Kimbia Kenya 2027 will celebrate its 14th anniversary. A historic project of Exaequo Voyages, Kimbia Kenya is the first multi-stage trail created by the agency. From the outset, the shared desire, found throughout all of its trips, to provide our participants with an off-the-beaten-track athletic challenge as well as a fantastic cultural and human adventure.

This running trip began with a simple idea: to showcase the best of Kenya ! This project was born in 2012 in the minds of Justo Mitiengo, a Kenyan living in France, and his friend Grégory Brussot, director of the Exaequo agency. Since then, Kimbia Kenya has grown, with nearly 500 participants hitting the Kenyan trails. Limited to 50 participants, the project sells out earlier and earlier each year. A true success for this project, which has always maintained its original spirit: discovery, sharing, and trail running.

Since 2013, the adventure has evolved considerably, continually adding new features with the presence of Kenyan athletes, by increasingly uniting the local communities we pass through (presence of marshals on the races), and by providing support to the schools in the villages we pass through.

“Much more than just a trail, Kimbia Kenya is a human adventure.”

Accessible by race or on foot (for the 50 km only), the adventure allows everyone to find his/her own pace. Each stage of the itinerary permits to discover many facets of the region located in the northwest of Nairobi.

Kimbia Kenya is also an eco-solidarity project. All stages leave, cross or arrive in a school. Two principles define this eco-solidarity project: logistical and material support to these schools and the organization of exchange and sharing moments between participants and the local population, especially with children of the schools.

There are also tourist activities organized during the afternoons for those who still have enough energy after the morning races in order to discover the region of Navaisha, located in the heart of the Rift Valley.

« Return to the roots, in the footsteps of runners of the highlands »

The race will take you around the Lake Elementaita, the smallest lake in the Rift Valley (18km2), classified as a Ramsar site since 2005 and famous worldwide by birds’ lovers. It hosts thousands of pelicans and flamingos. The first stage is ideal to get into the swing to things and acclimatize to the racing conditions in Kenya (altitude and temperature). The track is quite rolling without real D+, with race tracks designed without technical difficulties.

A new stage since 2016, the Gilgil stage is an absolute immersion into the Kenyan life with a departure in single-track trails. Then you will cross fields where you can meet many workers and farmers who will cheer you like a star! To finish, you will cross the village of Gilgil in a certain turmoil when runners are getting close to the finish line.For the third stage, the finish line is located in the very picturesque village of Eburru in altitude which culminates at more than 2400m. This is probably the most difficult stage, but the support and the warm welcome of children will help you to surpass yourself.

During the fourth stage, Kimbia Kenya will pass through Crescent Island. The shores host abundant birdlife including pelicans, cormorants and fish-eagles. There are more animals per acre than any other Kenyan Parks. Hence, many films have been filmed on the Island such as ‘Out of Africa’ to capture incredible images of the herds of Wildebeests, Waterbuck, Zebra and Gazelle.

Hell’s Gate, the must-see! The fifth stage offers a captivating natural park with geysers and two volcanoes Olkaria and Hobley, currently extinct. Here as well, many animals can be observed.

This program is the one for 2027.

PROGRAM 2027 :

 

DAY 1 – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Meet at Paris CDG Terminal 2E at 8:00 AM
11:00 AM: Direct flight from Paris CDG Terminal 2E → Nairobi – Air France AF814
9:35 PM: Arrival in Nairobi
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Nairobi

DAY 2 – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi
Transfer by overland safari truck to Naivasha and Jacaranda Lodge
Lunch at the lodge
Week briefing and mandatory equipment check
Afternoon: Discover Lake Elementaita or relax at the lodge, with an acclimatisation run
Dinner and overnight stay at Jacaranda Lodge, Lake Elementaita

DAY 3 – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Breakfast at the lodge
No transfer – the stage starts directly from the lodge
Stage 1 – Lake Elementaita: 11 km (84 m D+ / 100 m D-) or 20.5 km (171 m D+ / 203 m D-)
Lunch and time to relax at the lodge
Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park – optional activity, €90
Dinner and overnight stay at Jacaranda Lodge, Lake Elementaita

DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Breakfast at the lodge
Transfer to the race start – 30 min
Stage 2 – Gilgil: 12.7 km (66 m D+ / 219 m D-) or 19.4 km (96 m D+ / 364 m D-)
Lunch and time to relax at the lodge
Afternoon: Rest / solidarity activities and distribution of donated school supplies
Dinner and overnight stay at Jacaranda Lodge, Lake Elementaita

