
Experience the Homeland of Champions: An 11-Day Running Safari Through Kenya’s Legendary Terrain
Step into the rhythm of the land that has shaped the world’s fastest distance runners. The Homeland of Champions Experience is an 11-day running safari that blends elite-level training with immersive cultural encounters and breathtaking wildlife adventures. From the red-dirt trails of Iten to the misty hills of Limuru, and from up-close encounters with giraffes to epic game drives through the Masai Mara, this journey is designed for runners who crave challenge, connection, and inspiration.
Whether you’re training for your next race or seeking a transformational travel experience, this expedition offers you a rare chance to run alongside Kenyan athletes, meet local communities, and witness the wild majesty of East Africa—all in one unforgettable trip.
Runners of all levels welcome!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 | October 16
Welcome to Nairobi — City in the Sun
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city, where tradition and modernity meet under wide East African skies. You'll be greeted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to the Ole Sereni Hotel, a luxurious property overlooking Nairobi National Park. With views of grazing wildlife just beyond your window, this is the perfect place to recover from your travels, meet your fellow participants, and ease into the rhythm of the journey ahead. Dinner and overnight in Nairobi.
Day 2 | October 17
Ngong Hills Run + Giraffe Encounter
Rise early and head to the Ngong Hills, a legendary training ground for Kenya’s elite runners and a backdrop to the film Out of Africa. This ridge of rolling hills sits above the Great Rift Valley and offers panoramic views that have inspired generations of athletes. Here, you’ll join local runners on the trails—an unforgettable introduction to the rhythm, humility, and heart of Kenyan running culture.
After your run and a well-earned breakfast, visit the Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Get up close with these gentle giants and learn about grassroots conservation efforts. Later, transfer to the peaceful Sovereign Suites in Limuru, where you’ll settle in and reflect on your first full day.
Day 3 | October 18
Limuru Tea Country + Coffee Origins
Wake up in the cool highlands of Limuru, surrounded by verdant tea plantations and rich red soil. After a supported run through these scenic, high-altitude trails (5K–20K), you'll enjoy a locally sourced breakfast before heading to Paradise Lost in Kiambu, a 54-acre nature reserve known for its ancient caves—once a refuge for Mau Mau fighters during Kenya's independence movement—and its picturesque waterfalls. Tour a working coffee farm, explore prehistoric Stone Age caves, and take in the nearby waterfall.
In the afternoon, visit the Nairobi National Museum, where Kenya’s diverse cultures, archaeological finds (including early hominid fossils), and artistic traditions are on full display. Return to Sovereign Suites for dinner and rest.
Day 4 | October 19
Kereita Forest Adventure
Start your morning with a light recovery run through the misty valleys of Limuru, followed by breakfast and a day of forest exploration. Travel to Kereita Forest, part of the southern Aberdare Range, known for its lush biodiversity and outdoor adventure. Here, you can opt to zipline across a 2.2km course, go mountain biking, hike forest trails, or even plant a native tree as part of ongoing conservation efforts.
After an active day outdoors, travel onward to Nakuru, arriving in time to settle in at the elegant Sarova Woodlands Hotel. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at this modern, comfortable base near Lake Nakuru.
Day 5 | October 20
Arrival in Iten — The Home of Champions
Today you travel to Iten, the beating heart of long-distance running, perched along the rim of the Great Rift Valley. This small town, recently named a World Athletics Heritage Site, has produced Olympic gold medalists and world record holders, thanks in part to its altitude, terrain, and tight-knit community of runners.
After check-in at Kerio View Hotel, join an evening shake-out run on the same dirt trails that have shaped legends like Eliud Kipchoge and David Rudisha. The spirit of Iten is more than just athletic—it’s about discipline, resilience, and collective striving.
Day 6 | October 21
Torok Falls Trail Run + Recovery
This morning’s run takes you to Torok Falls, a remote cascade nestled into the side of the Kerio Escarpment. You’ll pass through village farmland where local school children cheer you on. The route is a mix of winding trails and quiet roads, offering elevation, beauty, and a sense of timeless connection to the land.
After lunch, enjoy a workshop or indulge in a sports massage by one of the same therapists who work with elite marathoners. Overnight at Kerio View Hotel.
Day 7 | October 22
Lake Nakuru National Park Safari
Trade your running shoes for binoculars as you head into Lake Nakuru National Park, home to white and black rhinos, tree-climbing lions, and flocks of flamingos that tint the lake pink. A game drive through this ecological haven gives you a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s natural wonders and wildlife conservation efforts.
