After nearly eight years away from Africa, I found myself once again setting foot on what many would call the world’s most inspiring continent. This journey took me to one of the most beautiful cities on Earth—Cape Town—a destination that effortlessly combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, adventure and increasingly, a growing reputation in the global running community.
The timing of my visit could not have been more special. It was marathon season in Cape Town and there was an unmistakable sense of excitement in the air. Cape Town has long been regarded as a strong contender to join the prestigious World Marathon Majors. And on June 11th 2026, Capetown was officially recognised as the Eight World Major Marathon and the 1st World Major in the African Continent !
And deservedly so.
If there is one continent that has shaped the history of distance running, it is Africa. Year after year, many of the world’s greatest marathon champions emerge from this continent. It seems only fitting that Africa should have a World Major Marathon of its own and there could hardly be a better ambassador than Cape Town.
Cape Town – Running Beneath Mountains and Beside Oceans
Few cities in the world can rival Cape Town’s setting.
Imagine a city dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, flanked by dramatic coastlines and framed by two great oceans. Drive a short distance from the city centre and you can stand at the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It is a destination where nature is not something you visit—it is something that surrounds you every moment.
The marathon route captures the very essence of the city. Runners pass beneath the shadow of Table Mountain, cruise along the Atlantic coastline through Sea Point and Green Point and enjoy endless views of the ocean, mountains and city skyline. It is not merely a marathon; it is a moving sightseeing tour through one of the world’s most spectacular urban landscapes.
Our group was relatively small, exactly the way we prefer it.
At Namaste Tourism, we have always believed that marathon travel should be about meaningful experiences, deeper connections and discovering destinations beyond the race itself. Our group reflected everything that makes running special.
There were first-time marathoners chasing personal dreams. There were friends running together. Families took on the challenge side by side. Some participants had travelled with us previously to Berlin or Sydney and had returned for another unforgettable running adventure.
What made the experience truly inspiring was the diversity of the runners themselves. Our youngest participant was in his twenties, while our oldest was touching seventy. Yet on race day, age became irrelevant. Everyone shared the same finish line, the same determination and the same passion.
Perhaps that is why running continues to attract people from every walk of life. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, collecting another medal or simply seeking new experiences, running has become a lifestyle—and for many, an addiction of the healthiest kind.
Why Every Runner Should Consider a “Runcation”
Over the years, we have often used the term “runcation“—the perfect combination of running and vacation.
Cape Town may well be one of the finest runcation destinations anywhere in the world.
Within a short drive from the city, visitors can embark on an African safari, explore world-renowned wine estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, visit the iconic Cape of Good Hope, take a ferry to Robben Island or drive along the scenic Garden Route.
Visit during the right season and you may even witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles—whale watching along South Africa’s coastline.
Cape Town is a destination where every additional day rewards you with yet another unforgettable experience.
Cape Town – Africa’s Deep Running Heritage
The continent’s connection with running extends far beyond Cape Town.
Africa is also home to the legendary Comrades Marathon, often described as “The Ultimate Human Race.” Held annually in Durban, this ultramarathon has achieved iconic status among runners worldwide.
The year 2027 will mark the centenary edition of the Comrades Marathon, a milestone that will attract runners from across the globe. Interestingly, India is expected to contribute one of the largest international contingents, a testament to the growing running culture in India and an encouraging sign that India is steadily becoming a fitter nation.
Cape Town – More Than Just a Race
Running in Cape Town offers far more than spectacular scenery.
The crowd support is warm, energetic and genuine. South Africa’s reputation as the Rainbow Nation is evident everywhere. People from diverse cultures and backgrounds come together to celebrate participants from every corner of the world.
I spent three wonderful days in Cape Town—my sixth visit to this remarkable city—and I am certain it will not be my last.
Cape Town has a rare quality possessed by only a handful of destinations. No matter how many times you visit, there is always something new waiting to be discovered.
Chasing the Smoke That Thunders
While Cape Town was the primary reason for my visit, this journey also presented an opportunity to explore another extraordinary destination—one that I believe deserves serious consideration as a post-tour extension for travellers returning to Southern Africa.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth.
Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is impossible to describe adequately in words. It must be experienced.
The falls stretch across nearly 1.7 kilometres, with over 500 million litres of water plunging every minute into the Zambezi Gorge below. The sheer scale is difficult to comprehend until you stand before it yourself.
The months following the rainy season—particularly April, May and June—offer some of the most dramatic views, when the falls are at their most powerful.
I spent a couple of hours exploring the Zimbabwean side, walking along pathways that reveal one breathtaking viewpoint after another. Rainbows appeared constantly through the mist and on particularly fortunate days, visitors may even witness double rainbows arching across the gorge.
The surrounding rainforest remains lush and pristine, adding to the magic of the experience.
Zambia: The Wilder Side of the Falls
Crossing into Zambia reveals an entirely different perspective.
The views may cover a smaller section of the falls, but the experience feels more adventurous and intimate. Walking through the spray forests and along the famous Knife-Edge Bridge can leave you completely drenched, even while wearing a raincoat.
The power of nature is simply overwhelming.
For adrenaline enthusiasts, Victoria Falls offers no shortage of excitement. Visitors can swim in the famous Devil’s Pool at the edge of the falls during the appropriate season, take helicopter flights over the gorge, experience microlight adventures, enjoy white-water rafting or even attempt one of the world’s most spectacular bungee jumps.
The Magic of the Zambezi River
One of my most memorable experiences was spending time along the Zambezi River itself.
Luxury lodges hidden along the riverbanks provide an entirely different side to Southern Africa—one focused on tranquillity, wildlife and slow travel.
A sunset cruise along the Zambezi is an experience every traveller should include. Hippos surface quietly from the water, crocodiles bask on the banks, elephants appear unexpectedly along the shoreline and birdlife flourishes in every direction.
Equally magical are the dawn cruises, where cool morning temperatures create a misty atmosphere as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the river.
Moments like these remind us why Africa leaves such a lasting impression on those who visit.
Beyond Victoria Falls
The beauty of this region is that it opens the door to even more extraordinary destinations.
Botswana’s Chobe National Park lies just a short distance away and offers some of Africa’s finest wildlife viewing. Further afield, the Okavango Delta presents a completely different safari experience, where waterways replace roads and traditional mokoro canoes glide silently through pristine wilderness.
Those seeking deeper wilderness experiences can also venture into Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, famous for its exceptional leopard sightings and authentic safari experiences.
The possibilities are endless.
The Art of Slow Travel
One lesson Africa repeatedly teaches us is the importance of slowing down—the very essence of slow tourism.
Choosing the right accommodation around Victoria Falls can transform the entire experience. Some carefully selected lodges allow guests to enjoy the falls early in the morning before the crowds arrive, creating moments of solitude that are increasingly rare in modern travel.
After the excitement of a marathon, safari or adventure activity, there is something incredibly rewarding about simply sitting quietly, watching the river flow by and reconnecting with nature.
As the saying goes:
“Africa invented time; Europe invented the watch.”
There is perhaps no better place in the world to appreciate the meaning behind those words.
Why Southern Africa Should Be On Your Bucket List
Whether you are a runner, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, adventure seeker or simply someone looking for a meaningful travel experience, Southern Africa delivers on every front.
A journey to Cape Town becomes even more rewarding when combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia or even the tropical paradise of Mauritius.
What surprises many travellers is the exceptional value for money that Southern Africa offers when compared to many other long-haul destinations.
For the truly adventurous, Cape Town also serves as the gateway to an even greater frontier—Antarctica, the world’s seventh continent.
Final Thoughts – Cape Town , Zimbabwe & Zambia
My return to Africa after nearly eight years reminded me why this continent remains unlike anywhere else on Earth.
From running beneath Table Mountain to witnessing the thunderous power of Victoria Falls, from sharing stories with inspiring marathoners to watching elephants along the Zambezi at sunset, every moment reinforced one simple truth:
Africa is not merely a destination.
It is an emotion.
And once Africa finds a place in your heart, a part of you will always want to return.
Planning a trip to Africa? Reach out—I’d be glad to share my personal travel experiences.