Imagine the thunder of your footsteps echoing alongside one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—this is your invitation to join Coddiwomple Travel for the 2026 Victoria Falls Marathon & Half Marathon. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this unforgettable race offers breathtaking views, vibrant local culture, and the raw beauty of the Zambezi River and surrounding savannah. Let the mist of the falls and the rhythm of Africa guide you across the finish line.

Coddiwomple Travel invites you to experience Victoria Falls on our inaugural trip to Zimbabwe and beyond. Jacqui Kaufman has first-hand experience and knowledge of the area and is excited to share this experience with you.

Ilala Lodge offers distinguished accommodation in warm, elegant, African surroundings. The decor evokes an era of early adventure and the quest for discovery in Africa. All the communal guest areas exude a colonial atmosphere with antiques, curios and unusual prints which continue the theme of sophisticated indulgence from days gone by. Outdoors it's all about the Falls and the spray from this mass of cascading water is visible from most places at Ilala Lodge. The hotel is ideally situated being closest to the mighty Victoria Falls as well as the lively town centre.

The two on-site restaurants, The Palm Restaurant and Kubika, will satisfy all your culinary cravings with glorious buffet breakfasts and sensational a la carte menus. Sample Moroccan themed dishes or else delight your tastebuds with international versions of local delicacies such as warthog fillet, crocodile risotto, kudu steaks and crocodile quenelles.

All the rooms are spacious and decorated with teak furnishings made from railway sleepers. This decor enhances the African ambience and laid-back lodge atmosphere of this boutique hotel. Muted tones and soft furnishings in creams and browns mirror this uncomplicated, restful atmosphere. Combined with comfortable beds and tranquil views, expect to leave Ilala Lodge well and truly rested.

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Nogatsaa Pans Chobe Lodge is nestled a remote and pristine corner of Chobe National Park, offering some of the finest game viewing opportunities right on its doorstep. Strategically positioned to provide sweeping views of the Kwikamba Pan, the largest among several clay bottom pans in the area, the lodge delivers an authentic bush safari reminiscent of yesteryear.

The main area boasts an open dining space, a bar, and various seating areas where guests can luxuriate amidst the wilderness. A raised viewing deck invites guests to marvel at the Botswana night sky, offering excellent stargazing opportunities. Moreover, guests can unwind by the poolside deck, offering the quintessential armchair safari experience.

Our restaurant presents guests with a culinary journey inspired by Africa, showcasing dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, further enriching the safari experience.

Upon arrival, you will be met by the local service. Coddiwomple Travel Staff will meet you and assist with your check in process. This evening, we will meet as a group for a welcome reception and trip briefing.  

The charming town of Victoria Falls lies next to one of the world’s greatest wonders – the spectacular Victoria Falls. This powerful waterfall and the famous “Smoke that Thunders” can be viewed from both the Zambian and Zimbabwe sides. Victoria Falls town also provides an array of activities ranging from scenic flights to bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge - and everything in between.

Accommodation at Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls

 As a pre-booked guests, the day is yours to explore Victoria Falls and enjoy all the many activities on offer, IE: The Tour of the Falls (At your own account) 

 Registration day. You can enjoy either an AM or PM Game Drive in the Zambezi Park, but feel free to pop down to registration if you need anything from the event organizer team. Join us tonight for our pre-race dinner. (B, D)

Game Drive - Zambezi Park AM or PM - Zimbabwe

There are number of game reserves and national parks around Victoria Falls (including Victoria Falls National Park and Zambezi National Park) that offer excellent game viewing. Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls National Park cover a total area of 56,000 hectares where a large variety of larger mammals can be found – including lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant. Herds of sable, antelope, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala can also be found.

RACE DAY! A shuttle transfer is provided from The Ilala Lodge to the start and from the finish at the stadium (where a cash bar and food stall is provided) back to your hotel. Good luck for your race! (B, D)

Provisional Race Starting Times:

• Full Marathon: 6:30AM

• Specially-Abled: 6:50AM

• Half Marathon & Relay: 7:00AM

All distances will start from the same place – the start/finish point is at Baobab Primary School – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

All races require a finish by 12:30pm. This allows for a 6 hour time limit for the marathon and 5 1/2 hour time limit for the half marathon.

All runners must wear their running bib, clearly, on the front of your shirt (not back).  Do not fold your race number or put it in your pocket.

This afternoon you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the jetty for the official Marathon Sunset Cruise. 

The Eatery Dinner includes: 2 Course Meal of Choice (Main and Dessert) 

Beverages - Cash Bar payable direct with cash or credit card. 

For those on the FIVE night package, you will enjoy a Chobe National Park Full Day Tour including transfers and park fees. Lunch is for your own account. (B)

For those on the NINE night package, today is a leisure day. As the extension visits Chobe National Park for the next few days, there is an opportunity to enjoy one of the many other spectacular sites and experiences around Victoria Falls.

(B)

Chobe National Park is Botswana's first national park, and also the most biologically diverse. Located in the north of the country, it is Botswana's third largest park, after Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Gemsbok National Park.

This park is noted for having a population of lions which prey on elephants, mostly calves or juveniles, but also subadults.

For those on the FIVE night package, you can enjoy your last breakfast before being transferred back to the Victoria Falls Airport. Safe travels!

For those on the NINE night package, you will transfer by road after breakfast, across the Botswana border to Kasane. (+- 70kms)

Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephant and hippo are often spotted roaming around the town. Visitors can look forward to a multitude of activities including enjoying a game drive through the park and taking a sunset cruise down the Chobe River. (B, L ,D)

Accommodation at Nogatsaa Pans Chobe

After breakfast today, you will have the option of 2 game activities (game drive and boat cruise). Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature at Nogatsaa Pans Chobe This is a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Plentiful wildlife, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe, zebras, lions, leopard and more, roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park. Sunrises and sunsets, with the river and Namibian flood plains as a backdrop, are the stuff of dreams. (B,L,D)

After breakfast today, you will have the option of 2 game activities (game drive and boat cruise). Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature at Nogatsaa Pans Chobe. This is a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Plentiful wildlife, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe, zebras, lions, leopard and more, roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park. Sunrises and sunsets, with the river and Namibian flood plains as a backdrop, are the stuff of dreams. (B,L,D)

After breakfast today, you will have the option of 2 game activities (game drive and boat cruise). Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature at Nogatsaa Pans Chobe. This is a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Plentiful wildlife, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe, zebras, lions, leopard and more, roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park. Sunrises and sunsets, with the river and Namibian flood plains as a backdrop, are the stuff of dreams. (B,L,D)

Goodbye friends! Transfer back to Zimbabwe to catch your flight out of Victoria Falls Airport OR you can fly out of Kasane. (B)