Extensions within Africa post-Comrades Marathon 2026 are offered; there is a choice of Safari options.
PRIVATE GAME RESERVES | 16 – 19 June 2026 | 3 nights
Note: These extension trips start and finish in Durban.
Both reserves are malaria free and are homes to the Big Five Game (Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo)
3 Nights Extension Package includes:
Not included:
NOTE: All Game Reserve extensions are guided by a professional guide and tracker. Extensions are not accompanied by Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) staff unless we reach a minimum number of sales and also at our discretion. The Game Reserve staff will look after you and MTT staff will be available via telephone.
Please refer to the last day of itinerary for flight recommendations and group transfer times.
THANDA
Thanda Safari is an award-winning 5-star experience, situated in a private game reserve in the heart of the Royal Zulu Kingdom of Kwazulu Natal, a 3 to 4 hour drive from Durban. The reserve provides a world of wilderness and wildlife, 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 and its community partnerships. Experience the ultimate safari camp experience with Thanda Safari, which has repeatedly been named the World’s Leading Luxury Game Reserve Lodge. Whether you stay in the Villa iZulu or a luxury tent in the camp, you will fall in love with Thanda.
For 2026, the Lodge is not available, but we can offer Villa iZulu or 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. No children younger than 7 years are permitted to stay at this property.
BABANANGO
Babanango Game Reserve is a 4-star lodge experience, situated in a malaria free area of Royal Zulu Kingdom of Kwazulu Natal, a 3.30 to 4 hour drive from Durban. The reserve hosts a world of wilderness and wildlife, including the Big Five, matched with a deep commitment to Zulu culture, community and environmental conservation.
Nestled in the south of Babanango Game Reserve, Valley Lodge offers nine adjacent luxury rooms each of which are stylishly furnished with upscale amenities to guarantee an indulgent and delightful experience for guests. Every room is thoughtfully equipped with luxurious features such as heated bathroom floors and towel racks, ensuring a truly comfortable and pampering stay. Rooms offer views of indigenous gardens.
With a maximum capacity of 18 guests, the farm style lodge ensures a cozy experience. Unlike others, it is fenced off for safety, privacy, and exclusivity. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from infinity and splash pools or relax by the fireplace. The library offers books on local history and bird species. In the evening, the outdoor boma with a firepit creates a cozy atmosphere. The lodge’s culinary experience includes canape-style lunches, handcrafted cocktails, and traditional South African-style potjiekos and braais.
No children younger than 8 years are permitted to stay at this property.
During your stay you can enjoy three meals per day (breakfast, light lunch, dinner), and basic teas and coffees.
Not included are extras such as other activities, soft drinks, juices, premium coffees, alcoholic beverages, minibar, items of a personal nature & treatments which can be booked and paid for during your stay.
Perched high on the Babanango game reserve, Zulu Rock Lodge offers guests breathtaking views of the expansive landscape from its cliff-edge location. Zulu Rock Lodge offers six luxurious villa-style suites and a family villa. Unwind on the deck beside the elevated pool, while watching for wildlife as they gracefully roam the valley below.
Zulu Rock Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests, ensuring a personalised experience. With no fences to separate guests from nature, this bush lodge accommodation invites guests to immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings, embracing a true sense of oneness.
At Zulu Rock Lodge, every moment is crafted to inspire awe and tranquillity. From the panoramic views that greet you each morning to magical encounters with wildlife, this sanctuary reconnects guests with the beauty of nature. Whether embarking on a thrilling safari adventure or savouring the peacefulness of the lodge, Zulu Rock Lodge promises an unforgettable experience with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
No children younger than 8 years are permitted to stay at Babanango properties.
Itinerary
Tuesday 16 June 2026
After breakfast, at 10:00am you will be collected from Southern Sun Hotel Elangeni & Maharani in Durban to your chosen game reserve and accommodation. The group transfer will be an approximately 3-and-a-half hour drive along the Indian Ocean. After arriving you will depart for your first game drive in four-wheel Land Rovers or similar. An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best time to look for the Big Five. With 1,000’s of hectares to explore and led by experts of the African bush, you’ll see array of wildlife, bird and plant life. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June 2026
Each day is an early morning wake-up (5:30am/6:00am) 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 their 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 19 June 2026
After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation for the group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport. There will be 2 morning departures.
Departure 1 will depart at 08:00am and arrive between 11:30pm to 12:30pm
Departure 2 will depart at 11:30am and arrive between 15:00pm to 16:00pm
If neither group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport suits 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)
Itineraries are subject to change.
