Amazing Maasai Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Amazing Maasai Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Cross Africa off your seven continents list by running one of Africa’s most exotic trail routes through a Maasai community. Feel good knowing that the purpose of the race is not only to participate in a sport you love, but also raise awareness and funds to send Maasai girls to secondary school, organized by the Amazing Maasai Girls Project (AMGP).
You will have an amazing adventure and educational journey as you travel from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, known as the densest concentration of game anywhere in Kenya. You will explore the vast and varied landscapes of Kenya on your game drives, bush walk(s), and runs with local Kenyans! We encourage you to add the three night extension to your package to witness the ‘Great Migration’ in the Mara.
This tour is recommended to those who are adventurous! Although an ‘amazing’ experience, it is more rugged due to staying at a tented campsite and some bumpy roads along the way. Please note that space is limited. A mandatory donation of $125 per person to the AMGP is required.
Meals Included
Most meals included (see itinerary)
Guide
Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff
Transfers
Airport transfers included for arrival and departure day
Trip Extension
Post-Race extension to Masai Mara National Park
Excursions
Game drives included
Medal Bling
Each finisher will receive a medal and T-shirt
Travel Package Information
-
Itinerary
-
//
Saturday, July 27
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel. Since most flights arrive in the evening no activities are planned for today.
Sunday, July 28
After a leisure breakfast we will depart for a guided tour of the Karen Blixen Museum followed by a relaxing lunch outdoors at the Tamambo Restaurant. Each guest will be responsible for their own meal and beverages. This evening we will gather for a casual non-hosted drink in the lobby bar. Enjoy dinner at one of the several hotel restaurants. (breakfast included)
Monday, July 29
We will have an early morning transfer for our three-hour road trip to the Aberdare National Park where we will spend the next two nights. On the way we will stop at a curio shop, which we have frequented for many years. Upon arriving at the Aberdare Country Club, guests will check-in and enjoy a late buffet lunch. Once you are settled in, we will depart for the ARK Lodge with your first game drive in route. At the ARK, you will enjoy the solitude of the bush as you view elephants, hyena, water buffalo and more at their famous watering hole. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, July 30
Enjoy a leisure breakfast before joining us for a guided bush walk or run. Lunch will be served at the Aberdare Country Club and guests can enjoy a leisure afternoon or participate in the optional Solio Ranch Game Drive. At the end of the day, we will meet for a sundowner and dinner at the on-site restaurant. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, July 31
Following breakfast we will depart for our three hour drive to Nanyuki where we will spend the next two nights at the Sarova Maiyan Hotel. In route will be the ‘must’ stop at the equator for photos and will arrive in time for lunch and a leisure afternoon and evening. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday, August 1
Following breakfast, we will depart for an early morning game drive in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy (a 90,000 acre reserve that has the densest concentration of animals in Kenya) and enjoy lunch at Morani’s before returning to your lodging where the rest of the day is free to enjoy. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, August 2
Today, after breakfast, we head to our tented campsite in preparation for race day! On the agenda is visiting one of the schools so we can meet and engage with the Amazing Girls (details will be shared when confirmed). Prior to dinner will be the race briefing. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, August 3
RACE DAY! The Amazing Maasai Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and 50K Ultra start at 7:00am. About 400 runners (approx. 90% are Kenyan) will participate in these events. Plan for an early breakfast prior to the start of the race. Tonight, we will celebrate your finish at the campsite. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
-
//
Tuesday, July 30
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer by taxi to the Ole Sereni Hotel (or similar property) a very short ride from the airport. The rest of the day/evening are on your own.
