Source of the Nile/Gorilla Marathon

Basic info: Two race formats 42.2km / 21.1km. 16th May, 2010.
The race kicks off at 630am – ish (it is Africa) from the Source of the Nile Jinja.

THE GORILLA MARATHON has the ambition of running to raise awareness of the plight of the gorilla population as well as raising funds for conservation work.

The race itinerary is based around the Source of the Nile, a spectacular region near the town of Jinja 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 Race - We start right at the waters edge where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile – the river is already wider than the Thames in London at this point and descends in a series of rapids and small waterfalls through a rolling green tropical landscape.

After a short distance leaving Jinja we cross the Nile on a sturdy foot bridge and return a little 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 then continues on trails past a number of schools which are being supported and refurbished by the charity Soft Power, who we are engaging to help with the event and raise funds for the project.

The route will run through the village of Budondo and returning on trails to Nile Porch and the finish line.

The course is undulating in nature with no steep hills to climb. The start at Source of the Nile is at 1,170mts above sea level, the high point of the race is 1,220mt and the low point 1,140mts.

The routes are safe and the most dangerous possiblity is tripping over the lead teathering a goat to the verge – there are no crocs or hippo on this stretch of the Nile as the water is too fast.

There will also be a community 5km starting and finishing at the Nile Porch Resort for local children, Ugandan adults and supporters of those running the half or full marathons.

Nile Porch is an adventure centre and camp site with a spectacular location overlooking the Nile rapids – there will be water and an all day buffet available for finishing runners to refuel and cold beer for those looking to celebrate their achievement.

The Climate & Health - Mid-May is the end of the rainy season. It is likely to be sunny most of the time but there is a chance of short heavy rains – usually lasting for 30min to 1 hr when a lot of water will come down and the trails get very wet. But as soon the rain stops the sun will come back out and everything dries out.

Because of the 1,200mt altitude it is not hot at this time of the year and you can expect temperatures in the mid-20C but the sun is very strong and you need high factor sun screen. To avoid being in the strongest sunlight for too long the race will start at 7am.

Lake Victoria is a Malaria region.

Suggested Itinerary and Cost


Day 1   14 May, 2010 Depart Jhb in afternoon, arrive in Uganda in the evening. Meet and Greet and transfer to 3 – 4 Star Boutique Hotel in Entebbe – Bomas of Entebbe. Dinner open.


Day 2   15 May, 2010 Transfer morning hours to Jinja. Visit to Mabira Forest, Ssezibwe Falls, Source of the Nile and Bujagali Falls. Afternoon checking out the race course and meeting the other participants. Lunch at Jinja Nile Resort. Pasta Party in the evening at Nile Porch/Black Lantern.


Day 3   16 May, 2010 Race Day starting early morning hours. Transport provided to race start. Run from the Source of the Nile crossing the River Nile and proceeding through villages and countryside to end race at Nile Porch/Black Lantern. BBQ and party in the gardens at Nile Porch/Backpackers. Auction and prizes. Fun Day for local families. Return to Jinja Nile Resort for Overnight.


Day 4   17 May, 2010 Day of activities in Jinja Area. Enjoy White Water Rafting, either grade 3 or grade 5. OR try out the Nile Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Quad Biking, Canoeing, Fishing or other activities available in the area. Dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort.


Day 5   18 May, 2010 Jinja to Entebbe
Depart Jinja morning hours. Visit Kampala craft markets, art galleries and other simple attractions. Proceed to Entebbe for overnight at Bomas or similar. Option to add boatride and visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Add $70 USD pp)


Day 6   19 May, 2010
Transfer to Lake Mburo NP. Afternoon game drive and boat ride. (Transit time 3 hrs)


DAY 7   20 May, 2010
Early morning walk. Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Transit time 6-7 hrs)


DAY 8   21 May, 2010
Gorilla tracking – About 8hrs hiking in search of Gorillas


DAY 9   22 May, 2010
To Queen Elizabeth NP Ishasha Sector ( Transit time 2 hrs) : Game Drive in search of tree climbing lions. Evening game drive.


DAY 10   23 May, 2010
Sunrise game drive : To Queen Elizabeth NP main section. (Transit time 1 – 2 hours): Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel and short evening game drive.


DAY 11   24 May, 2010
Sunrise game drive or visit to Forest in search of Chimpanzees. Return to Kampala. Stop at Equator.


Itinerary includes

• Return flights from Johannesburg to Uganda
• All transfers
• English speaking driver/guide
• 3- 4 star Accommodation
• All meals
• Tour of Jinja and Source of the Nile
• Race Entrance Fees
• White water rafting or other activity


Excludes

• Visa to Uganda, available on arrival
• Beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal items like between meals snacks
• Porterage
• Souvenirs


Total Cost: Based on 8 people sharing, R36 000 per person