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Johannesburg, South Africa: The third edition of the Seychelles Nature Challenge returns on Saturday,16 May 2026, with all-inclusive packages now available for professional and novice trail runners alike.

The 22 km technical course winds its way through Morne Seychellois National Park – the archipelago’s largest and most biodiverse protected area. With a 1,200 m elevation gain, runners traverse dense indigenous rainforest, rocky mountain paths, and pristine coastal trails on the island of Mahé, in what is becoming one of the most spectacular and sought-after races on the global trail running calendar.

A once-in-a-lifetime trail experience awaits. For seasoned trail runner, Paul Ingpen, the 2025 edition inspired new awe and wonder:

“Even after 40 years of travelling to run, ride and paddle my way through the world’s most remote wildernesses, I have never seen plants as tall, leaves as big, or shapes as varied as in this forest,” said Ingpen. “It may be the first time that I’ve run a race wishing time would slow down and the distance would extend.”

An unparalleled way to discover the island. For Stellenbosch-based trail runner, Shaundre Jacobs, who finished third in the ladies’ race in August 2025, it was the best way to experience Seychelles for the very first time:

“If you like the outdoors and exploring a new place, I suggest putting this race at the top of your list,” says Jacobs. “It’s the best way to explore the island, by foot. In this way, you take it all in through feeling and experiencing nature first-hand. Whether you are a beginner or expert trail runner, this race is for you. It will be the experience of a lifetime. Seychelles is not just a place; it is a feeling.”

Accessible to runners of all levels. Jacobs, who describes the event as “well-organised”, “well-marked” and “magically surreal”, believes anyone can enjoy the challenge – with a little preparation.

“If you are considering it, try and train in warm conditions and get some time in a sauna. The humidity is quite high and can catch you off guard,” explains Jacobs. “Hydrate well before, during and after the race, with water and electrolytes. Also, do lots of vertical training where you focus on power hiking. This will help prepare you for the vertical kilometres in the race – and reward you with astounding views.”

RACE DETAILS

The Seychelles Nature Trail Challenge 2026 takes place on 16 May 2026, starting at the Constance Ephelia Resort at Port Launay before heading into Mahé’s national park trails and finishing at Grand Anse Mahé.

The race entry fee includes a race bib and timing chip, race pack (including a t-shirt and other surprises), a finisher’s medal, refreshments and aid stations along the route and post-race recovery area and refreshments.

ALL-INCLUSIVE RACE PACKAGES

Comprehensive travel packages for South African runners are available through Ace Sport Travel, making it easy to experience this bucket-list event. Packages start from R49,990 per person, including 5 nights’ accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily, flights and transfers and race entry. Rates depend on accommodation selected (Constance Ephelia or Avani+ Barbarons), and single supplements apply. 

Price excludes the Seychelles Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy, which amounts to approximately R121.00 per person per night, payable at the hotel upon check out.

For booking enquiries, please contact nadine@acetravel.co.za.

BOOK YOUR SPOT TODAY

Online entries are open, please visit https://racepass.com/za/tours/the-seychelles-nature-trail for more information.

For Christine Vel, Market Manager for Seychelles Tourism, it is a highlight on the organisation’s calendar:

“The 2025 event attracted 169 entrants from around the world, including 52 international athletes and 10 participants from South Africa alone,” says Vel.  “For 2026, we’re expecting an even larger field and are excited to cement Seychelles’ position as a premier destination for both luxury and adventure tourism, showcasing Seychelles’ extraordinary natural beauty to a globalaudience of outdoor enthusiasts.”

In addition to leading the tourism industry, Mrs. Bernstein’s portfolio will also include Culture.

Mrs. Bernstein, a resident of Baie Lazare, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Journalism from Kingston University, London, and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

Her career began in the United Kingdom with the International HIV and AIDS Alliance, where she also served as Liaison Officer for the Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group. These early roles honed her expertise in communication, advocacy, and awareness-raising on global health issues.

Upon returning to Seychelles, Mrs. Bernstein joined the Department of Foreign Affairs as Press Attaché, a role she held for three years. During this time, she collaborated closely with the Minister’s Office and national stakeholders to enhance public understanding of the department’s work and strengthen Seychelles’ presence on the international stage.

She later served as Principal Counsellor at the Seychelles Embassy in Addis Ababa, where she was instrumental in establishing the new diplomatic mission and advancing Seychelles’ engagement with the African Union. Upon completion of her mission, she returned to Seychelles to continue her service as Principal Counsellor in the Consular Division, coordinating with consuls worldwide and assisting Seychellois citizens abroad.

In her remarks to the National Assembly, Mrs. Bernstein described her years in the Foreign Affairs service as “deeply fulfilling and formative,” highlighting how the experience contributed to her professional and personal growth.

