RUN KENYA FAQS
Why Kenya?
Kenya is one of the most diverse and fabled countries on the African continent. It’s a land of incredible geographic contrasts, from the gorges of Hells Gate and the 17,000 peak of Mt. Kenya to the 700 mile stretch of coastline and the incredible lakes and ecosystems of the Great Rift Valley. The savannas stretch far and wide and are filled with an amazing array of wildlife, and lush farmlands produce some of the world’s best fruit, coffee and tea.
Combining this natural beauty with incredible safari drives, fun-loving, welcoming locals and a reputation for producing the world’s most legendary distance runners makes Kenya the perfect choice for a Rogue Expeditions adventure unlike any other.
What’s included in the trip cost?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers on arrival and departure day, all accommodation, all meals, drinking water, coffee/tea/juice at breakfast, all ground transportation, professional drivers, experienced trip leaders, organized, supported runs, all park fees & permits, guided safari drives, two regional flights and Rogue Expeditions swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!
What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include international flight, visa ($50 for US residents), alcohol, souvenirs or tips.
Why isn’t the flight included?
International airfare is not included in the price (though we do include two in-country flights!). Let’s be honest, we are all unique and your schedules (and originating airport!) are no exception. Participants will be responsible for booking their travel arrangements and ensuring that they arrive in Nairobi, Kenya (either at the airport or hotel) by the trip start date and depart no earlier than 8pm on the final day (don’t worry, you’re unlikely to find any options earlier than that!). Suggestions and guidance will be provided once you are signed up.
How far do I have to be able to run?
This trip supports ALL abilities levels! There are multiple distance options available each day, plenty of vehicle support and there’s never any pace pressure. If you choose to cover the full distance each day then you will end up with about 50mi / 80km for the week, but there are always shorter options (and ways to get in a bit more if you want!).
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
We will primarily run the red dirt roads that Kenya is famous for, along with some single track trails too. Footing is generally very good and impact is low, though it can be muddy after heavy rain; either road or trail shoes work great for this trip, so bring whatever you enjoy running in! We will be at a noticeable altitude all week, and most runs will take place between 6000ft / 1800m and 7800ft / 2400m - expect to run slower than usual!
What time of day will be be running?
We primarily plan for morning and mid-morning runs (after breakfast, before lunch), but timing can potentially shift due to weather conditions or logistical considerations. Show up with a flexible, adaptable attitude and you’ll have a blast!
What will we do when we aren’t running?
When we aren’t running, we’ll have plenty to see and do! There will be game drives, incredible wildlife viewing, history and culture lessons, opportunities for souvenirs and of course a significant amount of travel time as we make our way around the country. Meals are an experience in and of themselves, and there will also be plenty of opportunity for the most important activity - soaking in the slow pace of local life and indulging in quality recovery time.
Can my non-runner spouse/friend come too?
Non-runners are welcome as long as they don't mind hanging out with a bunch of runners, and typically works out just fine if they enjoy hiking or walking. Do keep in mind that the itinerary each day is primarily planned around the scheduled run and we cannot support separate activities. If you have a non-runner or walker interested in joining, please get in touch before registering so that we can make sure it’s a good fit.
What will the hotels be like?
The accommodation includes a mix of boutique hotels, comfortable lodges, lakeside cabanas and luxury safari camps. The accommodation in Iten is a bit more basic due to limited offerings (it’s the hotel in town!), but is very clean, comfortable, has an incredible view and caters especially for runners.
What is the weather like?
Wonderful! September weather will be warm but mild, varying a bit among our destinations. Generally speaking, expect lows of 50-60F / 10-15C and highs between 70-80F / 20-25C. Iten is our highest altitude spot and often has chilly morning fog, but it gets quite warm once the sun breaks through.
Can I have my own room at the hotels?
Possibly! We occasionally have a limited number of single rooms available after the balance due date (3 months prior to departure). The boutique properties that we use only have so many rooms, so we cannot guarantee how many will be available until we know the final group size. You can indicate your interest when you register and we will offer single rooms in the order in which you registered.
What sort of food will we be eating?
