timbavati traverse

About the Timbavati Traverse Marathon


The Timbavati Traverse is a unique marathon that allows participants to immerse themselves in the true wilderness of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, one of South Africa’s best game viewing destinations and home to the famous wild white lion populations.


The Timbavati Traverse means exactly that, traversing the land that is home to the wildlife of the Timbavati. It’s Big 5 country. Just imagine experiencing the heart-pumping adrenaline of being in that extensive landscape and feeling so small compared to nature’s magnificent giants.

The 2024 event which takes place on the 21st of September presents :

grant-murphy timbavati marathon runner


The origins of the Timbavati Traverse

In 2020, with the world-famous Comrades Marathon cancelled due to Covid-19, Grant Murphy, head guide at Kings Camp in the Timbavati, ran 92 km through the reserve to raise funds for the Timbavati canine anti-poaching unit.

This hugely successful, memorable effort inspired the idea of an annual fundraising event for passionate runners and conservationists, celebrating the beauty of this wildlife reserve.

How the event works :

This event is not a race but rather a run/walk where all get to experience an intimate connection with nature and exercise for a cause. Participants stay together in a “herd” for safety as well as for pace preference.

Qualified guides on bicycles lead the groups which set off at split time intervals. Each group has a guest runner – a lodge owner/land owner or lodge employee. Support vehicles also accompany each “herd” during the event and medical personnel are present at all times.

On the day!


On the day, the adrenaline and excitement are tangible! The event is festive, with supporters joining in the celebration. Traditional dancing adds to the vibrant atmosphere, while rangers are visibly present, ensuring safety and providing assistance if needed.

A medical tent with medics is on hand for any emergencies. There’s a full-on spit braai for hearty meals as well as delicious options like pizza, prego rolls, and ribs along with a wine bar, gin bar, refreshments, snacks, and coffees. Live music adds to the festive mood.

What to expect on the route

The Timbavati Traverse routes expose beautiful, rugged dirt track terrain which puts participants to the test. The routes highlight some of Timbavati’s unique features such as giant Baobabs and breathtaking mountain views but most of all, some exhilarating wildlife sightings.

Each route has water points, sponsored by various suppliers and lodges, every 7 km with energy-boosting snacks, water and energy drinks.


Taking a wild jog with bush-savvy Martin Stone

This year, Director Martin Stone will be taking on the 21km half marathon. For Martin, being in the bush is second nature, as he’s based at Rockfig Safari Lodge. This means his training sessions are nothing short of extraordinary, and rather wild!

Martin typically heads out in the middle of the day when the wildlife enjoys their siesta. When Bruce Jenkins, owner, is at Rockfig, the two team up. Bruce humorously admits, “It may be a normal day for Martin, but it takes me a little while to relax…”

One memorable training session had them jogging along, completely absorbed in their run when they unknowingly passed a slumbering rhino. It wasn’t until they were about 10 meters past that they realised who they’d just run by. At the same moment, the rhino also woke up. Needless to say, Bruce and Martin picked up their pace!

In another thrilling encounter, Martin came across a beautifully relaxed leopard named Marula, just 4-5 meters away. What an adventure!


Where do the funds go?

Anti-poaching units

Over the past three years, the funding focus has been on the anti-poaching units. Illegal poaching remains a constant threat to our wildlife so our dedicated teams – canine units, rangers on foot, anti-poaching and aerial teams are needed to continue their work of protecting our rhinos and other wildlife.

Funds were used to purchase Baroudeur Rhino eBikes to allow rangers to patrol greater distances, additional fence batteries to ensure the reserve is protected 24/7 as well as picket upgrades for better living conditions for these incredible wildlife guardians.

Making Dreams Run Wild Initiative

The Timbavati Traverse also funds the “Making Dreams Run Wild” initiative, which supports rural community runners by sponsoring their participation in the event. Over the past three events, six community runners have benefited from this initiative.


The Timbavati Foundation

In 2022, Timbavati Traverse donated R30,000 to the Timbavati Foundation to help build the first-ever EcoPod Classroom, a satellite classroom for their successful Environmental School.

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Rockfig Safari Lodge Involvement

Rockfig Safari Lodge is a proud supporter of the Timbavati Traverse and sponsored a water table in 2021, sponsored the main prize in 2022, another water table in 2023 and will be doing the same in 2024.

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