Beyond her diplomatic career, Mrs. Bernstein brings a wealth of experience from Seychelles’ private sector, having held senior positions at Barclays Bank (now ABSA) and within the wider commercial and financial services industry. During her tenure at Barclays, she contributed to the bank’s major rebranding initiative to ABSA—one of the most significant projects undertaken at the time. She has been involved in various technical, strategic, and financial projects, with her work consistently emphasising community engagement, stakeholder relations, and corporate social responsibility.

“My journey and experience in both the private sector and diplomacy, coupled with my drive and perseverance, have shaped my commitment to share the knowledge I have gained across the various fields I’ve worked in. I am ready to keep learning, to challenge the status quo, to make a difference, and to leave things better than I found them. Most importantly, I am ready to work hand in hand with every stakeholder,” she said during her presentation to the National Assembly.

Mrs. Bernstein’s background in communications, marketing, diplomacy, and partnership development aligns strongly with the Department’s strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening destination branding, advancing sustainability, and fostering innovation within the tourism, culture, and heritage sectors.

Designed specifically for travel agents, this comprehensive resource provides exclusive access to expert information on the most sought-after destinations and experiences across Southern and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean islands.

“In our new travel brochure, we’ve showcased our wonderfully diverse continent’s most spectacular countries and regions, from South Africa’s Cape Winelands and sunny KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, Namibia, and Botswana,” says Murray Gardiner, CEO of GILTEDGE Group. “We are confident that this beautifully-packaged information will play a leading role in attracting more international visitors to Africa.”

The GILTEDGE travel brochure features detailed information on travel experiences, preferred airlines, and explores GILTEDGE’s commitment to sustainable and purposeful travel. It also highlights each destination and the company’s esteemed accommodation partners.

“At GILTEDGE, we are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism and empowering our agents to help their clients make a positive difference within the communities they visit,” adds Gardiner. “All our carefully selected partners share our values, placing sustainability at the core of their operations.”

In addition to the new travel brochure, GILTEDGE has introduced an innovative map resource. This tool allows clients to visualize their prospective itineraries, acting as a valuable aid for travel agents. The map resource can be pre-ordered separately or together with the brochure.

To pre-order the GILTEDGE brochure with map insert, interested travel trade can complete this form – GILTEDGE Brochure Pre-order.

For media enquiries, please contact inga@bigambitions.co.za

Contact GILTEDGE
International tollfree telephone:
USA: 1 877 511 6860, UK: 0800 680 0423, AUS: 1 800 737 403
South Africa telephone: +27 21 713 0296 Email: info@gilt-edge.com

“Complexity, complexity and more complexity,” says Andrew Stark, Flight Centre Travel Group Managing Director Middle East and Africa. “The ever-changing travel regulations and requirements from the different destinations across the world make for a travel landscape that will be difficult to navigate. For now, it is clear that business travellers have more freedom than they had in the last 6 months, while leisure travellers are somewhat more restricted.”

Stark cautions that while the reopening of the borders is a vital, positive step in the right direction and will allow South Africans to reconnect with their loved ones, the return to travel is not going to be immediate, neither should holidaymakers throw all caution to the wind.

The Flight Centre Travel Group expects South Africans will start travelling for leisure to regional favourites such as the SADC countries and popular Indian Ocean islands like Zanzibar and Mauritius, first.

Kim Taylor, Customer Experience Director at the Flight Centre Travel Group stresses that the list of identified high risk countries is fluid as data will be checked and adjustments made fortnightly. “Our list of high risk countries may most likely impact entry regulations for South Africans globally. There still remains a grey area surrounding outbound travel for South Africans to high risk countries that would permit them entry.”

“We’d advise South Africans to book their non-essential leisure travel now for next year. For this year, consider keeping it close to home with regional travel on the African continent and to the Indian Ocean Islands,” says Stark.

Bonnie Smith, GM FCM Travel Solutions adds regarding business travel: “There is no one-size-fits-all-solution for companies during these times. It is important to take everything into consideration, from traveller sentiment to company budget restrictions and duty of care.”

Oz Desai, GM Corporate Traveller, explains that the announcement of the opening date for international travel is likely to generate a lot of questions for both companies and business travellers alike. For example, which destinations will accept South African travellers? Will business travellers be able to minimise exposure while en route? Is the workplace at the destination a safe environment that allows for social distancing? Will employees need to go into quarantine when they return? Does the insurance cover employees sufficiently while away?

As global travel management companies (TMCs), Corporate Traveller and FCM have done the groundwork and are ready to guide travellers and companies as they take the next step forward. Over the past months, the corporate brands under the Flight Centre Travel Group umbrella have created resources that will help their customers get back on the road safely and with peace of mind.