Wednesday, July 31
After breakfast you will be transferred from your hotel to Nanyuki, where you will meet the rest of the group from the eight-night package at the Sarova Maiyan Hotel. After lunch, enjoy a leisure afternoon and evening. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday, August 1
Following breakfast, we will depart for an early morning game drive in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy (a 90,000 acre reserve that has the densest concentration of animals in Kenya) and enjoy lunch at Morani’s before returning to your lodging where the rest of the day is free to enjoy. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, August 2
Today, after breakfast, we head to our tented campsite in preparation for race day! On the agenda is visiting one of the schools so we can meet and engage with the Amazing Girls (details will be shared when confirmed). Prior to dinner will be the race briefing. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, August 3
RACE DAY! The Amazing Maasai Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and 50K Ultra start at 7:00am. About 400 runners (approx. 90% are Kenyan) will participate in these events. Plan for an early breakfast prior to the start of the race. Tonight, we will celebrate your finish at the campsite. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
-
-
Extensions
-
Make the three-night extension to the Masai Mara (August 4 – 7, 2024) part of your unforgettable Kenyan experience. Established in 1961 and covering 580 square miles, the Masai Mara is home to the largest concentration of large animals in the world. Enjoy daily game drives, bush walks and a majestic hot air balloon ride. You will leave feeling completely in awe of such beauty.
* Space is limited.
* Single tents are very limited and will be confirmed at a later date (if available). -
//
Sunday, August 4
Transfer to the airstrip for the 50-minute flight to Maasai Mara National Park, which is recognized by many experts as offering the world’s best game viewing. Transfer to Governors Camp, a deluxe tented safari camp. After lunch you will enjoy your first game drive in the Mara. (lunch and dinner included)
Monday, August 5
Three game drives each day seeking a variety of wildlife depending on their natural movements. You have a choice to book a one-hour morning hot air balloon ride over the plains, which is the ultimate way to view the bush with an overhead gaze at the game below you. Then enjoy a celebratory post-flight champagne breakfast in the bush (highly recommended). (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, August 6
Three game drives each day seeking a variety of wildlife depending on their natural movements. You have a choice to book a one-hour morning hot air balloon ride over the plains, which is the ultimate way to view the bush with an overhead gaze at the game below you. Then enjoy a celebratory post-flight champagne breakfast in the bush (highly recommended). (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
-
-
Packages & Rates
-
Amazing Maasai Tour | Eight-Night Package: July 27 – August 4, 2024
Features:
- Two nights at the Norfolk Hotel
- Two nights at Aberdare Country Club
- Two nights in Nanyuki
- Training run at Aberdare Country Club
- Bush walk at Aberdare Country Club
- Game drive and park fees at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (park fees subject to increase)
- Game drive and park fees at Aberdare National Park (park fees subject to increase)
- Airport transfers for arrival day in Nairobi
- Ground transportation between lodges
- Group transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi or to Nanyuki Airport (if on extension)
- Meals as outlined on the intinerary
- All hotel taxes
- Pre-race briefing
- Tips for main drivers (between lodges) and porters at lodges
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
Amazing Maasai Tour | Five-Night Race Package: July 30 – August 4, 2024
Features:
- One night at Nairobi Airport Hotel
- Two nights in Nanyuki
- Game drive and park fees at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (park fees subject to increase)
- Ground transportation between lodges
- Group transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi or to Nanyuki Airport (if on extension)
- Meals as outlined on the intinerary
- All hotel taxes
- Pre-race briefing
- Tips for main drivers (between lodges)
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Staff (once in Nanyuki)
Post-Race Extension to Masai Mara National Park | Three-Night Package: August 4-7, 2024
Features:
- Flight from Nanyuki to Masai Mara
- Flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi
- Three nights’ accommodations at Governors Camp or Little Governors Camp
- Meals as outlined on the itinerary
- Three game drives by Land Rovers each day
- Visit to a Masai village (for additional fee)
- Park fees (based on $70 per person per day and subject to change)
- Tips to camp staff (excluding driver tips)
- Services of Governors Camp Staff
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
Please Note:
- Race Package:
- Single rooms are NOT available at the Aberdare Country Club. Should you select a single room, you will be matched with another runner of the same gender for these two nights.
- Each room must include at least one runner.
- Triple room rates available upon request.
- Actual rates may change based on the final number of travelers.
- A visa to enter Kenya will cost an additional $51.00 per person (subject to change) and is not included in package price. Each guest is responsible for securing their visa. More information can be found here.
- Park fees are currently included, however rates are subject to change. Any increase will be added to your invoice.
- Mara Extension: Single Accommodations are very limited on the extension and will be allotted after all reservations received, if available.
