Tackle The Addo Elephant Trail Run
If your dream is to run through untamed African wilderness, with the sounds of nature as your soundtrack, The Addo Elephant Trail Run 2026, may be your ticket to an unforgettable adventure.Â
Taking place from 19- 22 March 2026, this iconic event celebrates its 22nd edition.
What makes this race special isn’t the distance. It’s the terrain. You run through one of South Africa’s most biodiverse landscapes, where endurance is tested against the raw scale of the African bush.
The Addo Elephant Trail Run
Established in 2005, the Addo Elephant Trail Run is South Africa’s oldest 100-mile ultra trail race. Entry numbers are limited and the event fills quickly each year, so most runners secure their place well in advance.
For those already entered, the countdown is on. For spectators and supporters, it’s an opportunity to experience the atmosphere and follow the action across one of the country’s most remarkable trail-running routes. And for those planning ahead, there are four race distances to consider for future editions, each designed to challenge runners at different levels.
- 100 Miles: For the brave and bold seeking the ultimate physical and mental endurance challenge.
Starts: Friday, 20 March 2026 at 11:00 am Addo Elephant National Park, Main Camp
Final cut off: Sunday, 22 March 2026 at 03:00 am Zuurberg Mountain Village. - 50 Miles: A serious challenge for experienced trail runners.
Starts: Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 05:00 am Addo Elephant National Park, Kabouga Start, Kirkwood.
Final cut off: Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 23:00 pm Zuurberg Mountain Village. - 50 Kilometres: A great option for those looking to push their limits on the trails.
Starts: Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 07:00 am Kabouga Start, Kirkwood.                                                                        Final Cut off: Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 22:00 pm Zuurberg Mountain Village - 21 Kilometres: Perfect for those wanting to soak in the scenery without the ultra challenge.
Starts: Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 08:00 am Hayterdale Trails
Finishes: Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 14:00 pm Zuurberg Mountain Village
Trail Running Through True Wilderness
What sets the Addo run apart is the chance to run through Addo Elephant National Park, one of the few places in the world that boasts the Big 7– elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, southern right whale, and great white shark.Â
This distinction makes Addo the only national park globally where you’ll find terrestrial and marine giants in one protected area.
While the trail keeps runners safely away from the park’s more formidable residents like lions, rhinos, and elephants, the experience of running through their habitat is exhilarating.Â
The Big 7 represent the pinnacle of African wildlife, symbolising the incredible biodiversity that Addo preserves. Spotting these creatures, even from a distance, reminds us of the park’s significance in protecting both land and marine species.
On land, the African elephant, the park’s namesake, is the largest living land animal, often seen in family herds. The Cape buffalo, known for its unpredictable nature, roams the plains, while the stealthy leopard is a rare but thrilling sight.Â
Addo also provides a haven for the critically endangered black rhino, making every sighting a special encounter.
The marine portion of the Big 7, found in the nearby coastal areas, includes the majestic southern right whale and the formidable great white shark, adding to the park’s unique ecological offering.
Addo Elephant Trail Run Route
Be prepared to push your limits as you navigate the rugged Zuurberg mountains, cross winding rivers, and conquer steep climbs. The reward? Breathtaking views of the valleys below – and the chance to run through one of the wildest, most untouched landscapes on earth.
Every kilometre is an adventure, with the Addo Elephant run route weaving through single-track trails, old jeep tracks, and dirt roads that showcase Addo’s raw beauty. What makes this race truly special is that it takes runners through remote sections of the park, inaccessible to regular visitors – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s incredible wildlife. You might spot kudu grazing in the distance, baboons chattering in the trees, or a black-backed jackal on the prowl. Warthogs, ostriches, and red hartebeest could cross your path – and if you’re lucky, you might even glimpse the world’s largest antelope, the majestic eland.
This isn’t just another trail run. It’s a serious test of endurance set within one of South Africa’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
The flagship 100-mile ultra covers 160 kilometres with 6,025 metres of climbing and 5,572 metres of descent. Runners have 40 hours to complete the course — a sustained physical and mental challenge across rugged terrain.
Even the shortest distance gives a real taste of the mountains. The 21km route includes 1,061 metres of climbing and 688 metres of descent, proving that no category comes easy.
Getting There
The closest airport to Addo Elephant National Park is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), just 75 to 85 kilometres away, depending on where you’re headed in the park. Driving from the airport to Addo’s main gate typically takes about forty minutes. Other relevant travel distances include:Â
- Addo Main Gate to Kirkwood – 55km
- Kirkwood to Zuurberg – 65km
- Zuurberg to Addo Main Gate – 18km
A self-drive is a fantastic option, giving you the freedom to take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Just be sure to have a GPS or a trusty map on hand and check the local road conditions before you set off.
When you land, you’ll find plenty of car rental options at the airport, with agencies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Budget all ready to help you hit the road.Â
Scenic Accommodation for the Ultimate Trail Escape
The Addo Elephant Trail Run is not just about running. It is also about taking in the beauty of the Eastern Cape. For runners turning the weekend into a proper escape, Camp Figtree is a very easy choice.
Set high on the Zuurberg Mountain Pass, it gives you that middle-of-nowhere feeling without giving up the essentials. You’ve got wide valley views, fresh mountain air, guided game drives, bush picnics, boma dinners under the stars, and a pool waiting for you after hard hours on the trails.
Camp Figtree offers a range of accommodation options, making it a good fit whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or making a weekend of it with family.
If privacy is your priority, the Ivory Luxury Suite is a great choice. Tucked away from the main lodge among the trees, it feels quiet and secluded, with a king-size bed, wood-burning fireplace, plenty of natural light, and an outdoor bath and open-air shower that feel especially good for rinsing off trail dust after hours on the route.
The Superior Suites are set within the gardens and open onto private patios with partial mountain views. At 60m², they are spacious and can be configured with either a four-poster or twin beds, plus an additional single bed, comfortably sleeping up to three guests.
For families or small groups needing more flexibility, the Poolside Superior Suite gives you room to spread out. It spans two rooms, with a king-size bed in the main room and two single beds in the adjoining open-plan space. There is also access to a semi-private pool and garden area, which makes it a strong option if not everyone in your group is there just for the run.
The Superior Boardwalk Suites are raised above ground level and open onto private balconies facing the Zuurberg Mountain Range. Wooden floors and simple colonial-style details keep the focus on the view.
If you want more space, the Luxury Suite comes with a large bedroom, separate lounge, and wraparound balcony looking straight over the valley. Positioned four metres above the mountain cliff, it has one of the strongest viewpoints on the property.
Set along the mountain edge, the Luxury Tents bring in that safari feel without asking you to rough it. They have uninterrupted valley views, private balconies, and full en-suite bathrooms, creating a tented stay with well-considered touches.
Across all room types, you’ll find percale linen, mosquito nets, and well-considered spaces that make the most of Camp Figtree’s quiet setting
Ready to Run Wild?
Whether chasing a new ultra PB or looking for an unforgettable running holiday, the Addo Elephant Trail Run promises a unique experience where nature and endurance collide.
With accommodation options ranging from luxury lodges to cosy guesthouses, and car hire available from nearby airports, your Addo adventure is just a booking away.
Lace up, embrace the wild, and get ready to run free at Africa’s Wildest Ultra!