Southern Cross Trail Run & SA Big 5 Safari

The Southern Cross (or SOX for short) is a stunning trail running race over 3 days, run in the stunning area of the Western Cape province of South Africa known as the Garden Route. A very unique aspect is that the route offers runners something totally different on each day. Day 1 is the “mountain” stage, with most of the route run along a contour line high up in the Outeniqua mountains. Day 2 is the “forest” stage, enveloping runners in the magical, fairytale-like Knysna forests all day long, and Day 3 is the “coastal” stage, that includes some tough but beautiful beach running on the famous Wilderness stretch of beach in the Garden Route National Park. Another unique aspect is the fact that the race has three different distance options for every day, ranging from casual to intermediate to expert.

After the race, you will be transferred to the Gondwana Private Game Reserve, only an hour away by car. This 11,000-hectare (26,000 acre) offers a luxurious malaria-free safari destination with free-roaming Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, and Leopard) game viewing. Herds of other wildlife including Eland, Giraffe, Hippo, Cheetah and Zebra also roam free here. The reserve boasts stunning photographic opportunities, not just of the fauna, but also the awe-inspiring distant Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains and indigenous Fynbos vegetation cloaking the undulating valleys. A special place in a unique setting.

We can cater to your specific individual needs when it comes to your Southern Cross Trail Run and Big 5 Safari, customising the length and order of your trip any way you prefer it. Or, you can allow us to suggest the best trip for you. Whichever option you choose, you can be assured of an amazing African running and wildlife experience!

This year’s Southern Cross Trail Run is scheduled for 6-8 August 2022.
For more information on these event & safari combos or for any other related queries, please email us at info@naturetravelactive.com