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A Journey of Running, Culture & Wild Landscapes from the Highlands to the Kidepo Bush

Run With Champions, Highland Trails & Untamed Wilderness

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Summary of the Trip

Step into the shoes of champions and experience Uganda through a unique blend of sport, culture, and adventure. Train in Kapchorwa’s highlands with world-class runners, join the Elgon Half Marathon founded by Olympic gold medallist Joshua Cheptegei, and explore the wild beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park. This journey is for every pace – from aspiring athletes to spirited spectators – and offers an authentic connection to Uganda’s landscapes, communities, and running heritage.

The Experience

Begin with a night in Entebbe before starting your journey to Kapchorwa, the highland home of Uganda’s running legends. Train on mountain trails with professional coaches, visit elite runner camps, and prepare for the Elgon Half Marathon – with options for all fitness levels, from 5 km to the full half-marathon, or simply cheering on the sidelines. Beyond the track, discover the lush landscapes of eastern Uganda with guided hikes, immersive coffee and honey-bee tours, and meaningful cultural exchanges. Journey north to Karamoja for an authentic village stay at Alakara Guest House, experiencing the rhythms of rural life. Conclude your adventure with a safari in Kidepo Valley National Park, its dramatic scenery and rich wildlife.  

PRICING STARTING FROM: $ 3996 per person

This itinerary is planned around the Elgon Half Marathon in November 2025, but it can be booked year round.

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HIGHLIGHTS

WORLD-CLASS RUNNING CULTURE, SCENIC HIGHLAND HIKES, CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS, VILLAGE LIFE IN KARAMOJA, WILDLIFE SAFARI IN KIDEPO, COFFEE & HONEY TOURS

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All accommodations & scheduled meals
  • Private vehicle and all road transfers
  • Professional running coaching and camp visits
  • Elgon Half Marathon registration 
  • Guided hikes and cultural tours
  • Coffee and honey-bee experiences
  • Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park
  • Park and activity fees

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary is subject to change

Day 1

Arrival in Entebbe – Garden Retreat at Muti Guesthouse

Arrive in Entebbe and settle into Muti Guesthouse, a cozy retreat just a short drive from the airport. Take a stroll through lush gardens, savor your first taste of Ugandan cuisine, and meet your hosts and fellow travelers. This peaceful evening is perfect for unwinding after your journey, adjusting to the local rhythm, and preparing for the adventure ahead. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and get a good night’s rest before heading into the highlands.
Day 2

Journey to Kapchorwa – Into the Highlands

Begin your journey to Kapchorwa, Uganda’s running capital, passing through Kampala’s lively streets and the lush Mabira Forest. Cross the iconic Nile River and enjoy a lunch stop in Mbale, with a chance to visit the Elgon Half Marathon site if time allows. Arrive at Home of Friends Guesthouse, your base for the next days, and take in sweeping highland views. Meet your hosts and get introduced to the local running scene over a hearty dinner.
Day 3

Kapchorwa – Trails & Culture

Wake to crisp highland air at 1,900 meters above sea level. Start the morning with a guided 10 km run on the waterfall loop, passing through villages and green fields with stunning Mount Elgon vistas. Groups are organized by fitness level, ensuring everyone enjoys the experience. In the afternoon, join a hands-on Sebei cooking session and learn about local traditions. As evening falls, connect with the community and discover the cultural roots of Uganda’s running champions.
Day 4

Long Run & Elite Training Camps

Join your coach for an energizing 14 km run along Kamuges Road, a route famed for its beautiful scenery and varied terrain. Later, visit the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation and Rosa Training Camp, where you’ll gain insight into the demanding routines and principles shaping Uganda’s top runners. See firsthand how these camps support local youth, providing opportunities to train alongside world-class athletes and fueling dreams for the next generation.
Day 5

Tracks, Coffee & High-Altitude Training

Start your day at the Chamwania Primary School track, opened by Joshua Cheptegei, where young athletes chase their dreams. Next, dive into a hands-on coffee tour, following the journey from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing. Try each step, plant a seedling for conservation, and enjoy a cup of coffee you’ve made yourself. Finish at Teryet National High Altitude Training Centre, a world-class track at 2,600 meters, and test your legs where Uganda’s best train.
Day 6

hampions Trail Run & BeeActive Honey Tour

Begin with an easy 5 km run along the Champions Trail, climbing above 2,000 meters for sweeping views. Join the BeeActive Honey Tour to discover local beekeeping, stroll through farms and forests, and learn how honey is made. Hear stories about Sipi’s culture and daily life. In the afternoon, drive to Mbale and check in at the relaxing Mount Elgon Hotel & Spa, blending colonial charm and modern comfort—perfect for recharging for the days ahead.
Day 7