Lunch at Sarova Woodlands Hotel Nakuru, then continue to Lake Naivasha, a peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by acacia forests. Check into Enashipai Lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 8 | October 23
Hell’s Gate Run + Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
Wake early for a thrilling run through Hell’s Gate National Park, one of the few parks in Africa where you can run, cycle, or walk among wild animals. This volcanic landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and open plains, has inspired everything from The Lion King to Maasai legends. Your run (5–15K) ends at the striking Ol Njorowa Gorge.
Later, visit Elsamere, the home of conservationists Joy and George Adamson, whose work with lions became the basis for Born Free. A boat ride on Lake Naivasha offers close encounters with hippos and African fish eagles before you return to the lodge.
Day 9 | October 24
The Majestic Masai Mara
Drive south to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserve, known for its sweeping savannahs, big cats, and the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–September). Stop at a Maasai village on the way in to meet community members and learn about the tribe’s traditional way of life.
Check into Mara Sarova Luxury Tented Camp and embark on an afternoon game drive, where you might spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, or even a leopard preparing for a nighttime hunt. Dinner and overnight under canvas and stars.
Day 10 | October 25
Sunrise Safari + Reflection
Wake before dawn for a half-day game drive, catching the Mara in its most active hours. As the sun rises over the savannah, watch for early-morning predators, grazing antelope, and the quiet rituals of the bush. It’s a fitting close to the wild, wide-open leg of your journey.
Return to camp for lunch and spend the afternoon resting, journaling, or gathering with the group for a closing circle—a chance to reflect on what the trip has stirred in body, mind, and spirit. Overnight again at Mara Sarova Luxury Tented Camp.
Day 11 | October 26
Return to Nairobi + Departure
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Nairobi. The drive offers one last chance to take in the changing landscapes and expansive sky.
Upon arrival in the capital, you'll have the option to visit a local youth sports club or community project—honoring the deeper roots of running culture in Kenya as a source of empowerment, not just performance.
In the evening, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home—renewed, inspired, and forever changed by the homeland of champions.
What’s Included:
Full board accommodation at boutique hotels, safari lodges, and luxury tented camps
All in-country transportation in custom 4x4 safari vehicles
Guided, vehicle-supported runs (5K to 20K) through some of Kenya’s most iconic training grounds
English-speaking local driver-guides
Game drives in Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara National Parks
Cultural visits, museum stops, and village immersions
Entry to parks, reserves, and conservation centers
Water and snacks during runs
Air rescue insurance coverage during the trip
A souvenir T-shirt
Not Included:
Flights to and from Nairobi
Travel insurance (required)
Tips, drinks, and personal items
Cost:
$6,000 USD per person
Single room supplement: $120/night
Deposit: 40% to secure your spot. Final payment due 30 days before departure. Payments may be made through US Dollars denominated bank transfers or credit card. Credit card payments incur a 3% processing fee.
Please note, in the event that any listed accommodations are unavailable at the time of booking, comparable alternatives of equal comfort and quality will be arranged.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Kenya is the birthplace of many of the world’s greatest distance runners. Its high-altitude terrain, red-dirt trails, and deeply rooted running culture make it a dream destination for athletes seeking both challenge and connection. Running here isn’t just about performance—it’s about rhythm, resilience, and the land itself. Whether you're a competitive runner or simply passionate about the sport, there's no place quite like Kenya to reignite your love for the run.
-
Not at all. This trip is designed for runners of various levels who enjoy adventure, exploration, and movement. Each day’s run is supported, with multiple distance options (usually between 5K and 20K), and participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and run at their own pace. It's about presence, not pressure.
-
Expect a mix of packed dirt trails, forest paths, rolling hills, and highland roads. Some days are more rugged and others more gentle, but all runs are supported and guided by local athletes. Good trail shoes are recommended.
-
Yes—this experience is intentionally designed to immerse you in Kenya’s running culture. While we can’t guarantee meeting world-famous athletes, you’ll have the opportunity to run alongside and learn from local runners and coaches who live and train in the very regions you’ll be exploring.
-
This is an active itinerary designed for people who enjoy movement, but it's not a boot camp. The pace is varied, with time built in for recovery, sightseeing, and reflection. That said, you should be comfortable with moderate daily activity and have some base fitness.
-
Yes. Kenya is a vibrant, welcoming country and we work with experienced local guides and trusted partners throughout the itinerary. As with any international travel, common sense precautions apply. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
-
Absolutely. If you’d like to explore more of Kenya before or after the trip, we’re happy to help you make arrangements or offer recommendations.