DAY 5 – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Breakfast at the lodge
Transfer to the race start – 1 hr 15 min
Stage 3 – Eburru: 11.4 km (368 m D+ / 223 m D-) or 17.1 km (666 m D+ / 222 m D-)
Lunch at Eburru School
Activities and time spent with the schoolchildren of Eburru
Transfer to the second accommodation location – 1 hr 30 min
Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge on Lake Naivasha

DAY 6 – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Breakfast at the lodge
Transfer to the race start – 20 min
Stage 4 – Crescent Island: 10.3 km (39 m D+ / 66 m D-) or 15.6 km (182 m D+ / 112 m D-)
Lunch at Sanctuary Farm
Afternoon: Boat trip to see the hippos, followed by a 5 km walk on Crescent Island in the late afternoon to discover the local wildlife – giraffes, antelopes, waterbucks, zebras, ostriches and more
Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge on Lake Naivasha

DAY 7 – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Breakfast at the lodge
Transfer by overland safari truck to a Maasai village
Full-day cultural immersion: “Meeting the Maasai People” – optional activity, €25 including lunch
Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge on Lake Naivasha

DAY 8 – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Breakfast at the lodge
Transfer to the race start – 30 min
Stage 5 – Hell’s Gate: 9.6 km (102 m D+ / 28 m D-) or 17.6 km (231 m D+ / 156 m D-)
Lunch and time to relax at the lodge
Dinner, festive awards ceremony and barbecue evening
Overnight stay at Lake Naivasha

DAY 9 – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Breakfast at the lodge
Transfer to the trekking start – optional activity, €50
Trek on Mount Longonot – approximately 1 hour of steady hiking to the crater rim: 3.5 km / 350 m D+. Those who wish can then continue around the crater: an additional 6 km / 350 m D+
Lunch at the lodge
Transfer to Nairobi Airport
Check-in and boarding
11:40 PM: Direct flight from Nairobi → Paris – Air France AF815

DAY 10 – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

6:55 AM: Arrival at Paris CDG Terminal 2E
End of the Kimbia Kenya 2027 adventure

Kimbia Kenya is a solidarity race that will allow you to discover a colorful country and a wonderful region in the heart of the Rift Valley. Whether during trials or touristic activities, be prepared to be amazed ! The region of Naivasha offers a variety of landscapes and colors that you will be able to enjoy before, during and after the race. From the Rift Valley to the shores of Naivasha and Elementaita Lakes, passing through Longonot and MauSuswa, you will have the opportunity to admire many different sites offering splendid panoramas of the surrounding flora.

Concerning the wildlife, you will have plenty occasions to be astonished because most of the stages pass through animal sanctuaries and national parks where live a multitude of wild animals: zebras, buffaloes, monkeys, wildebeest, impalas, waterbucks, pink flamingos, pelicans and so on.

The highlight of this trail remains the human dimension through the symbiosis of the group and the exchanges with the welcoming and smiling local population. Participants from previous editions of Kimbia Kenya were affected deeply by the happy encounters with volunteers, mamas, children, teachers and farmers that encouraged them along the race. Many times, looks and smiles said a lot about this unique sharing experience.Enjoy these extraordinary encounters and these moments of timeless exchanges which will remain engraved in your memory for a long time.

Here some example of activities that will be proposed to you and your companion during your stay:

TOURIST ACTIVITIES

• Safari at Nakuru Park (optionnal – 80€)

SPORT ACTIVITIES

• Trekking on the Mount Longonot at 2700 m altitude (optionnal – 35€)
• Football match, volleyball and athletic challenges with school children

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES :

• Meetings with schoolchildren of the eco-solidarity project
• Day in immersion with a Maasai tribe (optional – 25 € meals included)
• Visit of villages and discovery of populations

ECO-SOLIDARITY :

• Meetings with school children (games, learning a few words of French and Swahili …)
• Funding of desks for children in 3 Kenyan schools
• Financing of part of the schooling of talented young high school girls, members of the high school women’s football team

PRACTICAL INFORMATION 2027

The practical information below applies to the upcoming 2027 edition.

✈️ AIR TRAVEL

The organisation arranges air travel for all participants from Paris to Nairobi.