Elgon Half Marathon & Karamoja Culture

Start the day at the Elgon Half Marathon, a vibrant event founded by Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei. With races for all levels, music, dancing, and tree planting, the marathon is a celebration of unity and local culture. After the festivities, travel north to Karamoja and settle into Alakara Guesthouse on Okra Farm. Surrounded by gardens and traditional huts, unwind in hammocks or join cultural activities like music workshops, farm tours, and village walks.
Day 8

Kobulin Cooking Workshop & Village Walk

Begin your day with a hands-on cooking workshop in Kobulin, learning to prepare traditional Karamojong dishes such as millet porridge, roasted goat, and wild greens. Later, embark on a guided village walk, exploring homesteads and meeting community members. Discover traditional crafts, livestock keeping, and hear local stories. This immersive experience offers a genuine window into daily life, history, and the resilience of the Karamojong people, deepening your connection to the region.
Day 9

Hiking Nyakwai Mountain

After a short drive to Rogom village, set off with local guides on a hike up breathtaking Nyakwai Mountain. Choose between a shorter or more challenging route, both offering sweeping views and encounters with unique flowers and plants. Along the way, engage in cultural exchanges with the local community, learning about their relationship with the land. The hike is both a physical and cultural highlight, offering insight into the natural and human heritage of Karamoja.
Day 10

Kidepo Savannah Lodge – Safari in the Wild North

Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park and check in at Kidepo Savannah Lodge, perched on a hill overlooking the Narus Valley. The lodge combines authentic safari style with modern comforts, offering spacious tents and cottages with private verandas for sunrise and sunset views. Relax in the open-air lounge and dining area, enjoy warm hospitality, and watch for wildlife that often roams nearby, setting the stage for your safari adventure.Relax in the open-air lounge and dining area, enjoy warm hospitality, and keep an eye out for wildlife that often roams nearby.
Day 11

Safari Adventures & Relaxation in Kidepo

Spend the day on guided game drives through Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most spectacular and untouched reserves. As the sun rises, watch the park come alive with dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, from lions and elephants to giraffes and zebras. After a midday lunch break, continue exploring as the afternoon brings increased animal activity. Return to the lodge at sunset for breathtaking views and a relaxing evening in the open-air lounge.
Day 12

Night Safari & Guided Nature Walk in Kidepo

Start with a thrilling night safari, heading into the savannah with a skilled Uganda Wildlife Authority guide and spotlights to search for nocturnal animals—a completely different experience from daytime drives. Later, explore Kidepo’s wild beauty on a guided nature walk through Narus Valley. This 5 km trek, led by a ranger, offers close encounters with buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hartebeests, and a variety of birds. Walks are tailored to your pace, giving you an intimate look at the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Day 13

Return to Entebbe – Scenic Flight & Flexible Departure

After breakfast, board a small aircraft for your scenic flight back to Entebbe, taking in sweeping aerial views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes—savannah, mountains, and lakes. Upon arrival, you may have time to relax at Muti Guesthouse or explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, depending on your flight schedule. Reflect on your journey, enjoy a final meal, and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Uganda’s running, culture, and wilderness.

FAST FACTS

Beyond the Safari Jeep

Private coaching session with an elite Ugandan runner
Extra night in Kapchorwa for more hiking or running
Beach getaway at the end of your stay
Birding tour in Kidepo Valley National Park

Why we love it

“Lace up your shoes, soak in the epic highland views, and let Uganda’s vibrant soul surprise you – here running, culture, and adventure collide in the most unforgettable way.” – The Nomad Africa Team
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When to travel

Best from December to March and June to September, outside the heavy rainy seasons, for optimal running and safari conditions

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SEE WHAT YOU LIKE? BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY

Book your trip with Nomad today, you will get everything in the itinerary listed above and much more. Our goal is to make your trip dreams come alive.

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