New Planet Zuka Run 2026
21 Aug - 23 Aug SAST (+02:00)
Bayala Private Safari Lodge
Details
New Planet Zuka Run 2026
Africa’s Wildest Run
This is not a trail next to a road.
This is not a park run with views.
This is real Big 5 wilderness.
The New Planet Zuka Run is a once-a-year opportunity to run deep inside a protected African game reserve — on ancient wildlife paths, through raw Zululand terrain, in the heart of one of South Africa’s most celebrated conservation landscapes.
Hosted at Bayala Private Safari Lodge, within Zuka Private Game Reserve, part of the Munyawana Conservancy (home to Phinda Private Game Reserve), this is trail running in its most untamed form.
No fences.
No tar.
No spectators lining the route.
Just you, the dust, and the wild.
🌍 The Setting
Zululand is ancient.
Wide savannah plains. Fever tree forests. Dry riverbeds. Red soil climbs.
The Munyawana Conservancy is a protected Big 5 landscape — home to elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. This is a working conservation area, not a theme park.
Every route is carefully managed in partnership with rangers and conservation teams to ensure safety while preserving the authenticity of the wilderness experience.
🏃 The Run Experience
• Multiple distance options (exact routes announced closer to event)
• Technical trail sections shaped by wildlife, not machines
• Rolling savannah, bushveld climbs and open plains
• Water points positioned in raw wilderness settings
• Professional safety, medical and ranger support
You are not running around wildlife.
You are running through their home.
The terrain is honest.
The climbs are real.
The reward is unmatched.
🦁 The Wild Factor
This is what makes Zuka different from any other trail event in the world:
• Big 5 reserve access
• Ranger-controlled route windows
• No public access to these trails outside of this event
• Conservation-driven ethos
It is raw.
It is emotional.
It is deeply African.
🏕️ The Weekend Experience
Zuka Run is not just a race — it is a full wilderness weekend.
Your stay at Bayala Private Safari Lodge includes:
• Beautiful lodge accommodation (2 nights)
• Curated brunches and dinners
• Sunset and sunrise game drives and sundowners
• Poolside recovery and social atmosphere
• Music, connection and community
Run hard in the morning.
Recover with wildlife and drinks in the day.
Share stories under African stars at night while listening to live music and dancing away those sore legs.
Information
All Welcome to attend (visitor pass)- No under 13's can run.
On Site
Prohibited Items Policy – New Planet Zuka Run 2026
The New Planet Zuka Run takes place inside Zuka Private Game Reserve, a protected Big 5 conservation area, and strict regulations apply. The following items are prohibited: firearms, weapons, ammunition, knives (other than small personal multi-tools), pepper spray, explosives, fireworks, illegal drugs, excessive personal alcohol, pets, drones or aerial devices, large sound systems, air horns, open flames outside designated areas, unapproved gas burners, quad bikes, motorbikes, bicycles on running trails, unauthorised vehicles, and unapproved commercial filming equipment or activations. Event organisers and reserve management reserve the right to search vehicles or bags, confiscate prohibited items, deny entry, or remove any individual without refund if regulations are not respected. These rules exist to protect participants, wildlife, and the integrity of the wilderness environment.
Organiser
African Footprints Events
ALL EVENTS BY THIS ORGANISERInformation
All Welcome to attend (visitor pass)- No under 13's can run.
On Site
Prohibited Items Policy – New Planet Zuka Run 2026
The New Planet Zuka Run takes place inside Zuka Private Game Reserve, a protected Big 5 conservation area, and strict regulations apply. The following items are prohibited: firearms, weapons, ammunition, knives (other than small personal multi-tools), pepper spray, explosives, fireworks, illegal drugs, excessive personal alcohol, pets, drones or aerial devices, large sound systems, air horns, open flames outside designated areas, unapproved gas burners, quad bikes, motorbikes, bicycles on running trails, unauthorised vehicles, and unapproved commercial filming equipment or activations. Event organisers and reserve management reserve the right to search vehicles or bags, confiscate prohibited items, deny entry, or remove any individual without refund if regulations are not respected. These rules exist to protect participants, wildlife, and the integrity of the wilderness environment.
Organiser
African Footprints Events
ALL EVENTS BY THIS ORGANISERInfo
New Planet Zuka Run 2026
Africa’s Wildest Run
This is not a trail next to a road.
This is not a park run with views.
This is real Big 5 wilderness.
The New Planet Zuka Run is a once-a-year opportunity to run deep inside a protected African game reserve — on ancient wildlife paths, through raw Zululand terrain, in the heart of one of South Africa’s most celebrated conservation landscapes.
Hosted at Bayala Private Safari Lodge, within Zuka Private Game Reserve, part of the Munyawana Conservancy (home to Phinda Private Game Reserve), this is trail running in its most untamed form.
No fences.
No tar.
No spectators lining the route.
Just you, the dust, and the wild.
🌍 The Setting
Zululand is ancient.
Wide savannah plains. Fever tree forests. Dry riverbeds. Red soil climbs.
The Munyawana Conservancy is a protected Big 5 landscape — home to elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. This is a working conservation area, not a theme park.
Every route is carefully managed in partnership with rangers and conservation teams to ensure safety while preserving the authenticity of the wilderness experience.
🏃 The Run Experience
• Multiple distance options (exact routes announced closer to event)
• Technical trail sections shaped by wildlife, not machines
• Rolling savannah, bushveld climbs and open plains
• Water points positioned in raw wilderness settings
• Professional safety, medical and ranger support
You are not running around wildlife.
You are running through their home.
The terrain is honest.
The climbs are real.
The reward is unmatched.
🦁 The Wild Factor
This is what makes Zuka different from any other trail event in the world:
• Big 5 reserve access
• Ranger-controlled route windows
• No public access to these trails outside of this event
• Conservation-driven ethos
It is raw.
It is emotional.
It is deeply African.
🏕️ The Weekend Experience
Zuka Run is not just a race — it is a full wilderness weekend.
Your stay at Bayala Private Safari Lodge includes:
• Beautiful lodge accommodation (2 nights)
• Curated brunches and dinners
• Sunset and sunrise game drives and sundowners
• Poolside recovery and social atmosphere
• Music, connection and community
Run hard in the morning.
Recover with wildlife and drinks in the day.
Share stories under African stars at night while listening to live music and dancing away those sore legs.