OUTBOUND TO NAIROBI – FEBRUARY 7:
Departure from Paris CDG Terminal 2E at 11:00 AM – direct flight
Arrival in Nairobi at 9:35 PM local time
Air France flight AF814
The group will meet in the check-in area at 8:00 AM on February 7.

RETURN TO PARIS – FEBRUARY 15:
Departure from Nairobi on February 15 at 11:40 PM – direct flight
Arrival in Paris on February 16 at 6:55 AM local time
Air France flight AF815

🧳 Baggage allowance: two checked bags of up to 23 kg each and one cabin bag of up to 8 kg.

🌍 Participants living abroad may arrange their own travel to and from Nairobi from their country of residence.

➡️ If you prefer to arrange all your flights independently, this is also possible. Please contact us before booking your flights. A €850 discount corresponding to the air travel portion will be deducted from the total price of the trip.

📩 contact@exaequovoyages.com

If you would like to use one of your bags to bring donations for the solidarity project, you are very welcome to do so. More information and practical tips can be found in the SOLIDARITY PROJECT section.

🏨 ACCOMMODATION

You will stay in one hotel and two different lodges during the adventure. The first night is spent in a hotel in Nairobi, followed by three nights at Elementaita Lodge and the final four nights at Fish Eagle Lodge.

We offer two different accommodation options:

⛺ Camping option – because that’s part of the Kimbia Kenya spirit too!

Tents are set up in the camping areas of the lodges where we stay. You will have your own tent or can share with another participant if you prefer.

The organisation provides mattresses, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and single fitted sheet, as well as a pillow if required.

Bathroom facilities are basic but perfectly adequate. With generally warm and sunny weather, camping is a very enjoyable part of the Kimbia Kenya experience – even if some of the showers can be cold!

🏡 Cottage option – for those who prefer a little more comfort.

This option is available for an additional €300 per person.

🍽️ MEALS

All meals are provided by the lodges.

The food combines local flavours and specialities with meals adapted to the needs of active participants.

Some meals are enjoyed outside the lodges, particularly in villages, giving participants the opportunity to experience local life and discover Kenyan culinary traditions.

And don’t worry – you may be pleasantly surprised by the quality of Kenyan cuisine, particularly in the lodges!

🍹 Drinks other than water are not included with meals and must be paid for separately.

💧 Mineral water is provided throughout the trip – 4 litres per person per day.

🚐 LOCAL TRANSPORT

All transfers are organised using an overland safari truck.

This type of vehicle allows us to travel almost anywhere, including through more remote bush areas.

TRAVEL FORMALITIES

🛂 PASSPORT & VISA

When entering Kenya, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and contain at least two completely blank pages.

An e-visa must be obtained online before entering Kenya. Allow approximately €40.

The organisation will send you a step-by-step guide before the trip to help you complete the process.

💉 VACCINATIONS & HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS

Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. It should be administered at least 10 days before departure.

Anti-malaria medication is recommended.
Our recommendation: Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone).

An effective mosquito repellent is also essential. Our recommendation is the Cinq sur Cinq range.

Make sure you plan your vaccinations well in advance, as some can be administered by your GP, while others, such as yellow fever, must be given at an approved vaccination centre.

Further information about vaccinations and health recommendations is available from the Institut Pasteur.

🩺 INSURANCE

The organisation is covered by public liability insurance.

Personal repatriation insurance is mandatory and must be arranged individually by each participant.

📱 COMMUNICATION

International roaming can be used in Kenya, although it can be expensive.

📞 Kenya country code: +254 – remove the initial 0 from Kenyan phone numbers when calling from abroad.

Wi-Fi is available at the lodges, although connection speeds may be limited.

Event updates are shared through Exaequo Voyages’ Facebook and Instagram accounts.

A WhatsApp group is also created for communication between participants and the organisation.

