Kimbia Kenya 2026

Today, we're not kidding. Head to the African continent, to Kenya 🇰🇪, more precisely, where an extraordinary race has been crafted for you. Why "extraordinary"? Well, because it allows you to have an immersive experience in the Kenyan landscape and culture thanks to its concept. Indeed, it takes place over several days. The Kimbia Kenya is another brainchild of Exaequo Voyage we're presenting to you. After the Cabo Verde Ribiera Trail, the Norway Fjord Trail, The Irish Trail and the Petra Jordan Trail, it is in this beautiful East African country that you will have the opportunity to complete one of the two distances offered in this competition in a 5-stage format: 55.5 km (701 mD+ / 555 mD-) and 95.7 km (1,425 mD+ / 1,250 mD-) 🤩.

Available since 2012, the journey aims to be as sporting as it is cultural 👌. The race organizers ensured every detail: the excursion spans 9 days, with 5 race stages, the remainder dedicated to discovering key sites and relaxation 💆‍♀️. It's not a classic race; you've understood it well — this is indeed an unusual event! Runners are offered two distances: 55.5 km (to be completed by running or walking 🏃‍♀️🚶‍♀️) and an ultra of 95.7 km (reserved exclusively for runners). There will be stage rankings as well as a cumulative ranking at the end of the stay. But, you'll see the competition won't be your primary focus: you'll be too busy admiring the beauty of the course! 😉

There's even a stage planned on a small island in the country, on Lake Naivasha... 🏊‍♀️ During these 5 days, you'll roam the lush paths of the Rift Valley 🌿. One of the stages even includes running around Lake Elementaita! Also, the region of Naivasha will open up to you, and you'll have the chance to visit the town of Gilgil, for a genuine foray into Kenyan life. Single-track trails and fields crossings will allow you to see locals, workers, farmers, and schoolchildren. On this note, be prepared: children might welcome you like a star! ⭐️ But, don't forget you're there to run! Hence, a major stage will challenge you: the climb to the picturesque highland village of Eburru, reaching over 2,700 m 🙄. You'll also pass through Crescent Island, an island where spotting waterbucks, antelopes, zebras, gnus, giraffes is commonplace. Finally, the iconic Hell's Gate will conclude this journey 🔥. The natural park will captivate you with its geysers as hot as hell (hence the name "hell's gate" 😈) and its two extinct volcanoes Olkaria and Hobley 🌋. There you go! And as if you needed another reason: know that this event is solidarity-based. The organization has a strong goal: to provide sustainable support for children's education and help the country's poorest communities through concrete actions (constructing or renovating classrooms, purchasing desks... 👏). The project lasts not only during the Kimbia Kenya but also before and after the event! 👍

Neighboring South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Kenya is famous, among other things, for its parks (26) and its reserves (34), which represent a significant portion of the territory, whether on land or at sea 🌍. Five of these areas are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country's flora and fauna are incomparable. You'll love playing the naturalist! 😀 Lovers of history and culture will be in for a treat in Kenya. The famous Great Rift Valley is often referred to as the "cradle of humanity," due to the many hominid fossils found there 🔍. With its mix of savannas and mountains 🏔️ (the Mount Kilimanjaro and its 5,895 m altitude isn't far), Kenya possesses an incredible natural heritage 😻.

Oh, so you can bring the right dictionary: English is the country's official language 😜.