Lewa Safari Marathon
Experience Africa’s wildest marathon at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The Lewa Safari Marathon offers a truly unique wilderness race—an event not to miss on your Kenya safari. More than a personal challenge, running 42.195 km in Lewa is a journey through nature and conservation.
The Runner’s World Magazine listed the Lewa wildlife safari marathon among the top 10 races. If you enjoy running or marathons, consider joining our marathon safaris and exploring the finest Lewa Conservancy in Kenya.
The Lewa Safari Marathon lets you fully immerse yourself in the African wilderness—imagine running among predators and through diverse habitats. This unforgettable race takes runners on dirt tracks across riverbanks and acacia woodlands.
Who sponsors Lewa Safari Marathon?
The Lewa Marathon is an annual event often arranged by Tusk in partnership with Lewa and Safaricom. This annual event is hosted in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is located in Northern Kenya. Lewa is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular wildlife site in Kenya to explore the Big 5 game, including the unique and endangered black rhinos.
Participants traverse the dirt tracks in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The runners wind their way past the giraffes, zebras, and antelopes like sitatungas. Other wildlife to find in Lewa include wild dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs, and these are all monitored by the armed rangers trained by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Compared to the normal marathons held in the cities, the Lewa Marathon is exceptional. Imagine dodging elephants/lions crossing the path! Engaging in this marathon is essential as it helps raise support that can be used to protect the wildlife and ecosystem of Lewa.
When did the Lewa Safari Marathon Begin?
The Lewa Marathon started in 2000 when it recorded 180 successful entries. It started as a means to mobilize funds to support the conservation efforts in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the region’s diverse community development projects.
The annual participation has since grown to more than 1200. The 2023 marathon marked the most remarkable event of the Lewa Marathon, where the world’s renowned runners participated in the run via the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
The 2025 Lewa Safari Marathon marked the 25th edition. The 2026 marathon will mark the 26th edition and is intended to ensure funds are raised to facilitate wildlife conservation and also support the various community development initiatives in Kenya.
To participate in the annual Lewa wildlife safari marathons, you can register at least a year before the actual event. Talk to Native Africa Tours to book a package that suits your marathon vacation in Kenya. Beyond supporting community projects, the event plays a significant role in raising awareness of the threats African unique wildlife encounter.
The Lewa race
The Lewa wildlife safari marathon is done within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy amidst wildlife. This wildlife conservancy has no physical barriers that divide the runners from the wildlife, which makes it one of the world’s unique races. Runners can engage in the 20 km loop connecting through the dirt route. The race takes you on average altitude range of 1700m.
During the race, visitor safety and security is guaranteed. Patrols from experienced armed rangers take responsibility to safeguard everyone. To back up the ground security, 2 helicopters and one spotter plane often take off to curb any likely threat.
Community support
Since the launch of the Lewa wildlife safari marathon, the Kenyan community continues improving each year. During the 2009 marathon, about USD 500,000 was received and was distributed to different charitable organizations. The funds were mainly intended to offer support to health, education, wildlife conservation, and community development in Kenya.
Bird species
Besides wildlife, Lewa also supports the diversity of birds. They include white-bellied bustards, mariqua sunbirds, golden-winged sunbirds, blue-cheeked bee-eaters, Amethyst sunbird, vulturine guineafowl, Hartlaub’s bustards, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, Hunter’s sunbirds, Shelley’s francolins, and Golden-breasted starling.
Other birds to identify on a safari in Lewa include secretary bird, red-bellied parrot, scarlet-chested sunbird, yellow-necked spurfowl, Somali ostriches, Eastern chanting goshawks, Northern anteater chat, and harlequin quail.
Where to stay in Lewa Conservancy
The lodges present in and around Lewa wildlife conservancy include;
Elewana Kifaru House- This offers an excellent, intimate escape and comprises 5 stunning thatched cottages. This luxurious lodge offers ultimate comfort to guests on a tour in Lewa Wildlife Sanctuary. Book your accommodation services at Elewana Kifaru House to experience the unmatched comfort and unique wilderness views.
Lewa House –This features a thatched main house and is strategically set overviewing the Northern frontier of Kenya.
Sirikoi Lodge comes with incredible charm and exclusivity. This lodge is made of 4 luxury tents, a private Sirikoi house, a cottage, and other options. Overnight at Sirikoi Lodge guarantees ultimate comfort and wilderness immersion.
Borana Lodge–This comprises 5 properties set on the Borana and provides a unique experience on Lewa’s plains. This lodge, located on the hill around Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and not only does it offers comfort but also a unique history and style plus uninterrupted views.
Lewa Wilderness Camp –Located near Mount Kenya’s base area, Lewa Wilderness Camp features among the comfortable accommodation options in Kenya. It is one option to take when on a safari in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Elewana Lewa Safari Camp –This features fireplace, huge tented bedrooms, verandahs, and full en suite bathrooms. Lewa Safari Camp by Elewana lies along the rolling plains of Mount Kenya.
Best time to travel to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa lies near the Equator and enjoys consistent weather and climatic conditions. It experiences an extensive dry season, which falls in June, July, August, and September. During these dry months, long sunshine is experienced during the daytime. The wet or rainy season is experienced from October to May, and the entire season is usually unpredictable.
Behind-the-scenes Experiences in Lewa
After you have secured a place to stay, you can also book different activities offered at the wildlife conservancy. Booking safari activities in Lewa should be done in advance, considering the high demand. Talk to our expert and let us have your Lewa wildlife tour.
Getting to Lewa Conservancy
Lewa can be reached by road from Nairobi. Driving from Nairobi to Lewa takes 4 hours. You navigate through the Thika route and the Makuyu-Karatina route. From Nyeri town, drive 16km, and you can find the sign posts to Buffalo Springs and Samburu. Continue past Naro Moru, Nanyuki, and Timau route, and from Timau, drive for 15 km to Isiolo, where you will have an additional 3km drive to reach the main gate of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
By flight, take a direct flight from Wilson Airport to Lewa Downs. The domestic flights are operated by Air Kenya and SafariLink. The Lewa Airstrip receives private/chartered planes.
Is Lewa Wildlife Sanctuary/Conservancy family-friendly?
Lewa is one of the interesting places to visit as a family. Visitors on a family tour in Kenya can incorporate visits to Lewa on their travel packages. The conservancy welcomes all categories of visitors, including children.
The Lewa Safari Marathon is your chance to experience the wild while supporting conservation. Book your 2026 Lewa adventure with Native Africa Tours for an unparalleled wildlife safari marathon experience. Note, consider packing light for your marathon excursion starting with comfortable clothes, hydration and nutrition products, sunscreen, first aid kit, and more.
