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Best running destinations in Africa

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
The Two Oceans Marathon began in 1970 and now runs in April. Its 56 kilometre ultramarathon starts in Newlands and climbs over Chapman's Peak and Constantia Nek. It finishes at the University of Cape Town. The half marathon the next day is the biggest in South Africa.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
8.1
The Great Ethiopian Run is a 10 kilometre race that drew more than 45,000 runners in 2023. Olympic champion Haile Gebrselassie helped create it in 2000. The city is at 2,355 metres, the highest capital in Africa, so the air is thin. The Entoto Mountains above town reach over 3,000 metres.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Climb Mount Entoto for sunrise city panorama
  • 🛍️ Stroll through Merkato, Ethiopia's largest market
  • 🏛️ Explore National Museum, view Lucy fossil
Kigali
Vibrant capital blending tradition and modernity
7.8
Cool air keeps runs comfortable here, with daily temperatures from about 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. Rolling hills fill the city, which has been ranked the cleanest in Africa. The Kigali International Peace Marathon began in 2005 and is held in May or June. Its course starts and finishes by BK Arena.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Ride a tuk-tuk to Nyamirambo neighborhood, chat with locals
  • 🍲 Stroll through Kimironko Market, taste local street food
  • 🪦 Explore Kigali Genocide Memorial, learn history
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
8.0
The High Atlas Mountains rise south of the city and are often snowcapped in winter. Late January is when the Marrakech Marathon takes place, as it has since 1987. The women's winner that first year was only 14 years old. The men's course record is about 2 hours 6 minutes.
Highlights:
  • 🧖‍♀️ Relax in a traditional hammam and experience Moroccan spa culture
  • 🏛️ Wander through the serene courtyards of Bahia Palace
  • 🕌 Lose yourself in the vibrant souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
6.4
Early morning is a good time to run in Karura Forest in northern Nairobi. Trails pass waterfalls and caves. More than 200 bird species live there. Monkeys and bushbucks may cross the path. The city is 1,795 metres above sea level. The Ulinzi Sports Complex opened in 2022 with an 8 lane track.
Highlights:
  • 🐘 Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and meet baby elephants
  • 🦩 Feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
  • 🦒 Go on a safari at Nairobi National Park
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders
7.5
Locals call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the smoke that thunders. The Victoria Falls Marathon runs in early July. It starts with a steep drop towards the historic iron bridge. Then it follows the Zambezi River through a national park. Armed game rangers stand at intervals along the wilderness stretches.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
  • 🪂 Bungee jump from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge
  • 🌊 Admire the thundering Victoria Falls from lookout points
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's Rooftop Adventure
7.4
Kilimanjaro is higher than any other mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres. Each year the Kilimanjaro Marathon runs through its foothills. The race began in 2003 and starts and finishes around the MoCu stadium in Moshi. It is held in February or March. Some stretches climb uphill with local supporters along the way.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise above the clouds from Stella Point
  • 🌿 Hike through rainforest trails filled with colobus monkeys
  • 🏔️ Climb to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
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