💱 PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency: Kenyan shilling (KSH)
• Indicative exchange rate in March 2026: €1 ≈ 150 KSH
• Payments can also be made in US dollars, and less frequently in euros
• Currency exchange offices and ATMs are available at Nairobi Airport
• We recommend withdrawing the equivalent of approximately €100–€200 in Kenyan shillings on arrival for drinks at the lodges, souvenirs and other small personal expenses
• Official languages: Swahili and English
• 🔌 A UK-style electrical plug adapter is required

🎒 HOW TO PACK FOR THE TRIP

RUNNING & EVERYDAY CLOTHING

• Running outfits – at least 2 or 3 sets: T-shirts, shorts, socks and trail-running shoes
• Change of clothes for afternoons and evenings: shorts, trousers, T-shirts, light jacket, warmer jumper or jacket, sandals and shoes
• Toiletries
• Small post-race bag for your change of clothes – tote bag or small backpack
• Something to freshen up after the stages: small towel, wipes, etc.
• Sunglasses / cap
• Sunscreen
• 1 headlamp
• For women: 1 long skirt or dress for the Maasai village day
• Electronic equipment: phone, camera, charging cables, etc.

IMPORTANT

• Passport and e-visa
• UK plug adapter
• Anti-malaria medication
• If possible, a cheque payable to “Exaequo Communication” to pay for additional optional activities at the end of the event

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR THE STAGES

• Hydration pack or bottle carrier with a minimum capacity of 1 litre
• Whistle
• Personal sports nutrition for the stages: gels, fruit jellies, bars or similar

🎁 During the trip, you will also have the opportunity to visit a Maasai family. You may wish to bring them a small gift, such as second-hand clothing, small games or shoes, as a way of thanking them for their hospitality.

💡 USEFUL EXTRAS

We also recommend bringing:

• Power bank
• UK plug adapter
• A few clothes pegs
• Earplugs
• A small personal first-aid kit for minor issues such as stomach problems, blisters or headaches

Even though medical support is available throughout the trip, having a small personal first-aid kit is always useful.

🧳 We strongly recommend keeping the minimum equipment you need to run in your cabin baggage – particularly your trail-running shoes, one running outfit and other essentials – in case your checked baggage is delayed or lost.

If you would like to bring equipment or donations for the solidarity project, you are very welcome to do so. More information and practical tips can be found in the SOLIDARITY PROJECT section.

⛺ IMPORTANT – FOR PARTICIPANTS CHOOSING THE CAMPING OPTION

• Warm sleeping bag: Even though daytime temperatures are warm, nights can be surprisingly cool. A good warm sleeping bag is therefore essential. A comfort rating of around 10°C is recommended. This applies only to participants staying in tents.
• Bath towel
• Pillow: If you prefer sleeping with a pillow, feel free to bring your own or an inflatable travel pillow.

🏡 COTTAGE / LODGE OPTION

For participants who have booked the cottage/lodge option, all bedding and towels are provided.

THE FRANCE KENYA SPORT SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION

The association is led by Justo and Claire, a Franco-Kenyan couple who live in France. Kimbia Kenya was born from the meeting between France Kenya Sport Solidarity and Exaequo Communication, with the ambition to make our participants live a unique sporting challenge and a moving human adventure.

Exaequo Communication works in cooperation with the association so that the eco-solidarity project is at the heart of the stay. The objective is to provide sustainable support to education and help the poorest communities in Kenya, through concrete and simple actions (construction or renovation of classrooms, purchase of desks…). The association is mobilized all year round so the solidarity project does not last only during the event but lasts before and after the event and contributes to the local development of rural populations.

Each year, the solidarity project targets a specific objective, based on the needs expressed by the schools. The concrete help is carried out over time to accompany the schools for a minimum of 3 years. An online collection is proposed to finance the purchase of equipment at the local level (water tanks …)

Since 10 years, the association is proud to have allowed the construction of classrooms, financed desks, allowed runners to bring several hundred kg of school supplies …

RUN FOR KENYAN SCHOOLS !

In Kenya, the government has turned the education compulsory up to 14 years old. However, many families, especially in rural areas cannot afford to send their children to school and schools lack means.

By helping Kenyan schoolchild, we help their family and community to finance school fees but also to purchase uniforms, desks and textbooks which cannot always be financed by the State.

Thus, the eco-solidarity program of Kimbia Kenya aims to support education in Kenya: we give a helping hand to different schools located around five sites which host the race stages. It is a long-term run support based on the specific needs of the schools, in coordination with the principal of the school and the Parents-Teachers’ Association. After five editions, we are glad to see children who have now access to water to drink or wash their hands, textbooks to study… We hope that our action will also boost children to pursue their studies as long as possible.

“Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world” Nelson Mandela.

HOW CAN YOU HELP US ?