We will eat fresh, healthy meals throughout the trip with a wide range of choices at most meals. Big English breakfasts - think eggs, sausage & toast - are common, and a variety of porridges, cereals, yogurt, fruit, and Kenyan specialties (wait til you try the mandazi!) will also be available. Lunches will generally be boxed to accommodate our travel schedule; expect some combination of sandwiches, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, cheese + crackers, yogurt, sweets, fruit and juice. Dinners are often buffet-style and feature plenty of local specialties - ugali, stewed greens, lentils, grilled meats, tubers, fresh fruit - along with international fare including Indian curries, salads, pastas, etc.
Most special diets - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free - can be accommodated, but if you have a combination of restrictions please get in touch before you register so that we can make sure that this destination is a good fit for you.
What sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
Most of the week will be spent in passenger vans with professional drivers, while the game drives will be done with 4x4 open-air safari vehicles.
What should I pack?
Packing light will make everything easier for you, but there are some key things to bring along: several sets of running clothes, running shoes, a few sets of non-running clothes, swimsuit, flip flops, a warm jacket, sun protection, reading material and a CAMERA are all recommended. A handheld water bottle (or pack!) is required. We also encourage everyone who can to bring along any spare, good-condition running gear to gift to some deserving local runners! A detailed packing list is provided to all registered runners.
Should I do the early arrival add-on?
If you can swing it, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of early arrival! This gives you a chance to see some of Nairobi's highlights and, most importantly for those coming from North America, gives you a flight delay buffer and a chance to recover from the jet lag before we hit the road.
Those who choose this option should book a room at an airport hotel (we love the Crowne Plaza for an easy place to land!) for the night of September 20 - they will also have an easy shuttle from the airport. We will pick you up the next morning after breakfast and head out for visits of both the Sheldrick Elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. Afterward we'll have a leisurely lunch in the beautiful gardens at the famous Karen Blixen House before taking you to our boutique hotel in an upscale corner of Nairobi to get settled, relax and then meet the rest of the group at our welcome dinner that evening.
Why don’t we include the hotel stay? Mostly because you’ll be landing late at night, ready to crash and the airport hotels are the perfect option - complimentary shuttles, quiet rooms, and just 3 minutes away from the airport. You don’t need us for this part - we’ll be there to meet you in the morning and take you out for a great day in Nairobi.
What are the tipping customs?
Small tips for hotel staff & other service industry workers are always appreciated and go a very long way. We will arrange a group collection at the end of the trip for our drivers and safari guides, and you'll be free to contribute if/as you wish.
Tips for your Rogue Expeditions run guides are at your discretion - never expected but always appreciated.
If I change my mind or something comes up, can I cancel?
We know that life happens, and on occasion a participant will have to back out of a trip. As most of our costs are paid well in advance, we have set a cancellation policy that applies to all trips. You should obtain travel insurance to cover potential cancellations on your part.
If you cancel:
Within 30 days of signup (but more than 90 days from departure): Full refund
90+ days from the trip start date (but after the 30 day grace period): Deposits are non-refundable
61-90 days from the trip start date: 50% of total payment refunded**
60 days or less from the trip start date: No refunds
*If you register using a transfer credit, you may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of signup but will not be eligible for a refund
**This only applies to participants who have paid their balances on time. If you do not pay the balance by the due date and cancel after the fact, your deposit is non-refundable.
Can I switch to another trip?
If you wish to transfer your deposit from one trip to another you must notify us at least 120 days prior to your original departure date. A fee of $150 per person will apply and will be deducted from your original deposit. If you notify us less than 120 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Deposit transfers may only be made once, and must be made to another trip departing within 12 months of your original departure date.
What if Rogue Expeditions cancels the trip?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had never cancelled a trip and we hope that going forward we never have to again. But, here is what happens if it happens:
If we cancel a trip due to low participant numbers, you will be notified no later than 60 days prior to departure and will receive the option of a full refund or transfer to an alternate trip.
If a trip is cancelled at the last minute due to external events outside our reasonable control (natural disasters, terrorism, etc) we will issue full refunds less any unrecoverable costs. This type of scenario is highly unlikely but as we all know, anything is possible. Get that travel insurance!
You can check out the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.
How do I sign up?
You can find the Sign Up button on the Details page as soon as registration is open. A $600 deposit will reserve your spot, and balances are due 3 months prior to the trip start date. As soon as you register you’ll receive a link to the packing list, destination info, guide contacts and more, then your guide will begin direct group communication 4 months prior to departure. Spots are first come-first serve, so don’t wait!
I’ve got more questions. Who should I ask?
Feel free to send any questions to gabe@roguexpeditions.com.