TRAVEL | SEYCHELLES
here is something magical about every start line. You can feel the nerves, the excitement, the anticipation, and the overwhelming sense of community. Every early morning training session, every sacrifice, and every kilometre logged leads to this single moment. For athletes, start lines are earned. And the start line of the Seychelles Nature Trail 2026 felt particularly special.
WELCOME TO PARADISE Before I tell you about the race itself, we need to rewind a few days, because arriving in the Seychelles was an adventure all of its own. On 12 May, a group of nine South Africans boarded a flight from Johannesburg. Just five hours later, we were beginning our descent into Mahé, the country’ s largest island. From the plane window, it felt like I was peering into a pictureperfect postcard – turquoise waters stretching endlessly below us, and islands of lush green mountains surrounded by pristine white beaches rising from the Indian Ocean. There are few moments in travel that completely take your breath away. Landing in the Seychelles was one of them.
We stepped off the plane into warm tropical air that felt like a gentle Seychellois hug welcoming us to island life. Passport control was effortless, and, before long, we were being greeted by some of the friendliest people I’ ve ever met. Tourism is one of the country’ s biggest industries, and it shows, not in an overly commercial way, but in the genuine kindness and pride that the locals take in sharing their island with visitors.
After a short 30-minute drive, we arrived at what would be our home for the next five days – the beautiful Avani + Barbarons Seychelles Resort. I’ m not sure there are enough words to describe my first impression. Picture swaying palm trees, open-air walkways, endless ocean views, and the most incredible contrast between white sand, crystal blue skies and lush tropical greenery. It’ s the kind of place that makes you immediately slow down and breathe a little deeper. Home for the next few days was paradise.
What’ s better than running a trail race in the Seychelles? Doing so with eight other Saffas!
ISLAND-HOPPING ADVENTURE The next morning started exactly how every tropical holiday should, with an unrushed breakfast overlooking the ocean. Fresh tropical fruit, pastries, eggs made to order, freshly squeezed juices, and warm sunshine on your skin? That is my kind of morning.
Soon afterwards, our taxi driver, Daniel, arrived to collect us. One thing I absolutely loved learning about the Seychelles is that all taxi operators are required to be locals. It’ s a wonderful initiative by the government that ensures tourism directly contributes to the local economy while giving visitors an authentic experience of the island through the people who call it home.
Our day was spent exploring the surrounding islands by boat, and if you’ ve ever wondered whether the Seychelles is really as beautiful as the pictures suggest, let me reassure you, it is somehow even better in person. Coming from Cape Town, where jumping into the ocean requires
a great deal of courage and mental preparation, I cannot explain the joy of stepping into perfectly warm Indian Ocean waters. No deep-breathing exercises required; just jump straight in.
The water was impossibly clear. Shades of turquoise and emerald stretched in every direction, while colourful coral reefs beneath the surface provided the perfect playground for snorkelling. Our two guides for the day reminded me of Disney’ s Timon and Pumbaa, full of personality, laughter and endless enthusiasm. While the water may be crystal clear, spotting the true treasures of the ocean isn’ t always easy. They helped us discover marine life we would otherwise have completely missed, ensuring we experienced the very best that the Seychelles has to offer.
What a day it was. Dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Sea turtles gliding effortlessly through the
32 | RUN FOR YOUR LIFE