Desert & Delta Safaris completes its inaugural Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail – The first of its kind in Botswana to connect two UNESCO world heritage sites
The brand-new Epic Experiences Ultra-Trail by Desert & Delta Safaris took place in April as its inaugural expedition saw 10 international participants and six local runners travel around 80 km over four days on foot. The first of its kind in Botswana, the Ultra-Trail connects two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Okavango Delta’s labyrinth of floodplains and the sacred Tsodilo Hills, revered as the “Mountain of the Gods”. This trailblazing venture fuses physical endurance running with raw safari wilderness and authentic culture.
Alongside the Ultra-Trail, Desert & Delta Safaris established the Okavango Marathon Project (OMP), a community-based long-distance running initiative recruiting adult runners. OMP was founded to discover and empower overlooked athletic talent to promote healthy living, discipline, and social connection, and create meaningful employment pathways in running and guiding. Ahead of the Ultra-Trails departure date in April, a handful of runners aged between 25 and 45 were recruited from marginalised communities across Maun, Nxamaseri, and Tsodilo Hills by OMP and were joined by Kutenda Mongomba, a local from Nxamaseri Village who will be participating in the OMP training programme.
The Ultra-Trail is a fully supported, small-group adventure designed for dedicated runners or trekkers who seek meaningful connection and are looking to give their bodies the ultimate challenge. Runners trace ancient wildlife pathways by day, passing through remote fishing villages, meeting local communities, and crossing waterways by traditional mokoro canoe. By night, the athletes unwind in wilderness camps, culminating in an intimate cultural evening hosted by the San Bushmen community – Botswana’s ancestors and the first modern civilisation as we know it. The Ultra-Trail is a shared adventure to embrace the wilderness of nature, connect with ancient cultures, and experience the spirit of epic adventure.
The Ultra-Trail can be arranged throughout the year for small groups of four to 12 people and is perfect for adventure-seeking friends or running clubs looking for new destinations around the world. For new images, please click here.