The Group has recently launched the Traveller Information Hub (https://www.fctgtravelnews.com/) available for all Flight Centre Travel Group customers. The information hub contains the latest air, hotel, and border updates from across the globe, an interactive map to help travellers assess their destination’s risk profile and chatbot assistance for any possible questions.

“We expect many questions from travellers about the different requirements for travelling in our current reality, especially as details get unpacked” adds Stark.

“There has never been a more important time to use a reputable travel company for your holiday bookings or a professional travel management company for your business travel. Ensure you are getting expert travel advice,” concludes Stark.

All travellers will need to adhere to the below protocols:

• Present a negative COVID-19 test results not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
• Where a traveller has not done a Covid-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost for the period of ten (10) days.
• All travellers will be subjected to screening by Port Health Officials upon arrival and departure.
• All travellers detected with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted at their own cost.
• Every traveller must have mandatory travel insurance.
• All travellers to complete Traveller Health Questionnaire prior to arrival or upon arrival at the Port of Entry.
• Beside the health protocols, travellers will still be subjected to other formal border processes. All travellers should wear masks at all times whilst within the Ports of Entry controlled area; Port officials to ensure that port users adhere to social distance as part of queue management protocol.

If you’re ready to start looking forward, add these to your future travel wishlist.

Keep it local in Peru

“One of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Month is by aligning yourself with brands that promote meaningful initiatives,” says Sue Garrett, General Manager Product and Marketing at the Flight Centre Travel Group.

Although Machu Picchu is the main drawcard on a Peru itinerary, Garrett suggests skipping the crowds, and opting for a small group holiday. Visit off-the-grid locations, such as the community-owned Parwa restaurant in a place called Huchuy Qosqo. Earning rave reviews from those who have discovered its secret whereabouts, this restaurant serves up traditional cuisine using ingredients sourced from the region known as The Sacred Valley.

Eco-tourism flourishes in Seychelles

Get your green foot out the door and support Seychelles in the months and years to come. Explore the bounty of marine reserves surrounding the 115-island nation of Seychelles.

Just by deciding to visit Seychelles, you are already supporting the country. Seychelles has put a lot of hard work into preserving its natural resources and getting the right balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection.

Seychelles is a pack leader when it comes to sustainability initiatives, with a limit on hotel beds and new large-scale resort developments. Travel plastic-free with ease thanks to a ban on plastic bags, cups, cutlery and styrofoam packaging implemented back in 2016.

A curry and a ‘cuppa’ in Sri Lanka

For an island, Sri Lanka has a lot to offer. Think palm-fringed beaches and sights worth of UNESCO World Heritage status, food that bursts with flavour, and friendly locals.

A ban on plastic bags has been in place since 2017 but forward-looking South African travellers can do their part by spending time in the destination’s smaller villages, supporting local entrepreneurs and promoting job creation.

Travelling by train through the island’s tea country to Gampola is a must-do.

For example, Flight Centre works with a responsible travel brand called Intrepid. Tour highlights include a chance to “climb Lion Rock, a dramatic carved-rock fortress in Sigiriya, watch orphaned baby elephants enjoy their breakfast at Udewalawe, and explore Jaffna in the island’s north, previously off-limits to foreign visitors.”

Support Mozambican artists

“Not only are handmade souvenirs more aesthetically appealing and authentic, but this is your chance to make a difference by directly supporting and encouraging local artisans and artists when you next visit Mozambique,” says Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours, a specialist tour operator based in Maputo.

“Mozambique is a wonderland of art and culture [and] Mozambicans are so artistically talented. Their art takes many forms including wood carvings, pottery, paintings, and dyed fabrics which makes for meaningful keepsakes to remind you of your time here,” she adds.

If you are ever uncertain about the origin of an item on your next visit over the border, Tenzer-Silva suggests looking for a ‘made in’ label somewhere on the garment or object. “The best place to find unique, locally-made souvenirs is to venture out of the main touristy areas, but also to engage with them directly, asking questions, learning about their stories and their skills,” she maintains.

For Garrett: “Being a responsible traveller starts with aligning yourself with travel brands that strive to maintain a level of social responsibility and keep sustainability in mind.

“Speak to a local travel expert about their recommendations for eco-friendly accommodation, sustainable travel activities and destinations where you can contribute to conserving the environment and celebrating our earth,” she concludes.  

Air Italy’s long-haul network is operated by Airbus 330-200s with 24 seats in Business Class and 228 seats in Economy Class.

From its Milan Malpensa hub, Air Italy also operates year-round direct flights to New York and Miami and summer season, from March to October, flights to to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto.

