volcanic cliffs rise above us, as we follow the trail through the park to the iconic Fischer's Tower, and vast plains stretch toward the horizon. Our run here is relaxed and fully supported, designed to let you absorb every moment. In the cooler afternoon climate, we head out at a gentle, social pace, stopping regularly for photographs and to appreciate the scenery. We'll even be joined along the way by wildlife and birds on the trail - just keep your running snacks out of reach! After our run in Hell’s Gate, we climb back into our 4x4 vehicles for a scenic drive before returning to our lakeside accommodation. As the sun begins to set, Lake Naivasha turns gold and pink. The views across the water are breathtaking. Back at camp, we'll relax by the lake under the clear skies, and reflect on a day that truly felt like running through a nature documentary.
Day 8
Mount Longonot Volcano - 13km
One final adventure! After an early breakfast, we’ll head for Mount Longonot where we can take a hike around the rim of an extinct volcano! We might run at some points, but a hike and a scramble seems more appropriate. It’ll be worth it for the views - there’s nothing quite like it. After returning for lunch at our lodge, we have the chance to take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and amazing birdlife. As we watch the sun set over the lake, we’ll reflect on what has been an incredible week unlike any others. A campfire and a few drinks feels like the perfect way to celebrate the joys of our running community.
Day 9
Breakfast and Goodbyes - 5km shakeout
After an unbelievable week of running, safaris, feasts and luxury retreats, it’s time to say farewell. We’ll drive you to Nairobi airport for your departure - you’ll leave with life-changing memories of one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful regions.
Challenge Level
Every Run Weekends adventure is a little different. The Overall Challenge Level is designed to give you clear, at-a-glance guidance on how demanding a trip is likely to feel as a whole. It’s not about speed or racing, it’s about the combined physical, mental, and logistical challenge across the entire experience.
All our trips are suitable for all abilities because we design the support to take good care of you. These rating are simply to help you make an informed decision as to the challenge you’ll experience. Taken together, these four elements provide a balanced, honest snapshot of what to expect, helping you choose the adventure that best matches your appetite for the challenge.
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Highlights
- Bring a Friend and Save -
Save up to £200 each
Included
Accommodation
3 x Nights High Altitude Facility
5 x Nights in Luxury Safari Lodges
Please note: All Run Weekends events are shared rooms.
Running
5km, 15km, 15km Rest Day, 15km, 15km, 17km, 13km, 5km
Meals
9 x Breakfast
8 x Lunch
8 x Dinner
All group meals shared together
Travel
We will collect you and drop you off at Nairobi airport, you are responsible for getting yourself to and from Kenya.
Activities
7x Trail Running days
Pool and Spa
Run with Elite Athletes
Fire Pits and Stargazing
Safari and High Altitude Running
Photos
The team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.
Not Included
Travel
You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location.
Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.
Extras
All drinks.
Additional food.
Snacks on run route.
Accommodation upgrades
Extra meals
Kit
Run gear as mentioned. You'll carry your run pack yourself. We'll transport the rest.
Book Early Bird Spaces
Save up to £150 each
Getting to us
Meeting Point
Your Run Weekend will commence at 09:00 at the Nairobi club. We will provide transfers from Nairobi airport, details will be provided upon booking.
Arrival & Departure Times
You are welcome to arrive anytime before 10:30 on Day 1 of the itinerary, we will arrange direct shuttles from Nairobi airport upon your arrival. We will be in touch to collate your arrival infomation.
Your Run Weekend will conclude at 12:00 on day 9. We will provide transport back to the airport after this. We recommend you book your onwards travel no earlier than 17:00 to allow sufficient time for the transfer and airport procedures.
Getting to Nairobi, Kenya
Direct flights are available to Nairobi International Airport from most major hubs around the world. We built this itinerary based around most flights arriving early morning so that we can begin your adventure at 10:30. You are of course welcome to arrive anytime before this. We will collect you from the airport.
Important Info: Trip Confirmation
This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.
Packing List
Mandatory:
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Trail running shoes with good grip.
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Running socks (2–3 pairs)
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Running T-shirt or long sleeve.
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Running shorts or leggings.
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Lightweight waterproof jacket.
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Lightweight mid-layer or thermal top
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Running vest or pack (min 6 litres)
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Soft flasks or hydration bladder (Must have carry capacity of 2 litres of water)
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Whistle (usually built into your pack)
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Head torch (emergencies)
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Small personal first-aid kit
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Personal ID / Emergency contact details
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Fully charged mobile phone and charger
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Hat or buff (for warmth or sun protection)
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Sunglasses with UV protection
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Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)
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Lightweight gloves
Optional:
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Extra technical layers for variable weather
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Emergency Cash (€50-€100)
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Spare set of dry clothes for post-run recovery
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Spare shoes or sandals
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Compression socks or calf sleeves
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Lightweight towel & swimwear (for river)
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Energy gels, bars, or on-the-run snacks
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Electrolyte tablets or powder
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Small waterproof dry bag for valuables
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Running poles
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Painkillers and or Anti Inflammatories
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Waterproof phone case or backup phone
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Watch or GPS device
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Lightweight running cap or visor
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Waterproof phone pouch or small zip bag
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Casual clothing for evenings
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Power bank & charging cables
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Travel adaptor
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Ear plugs & eye mask
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Toiletries & travel-sized essentials
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Small notebook or journal
Are you coming?