- Luggage is restricted to 33lbs per person for those on the extension due to charter flights.
- Actual rates may change based on the final number of travelers
- Park fees are currently included, however rates are subject to change. Any increase will be added to your invoice.
Not Included:
- Race entry fees:
- Ultra 50K – $175
- Marathon – $150
- Half-Marathon – $150
- 10K – $150
- All activities listed as optional
- Gratuities and tips unless noted above
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Kenya visa
International Flights. You should fly in and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The airport code is NBO.
Charter Flights. IMPORTANT: Luggage is restricted to 33 pounds per person for those on the extension. Many will choose to leave some clothing and shoes behind. These will be donated to the local community.
Race Package Guests Only: We will depart the tented campsite for the drive back to Nairobi on Sunday, August 4 (time to be announced) with a few stops on the way. To allow for any delays, your international flight home should be in the late afternoon (4:00PM or later).
Race Package and Extension Guests: A charter flight will bring you from Nanyuki to the Maasai Mara and then from the Mara back to Nairobi. Your return flight home on Wednesday, August 7 should be made for 8:00PM or later.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsRates (all prices per person and in US dollars)
Amazing Maasai Packages Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Eight-Night Maasai Marathon Package - SOLD OUT $4620 per person $5230 per person Five-Night Race Package (NEW) $3405 per person $3820 Optional: Solio Ranch Game Drive (Aberdare) $100 per person Optional Maasai Mara Extension (Aug 4-8) - Governor's Camp - SOLD OUT $4290 per person $4900 per person - Little Governor's Camp - three tents available $4695 per person $5400 per person Optional: Hot Air Balloon and Champagne Breakfast (Mara extension) $515 per person Race Entry Rate Marathon $150 per entry Half-Marathon $150 per entry 10K $150 per entry Ultra 50K $175 per entry
-
-
Hotels
-
NairobiNorfolk Hotel
Norfolk Hotel Nairobi – Opened in 1904, the Norfolk Hotel, located 30 minutes from Kenyatta International Airport (JIA), was designed to spearhead hospitality traditions in East Africa, which are still unmatched today. The hotel is a short distance from Nairobi’s shopping and business district.
Aberdare National ParkAberdare Country Club“A Haven in the Hills”…The Aberdare Country Club, only a two and a half hour drive northeast from Nairobi, is nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, a part of the Great Rift Valley. This captivating site was the homestead of an English couple that decided to settle in Kenya. Almost a half century later, their home, “The Steep”, was renamed the Aberdare Country Club and opened for guests. Considered a heritage property in Kenya, The Aberdare Country Club has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn. This is highlighted in Monty Brown’s book, Haven Under the Hill, so aptly: “Today, despite the fast-changing tempo of the outside world, the old home still retains that comfortable, solid feeling based on traditions from a time when life proceeded at a far more leisurely and gentle pace.”
NanyukiSarova MaiyanMaasai MaraGovernors CampCreated in 1972, Governor’s established a new standard in a luxury tented camps. Conde Nast awarded it as fourth among the top 10 hotels in the world in 1998. A visit here is one of the great travel experiences. There is a $70 per person park fee included per person per day pre-paid for this tour by Marathon Tours (if park fees change the difference per day will need to be paid directly via cash to the camp upon arrival).
Please note the above lodging is subject to change.
-
-
Event Information
-
Race Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Race Time: 7:00 AM
Organizer: The race is organized by Bucketlist Adventures and is supported by the local community.
Charitable Objective: The Amazing Maasai Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and Ultra 50K is a unique running event. The event was created to raise scholarship funds to sponsor Maasai girls from the community to secondary school. Fundraising and donations made by our runners, plus a portion of race entry proceeds goes direct to student school fees through the The Amazing Maasai Girls Project (AMGP), a US- registered non-profit organization.
Each guests is required to donate $125 to AMGP. We welcome you to raise additional money for this very worthy cause. Our 2024 goal is $10,000. MTT Team has its own fundraising page, which allows you to donate to the team goal or create your own fundraising page. It will be shared as soon as it is available. We appreciate everyone’s efforts in helping to educate girls!
Course: Details coming soon.
Elevation: Details coming soon.