Air Italy’s Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov, said, “Maldives, which will be served during peak periods by three weekly frequencies, is a perennially popular destination with all travelers, but particularly those who love its fabulous beaches and amazing water. Similarly, our new Africa destinations offer a fabulous range of options for guaranteed winter sun with Mombasa in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania being joined by Tenerife in Spain, which has a beautiful climate all year round.”

All international flights to and from Milan Malpensa, including the new service for the Maldives, benefit from connections with domestic flights served by Air Italy between Milan and central and southern Italy, namely Rome, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Lamezia Terme and Cagliari. 

The codeshare agreement means, that effective 3 November, Kenya Airways’ international passengers will be able to combine their travel experience between respective international destinations and 18 destinations that Safarilink operates within Kenya and to Tanzania.

Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Sebastian Mikosz said, “As part of our strategy to continue growing the network, we have seen the need to give travel ease to our customers by connecting their destinations. This partnership with Safarilink will significantly open up Kenya’s tourist destinations to international travellers by allowing passengers to connect from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Wilson Airport and eventually to their respective safari destinations which is a great convenience to them.”

The partnership will see Kenya Airways place its codeshare flight numbers on the Safarilink flights so that when customers from international destinations book online, they are able to book with connectivity to all  Safarilink destinations.

Commenting on the codeshare agreement, Safarilink Aviation Chief Executive Officer Alex Avedi said, “We are very pleased to be entering into this significant partnership with Kenya Airways which will provide seamless connection of passengers from the airline’s network straight into Kenya and Tanzania’s world-famous parks.”

Through the Malawi online visa service, applicants will be able to register and login on the e-visa platform, fill and submit and applications, upload supporting documents including applicants photo and pay the visa fees in advance in line with new payment arrangements.

Once the application is approved, a notification is sent by email and similarly on the login page where an approval document authorising entry into Malawi can be downloaded for use to facilitate the applicants travel arrangements and endorsement of a visa sticker onto the traveller’s passport at the port of entry by an Immigration Officer.

To apply for a e-visa, register and login to the Immigration website: www.immigration.gov.mw or www.evisa.gov.mw

Malawi is currently emerging rapidly as one of Africa’s most complete destinations and this new visa system, making it even easier to visit the Warm Heart of Africa, will give it yet another boost. For a long time Malawi’s stunning beaches, beautiful and varied landscapes and fascinating and friendly cultural experiences have been some of the best that Africa has to offer. The wildlife transformations currently underway courtesy of African Parks’ amazing conservation work are not only creating safari experiences that match the high quality of the country’s other attractions but are also bringing worldwide attention to this hidden gem, not least courtesy of African Parks’ president HRH Prince Harry. These developments, exposure and now simplified entry will be sure to accelerate Malawi’s tourism growth.

Please note that Visa to Malawi only grants permission to the traveller to enter Malawi within the validity period of the Visa subject to fulfilling other entry requirements. The validity period of the Visa is not necessarily the permitted days to stay/reside in Malawi. Number of days/residential permit to legally stay in Malawi is issued at the port of entry or on application at the Malawi Immigration Headquarters.

Aviation experts say the move by Qatar to buy shares in RwandAir could enable it to solidify its presence in the African market given its current woes with its Gulf neighbours.

Qatar was banned from flying over neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain since mid-2017 due to a dispute between it and the Gulf states.

They were key markets for the airline and so buying a stake in RwandAir will support its expansion into Africa as an alternative market.

Click here for more on this story.

Economy Comfort features increased seat pitch of 8cm more than the average Economy Class seats. The Economy Comfort seats are located in the first three rows of Economy Class hence availing 27 seats per aircraft. Additionally, passengers travelling in these seats will enjoy more benefits such as a dedicated overhead cabin for their carry-on luggage, quicker exit as they are at the front of the cabin thus they save time, and travel extras which include a complimentary amenity kit and special pillows.

KQ has been implementing different strategies to boost its revenues and retain a competitive edge in the market all geared towards a turnaround of the business.

The product offering will support the airline’s network expansion initiatives. KQ now has more long-haul routes on its network such as New York, Rome and Geneva in addition to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Bangkok and Guangzhou.

Due to the high demand for Extra Legroom Seats in Economy Class since the introduction of Preferred Seat Selection in Economy last year, we have decided to enhance the service even further. Our new Economy Comfort with increased seat pitch will ensure our guests have an additional option on how to travel. The B787 Dreamliner aircraft have therefore been modified accordingly to what we are calling Economy Comfort.

Ancillary services are becoming a bigger part of KQ’s revenue streams.

Last year, we made a key step in growing our Ancillary footprint by introducing the enhanced number of extra seat propositions and significantly growing our distribution scope to all relevant direct booking channels. Going forward we see this income stream making a larger contribution to the overall operations.

The upgrade of the 27 Economy Class seats to Economy Comfort makes it first of its kind to be experienced among the African carriers.