On 3 October 2026, Kamba Africa will offer a bucket list challenge for endurance runners and adventure seekers: the annual “Run for the Rainforest”.
Situated in the Republic of the Congo (ROC), the Run for the Rainforest event raises vital funds for African Parks to continue their protection of the world’s second largest rainforest, by allowing participants to fundraise among their network, while experiencing one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kamba Africa is the only private operator granted concessions in the ROC’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, offering guests intimate luxury lodges and adventurous rainforest expeditions.
The races and packages
The day features three distinct race categories to engage a diverse range of participants. The main 42km Odzala Rainforest Marathon begins at Kamba’s Lango Lodge and follows a dirt track through the park. This is complemented by the African Parks’ 21km Rangers Challenge Half Marathon, celebrating the dedicated individuals at the forefront of daily conservation efforts.
For those seeking a more accessible experience, Kamba will be offering the Rainforest Fun Run 10km, which welcomes participants of all fitness levels. This year marks the biggest year for the event, with 150 runners taking part, uniting conservation organisations, local communities, and international visitors in a unique wilderness running experience.
The event aims to raise $25,000, with 100% of donations going directly toward Odzala-Kokoua National Park’s conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, community development, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Participants can choose one of two packages: the Odzala Sprint, a four-night itinerary centering around the race, with three nights spent at Kamba’s Mboko Lodge; and the Odzala Discovery package, a seven-night itinerary, spending three nights at Kamba’s Ngaga Lodge where guests can enjoy gorilla trekking, one night in Kamba’s Lango Lodge experiencing guided baï walks, and three nights at Mboko Lodge, centering around the Run for the Rainforest event.
For sports enthusiasts and aspiring runners seeking a transformative travel experience, Kamba’s Odzala Marathon offers the chance to run through one of Africa’s most biodiverse environments while connecting deeply with nature and contributing to conservation efforts that protect the Congo Basin one step at a time.
How to book
Kamba African Rainforest Experiences offers the ‘Odzala Discovery, seven nights’ from £11,320 per person, offering three nights at Ngaga Lodge (including two gorilla treks), one night at Lango Lodge and three nights at Mboko Lodge with river and walking activities. These packages are inclusive of scheduled to/from charter flights from Brazzaville to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, race entry, permits, internal transfers, medevac. See more at kambaafrica.com