Temperature: During the dry season, temperatures fall into the 50s at night. Thus, at the 7:00 AM race start, it is a bit cool. The sun raises just before the start and temperatures rise into the low 80s by 11:00 AM.
Entry Fee: Entry to the marathon, half-marathon, and 10K is $150.00 per person. The Ultra-Marathon fee is $200. (entry fees subject to change)
Time Limit: The course time limit for the Ultra 50K and Marathon is seven (7) hours. The same applies for the half-marathon. You must pass the half-way point of the marathon and Ultra 50K in three (3) hours in order to continue on the marathon course.
Number Pickup: Numbers will be provided at the race briefing the evening before the event or will be handed out by your Marathon Tours & Travel hosts.
Awards: Each runner will receive a medal and T-shirt.
Running Shoes: Although not mandatory, you may consider training and bringing trail shoes for the race. The trail is raked, but you will still come across rocks and potentially thorns. Regular running shoes are worn by the majority of participants.
Difficulty: High altitude, trail run in a remote area.
-
-
Registration & Booking
-
Rates: Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations or changes in any taxes or park fees.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with an initial non-refundable deposit of $700.00 per person for the Maasai Marathon package. Final payment is due before April 15, 2024.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
-
-
Race Results
-
2019 RESULTS
Marathon, Half Marathon & Quarter Results
2018 RESULTS
Marathon, Half Marathon & Quarter Results
2017 RESULTS
Quarter Marathon Results Half Marathon Results Marathon Results
-
-
Testimonials
-
"My most amazing trip ever!" - 2019
My most amazing trip ever! Jacqui took good care of us, answered all questions, and made the trip amazing!!! I am thinking about going again.
"We've been very impressed with Marathon Tours & Travel..." - 2019We’ve been very impressed with Marathon Tours & Travel. Not only have you provided excellent race support, your trip extensions have been wonderful. We are doing all seven continents and as of now we intend to do all that are remaining with Marathon Tours & Travel.
"Kenya was a very positive experience..." - 2019Kenya was a very positive experience. Enjoyed the wide variety of game animals. All the details were taken care of for us! Our group leader was knowledgeable and friendly.
"I’ve been looking forward to this trip for a few years..." - 2019I’ve been looking forward to this trip for a few years. I love that the race benefits the local girls and that not only did we get an opportunity to meet them at school, but that they also participated in the race! It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"The trip to Kenya was absolutely incredible!" - 2019The trip to Kenya was absolutely incredible! The accommodations were superb, the food great, the marathon tough, but so unlike any other, and Jacqui was so passionate about sharing Kenya, and her love for that wild and wonderful land! I am savoring the experience and memories.
"I never realized how amazing Kenya is..." - 2019I never realized how amazing Kenya is. The people are so welcoming and friendly; they know how to take the time to relax and enjoy each others company. I had forgotten how to do that, I remember now!
"The Marathon Race experience was what I wanted and hoped for..." - 2018The Marathon Race experience was what I wanted and hoped for… The Amazing Girls and the ability to help them, if only a small amount was a highlight for me. To be able to be up close and personal with so many African animals. The Kenyan people seem so calm, friendly, and caring whenever we had interaction with them.
"That was one of the best trip that we ever had..." - 2018That was one of the best trip that we ever had. Thank you Jacqui and Karen. Everything was so wonderful and memorable for us. We couldn’t ask for anything better. They did magic.
"I had a great time..." - 2018I had a great time. This was one of the best Marathon tour experiences. There are challenges in a developing country and it was an AMAZING experience beginning to end. Thank you MTT and especially Jacquie and Karen for an experience well done.
"Experience Kenya and the wildlife of this great African country..." - 2018Experience Kenya and the wildlife of this great African country while enjoying a marathon and helping young girls obtain the dream of an education!
"It was exactly what I thought a running/safari trip..." - 2018It was exactly what I thought a running/safari trip to Kenya would be like but so much more, from the Kenyan people to the fellow travelers on the tour it was simply amazing.
"I can't say enough about how well Jacqui and Karen managed this trip." - 2018I can’t say enough about how well Jacqui and Karen managed this trip. They worked very hard to meet everyone’s needs, and quickly worked to address any unexpected issue. Their knowledge and experience were evident.