The support of France Kenya Sport Solidarity and the support of the participants of Kimbia Kenya to these schools is made through:

• Funds collected through race registrations (50 euros per participant are donated to the program) which will allow us to purchase various equipment, textbooks and supplies for the schools.
• The donation of educational material (books, pencils, toys, balloons…), sports clothes or any children clothes you no longer use. They will be given to the director of each school who will organize a fair distribution between children.
• You can collect funds from your personal and professional entourage. Each year, more than 3,000 euros are collected on the online platform and by participants.
• On site, participants of Kimbia Kenya will be able to participate in the renovation of schools during a half day with the help of parents and children.

  THANKS TO RESPECT THOSE MERCI DE BIEN RESPECTER CES 10  PRECAUTIONS HERE

  Solidarity projet for 2027 – In progress

The total number of participants in 2027 is limited to 48 competitors by week. The registration phase is now open until November 30th, 2026. 

The individual price is 2950€ + 44,25€ (administrative tax)

Please note that some touristic activities will be optional with an additional cost for a maximum of 200€. An extra cost of 300€ per person for those who wish to sleep in cottage during the whole stay (20 places maximum). Participants will also have to pay enrolment and online payment fees which represents 1,5% of the total cost of the stay (44,25€).

GROUP RATE : You can benefit from a group discount:

• 5% starting from 5 people

THE REGISTRATION INCLUDES :

• The round-trip Paris-Nairobi (direct plane from Paris to Nairobi) – deduction of 850€ if you take your plane by yourself
• Daily shuttles by bus to transport participants to the lodges, the departure lines, return to the camps, as well as tourist excursions
• 3* hotel in twin room (2 single beds) or double room (1 double bed for couples) for the first night in Nairobi
• The accommodation in campsite (seven nights), mattress included or cottage if you choose the option
• Catering for the entire stay, except drinks (water included) during meals
• Provisions (water, fruits) during races
• Medical assistance during the race and the entire stay
• A medal for every participant
• The event t-shirt
• A payout of 100€ per participant to the solidarity program
• The technical staff (about 20 people) for the organization of the race, tourist activities and solidarity program.

THE REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE SOME OPTIONNALS TOURISTIC ACTIVITIES :

• Safari in Nakuru Park (about 90€)
• A visit in Massai Village (about 25€)
• A trekking in Mount Longonot National Park (about 50€)

The registration fee is the same for accompanying persons, who will benefit from all the services listed above. Accompanying persons are allowed to walk on the 10km course. As the total number of participants is limited, the organization will retain files according to the places available and will accept only complete applications before November 30th, 2026, 12:00pm (midday).

POSSIBILITY TO PAY IN 2 TIMES BEFORE DECEMBER 15th, 2025, 12:00pm (online and secure payment):

• 1st bank transfer / deposit of 800 euros + online payment fees, 44,25€ (fully paid at the time of the registration with the complete administrative file). You have until December 15th, 2025 12:00pm (midday) to download your documents on the platform.
• 2nd bank transfer / balance to be made between November 30th, 2026 and December 15th, 2026 (following an email sent by the organization)

DOCUMENTS TO BE SENT TO THE ORGANIZATION TO CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION :

• The photocopy of your valid passport (must be valid during 6 months after the entry on the Kenyan territory)
• 1 ID photo (scan of an ID photo or photo taken with a phone are authorized)
• A medical certificate dating, at the latest, of non-contraindication to the sport in competition (optional for walkers or the accompanying person).
• Your attestation of repatriation insurance is compulsory dating from less than a year

Deadline to send documents – 15th December 2025 at contact@exaequovoyages.com

THE CANCELLATION CONDITIONS (in accordance with the article 5 of general terms and conditions of sale).

Cancellations of reservations and requests for refunds must be made by registered letter to: Exaequo-Communication – 85 rue de l’avenir, 14790 VERSON. Refunds price scales are as follow :

• 100€ will be retained for application fees in case of desistance before 28 October 2026
• 10% of the total fees will be withhold in case of desistance between October 29th, 2026 and November 27th 2026
• 30% of the total fees will be withhold in case of desistance between November 28th 2026, 2026 and December 27th, 2026
• After December 27th  2026 midnight, no refund request will be accepted.

These costs correspond to the advance payments made by Exaequo Communication for the preparation of the trip. Exaequo Communication strongly recommends participants to subscribe to a cancellation insurance or personal insurance with the insurer of their choice.

General terms and conditions of sale here