"Amazing race!" - 2017Amazing race! Amazing experience! Support from the many Maasai people along the course was predominantly wonderful. Loved the support from all at the finish line.
"Definitely a "trip of a lifetime"!" - 2017Definitely a “trip of a lifetime”! Thanks so much!
"Thank you for a wonderful experience!" - 2017Thank you for a wonderful experience! It was my first time traveling with Marathon Tours and I was blown away! The tour was well organized and it just got better and better as the days went on. I will definitely join Marathon Tours again in the near future.
"I was inspired by the chance..." - 2016I was inspired by the chance to support girls education and I hope to one day complete the 7 continents. I’ve traveled with you firm to Berlin and Dublin in the past so I am sure there will be many more adventures down the road with Marathon Tours.
"This was an incredible way to see Africa..." - 2016This was an incredible way to see Africa in an intimate way, and to celebrate the power of sport to bring diverse people together for common cause.
"The game drives and accommodations were fantastic..." - 2016The game drives and accommodations were fantastic. Additionally, I enjoyed the fact that we saw several different environments within Kenya.
"A fun tour through south eastern Kenya..." - 2016A fun tour through south eastern Kenya, with interesting/great people, seeing fabulous African wild animals culminating in a challenging running event.
"There were a lot of moving parts to this trip..." - 2016There were a lot of moving parts to this trip but all went according to plan. Jacqui and Karen were awesome! Also, I was very impressed with the quality and quantity of food throughout the trip and all the accommodations. The people of Kenya (and Rwanda) were all extremely welcoming and just plain wonderful. The service provided everywhere we went was exceptional.
"The best trip of my life!!" - 2016The animals, the landscapes, fellow runners… loved everything! Absolutely no complaints. The best trip of my life!!
"The Amazing Maasai Marathon trip was amazing!!!!!!" - 2015I am impressed with the organizational skills of the team. The places we stayed were amazing. The food was amazing. The runners are amazing. The maasai people were amazing. In total The Amazing Maasai Marathon trip was amazing!!!!!!
"MT has only improved in my eyes over the years..." - 2015MT has only improved in my eyes over the years I have been traveling with them. It is top quality and well versed in what it does. Everything is always excellent; I can count on it. Don’t change a thing…your market, quality, people, clients, etc is perfect. Jacqui is off the charts amazing….her knowledge, care, attention to all the details, and she is just a fun person. She is a major part of the experience and I couldn’t have imagined doing Africa or another more intimate trip like Easter Island without her.
-
Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
With more than twenty years of experience in travel logistics, conference planning, and marketing it has been a dream to blend her passion of running and travel with her career. Karen has completed 30 marathons, including Boston (2011, 2022, 2023), one ultra-marathon, and many half marathons and local races. She earned her Abbott Six Star Finisher Medal in London (April 2023).
Karen is certified as a running coach with Road Runners Club of America, a member of USATF and Marathon Maniacs, is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), earned her MS in Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas and BS in Economics/Finance from Bentley University. In addition to working on Marathon Tours & Travel marketing efforts, Karen manages our programs to Bermuda, Israel, Kenya, the Italy Coast to Coast Relay, Madagascar, Scotland, Athens and supports our U.S. packages to Big Sur and Boston. She is always looking forward to the next adventure!
Jacqui Kaufman
Trip Specialist
Jacqui Kaufman
Trip Specialist
Born and raised in Great Britain, Jacqui has worked on and off in the travel industry for more than 20 years. She has traveled extensively and lived in numerous countries around the world including Dubai, South Africa, Jakarta and Uruguay before settling in the U.S. in 1980.
Passionate about running and adventure she has completed more than 50 marathons and has competed in ultra events such as the Leadville 100, the Himalayan Stage Race, Alaska’s Iditasport 100 and 350 and the Yukon Arctic Ultra, to name a few. Addicted to the outdoors, Jacqui lives in Boulder, Colorado where she enjoys trail running, hiking, climbing, winter sports and yoga. One of her most memorable experiences is spending the summer of 2010 rehabilitating lions in Zimbabwe.