If you’ve spent any time on the Holla Trails, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Brett. Whether he’s out for a training run, riding the trails, or preparing for his next adventure, the outdoors has always been at the heart of who he is.

As the founder of the New Planet Zuka Run, Brett has created one of South Africa’s most unique trail running experiences, taking runners deep into Big Five country for a weekend that celebrates adventure, conservation, community and the incredible wilderness of KwaZulu-Natal.

We caught up with Brett to chat about his love for trail running, the story behind the Zuka Run, his favourite Holla Trails, and why getting outside has the power to change the way we see the world.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is Brett Roux beyond the trail shoes? 

I’m the founder of African Footprints Travel, a luxury travel and travel event company based on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. We specialise in creating tailor-made journeys throughout Africa and beyond, from East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands to Cape Town and some of the world’s most incredible wilderness destinations. We love taking the complexity out of travel and designing experiences that people remember for the rest of their lives.

I’m passionate about conservation and in particular, RSA and KwaZulu-Natal. I genuinely believe that Zululand and Maputaland are one of the world’s last great wilderness frontiers, and I think over the next decade we’re going to see more and more people discover just how extraordinary this part of South Africa really is. Being able to showcase our province through both travel and events is something I feel very privileged to do.

Away from work, I’m a husband to an amazing wife and a proud dad to two wonderful children. As a family, we spend as much time outdoors as we can. Whether it’s walking in the bush, exploring new places or just playing guitar together and cooking together.

Personally, I love living an active, outdoor life. If I’m not working, you’ll usually find me in the ocean surfing or diving, out on a mountain bike, trail running or photographing wildlife somewhere in Africa. I love adventure and pushing myself physically, but I equally value slowing down, being present and spending quality time with family and friends.

At the heart of it all, I try to live a life that’s grounded in nature, community and meaningful experiences.

What inspired you to create the New Planet Zuka Run, and what makes it different from other trail running events? 

I’ve always believed that being on foot in a true wilderness area is one of the greatest privileges we can experience. There’s something incredibly special about moving quietly through nature under your own steam. You notice things you would never see from a vehicle, and you become completely immersed in the sights, sounds and rhythms of the bush.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have some of the finest wilderness areas anywhere in the world right here in KwaZulu-Natal. The Munyawana Conservancy, home to the Zuka Run, is, in my opinion, one of the most spectacular conservation landscapes on the planet. With seven distinct ecosystems and exceptional Big Five wildlife, it offers an experience that very few people ever get to enjoy on foot.

What makes the New Planet Zuka Run different is that it’s so much more than a trail race. It’s about stepping back into nature and reconnecting with something that we’ve largely lost in modern life. When you’re out on foot in the bush, your senses come alive. You become aware of every sound, every movement and every smell. You quickly realise that you’re not at the top of the food chain, and there’s something incredibly humbling about that. It reminds you that we’re visitors in a wild place, not its owners.

My hope has always been that people leave the weekend with more than just tired legs. I hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for Africa’s wild places and a stronger desire to protect them. If the New Planet Zuka Run inspires someone to fall in love with the bush, then we’ve achieved something far more meaningful than simply organising another running event. The event has so many dynamics- from to bush dinners, live music, recovery zones, a Springbok rugby zone, complimentary bars and amazing food that finishes off with a proper little party before day 2. We also commit to supporting the local community where along with Futurelife and New Planets support, and feed over 500 learners- many of whom come support the event as marshalls and cheerleaders.

Running through Big 5 country isn’t something you get to do every day. What can runners expect from the experience? 

First and foremost- perspective. There aren’t many places in the world where you’re able to run through a genuine Big Five wilderness away from tar roads, fences and communities and that’s something that stays with you long after the finish line.

One of the things I love most is that we redesign sections of the route each year, so it’s never exactly the same experience. The trails take runners through an incredible variety of landscapes, from open grasslands and rolling hills to river crossings and ancient woodland. Along the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking views across Zululand, looking out towards the mountains of northern KwaZulu-Natal and an area rich in heritage and Zulu history. 

The biodiversity is also extraordinary. You’ll encounter incredible birdlife, fascinating smaller species and, of course, the possibility of seeing the Big Five. Seeing elephant, buffalo or rhino while you’re out on the trails is an unforgettable experience, and although all wildlife encounters are carefully managed by our experienced conservation and safety teams, they add an element of excitement that very few running events anywhere in the world can offer.

Ultimately, runners can expect far more than just a trail run. They can expect beautifully prepared trails, outstanding support throughout the weekend and the feeling that they’ve taken part in a genuine African adventure. It’s an opportunity to experience one of South Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas on foot, in a way that very few people ever will, all within a safe, professionally managed environment.

What’s one moment from a previous New Planet Zuka Run that perfectly captures what the event is all about? 

There have been so many memorable moments over the years that it’s hard to choose just one, but one story has always stayed with me.

During one of our earlier events, I was driving one of the support vehicles and could see a small group of runners a couple of hundred metres ahead of me. They ran past a patch of thick bush and disappeared around a bend. Just a few seconds later, a magnificent elephant bull stepped quietly out from behind the thicket exactly where they’d been moments before. He stood there, flapped his ears and watched them continue down the trail, completely unaware that he’d just emerged behind them.

I quickly drove ahead to catch up with the group and asked if they were all okay. I assumed they would be buzzing after such an incredible wildlife encounter.

Instead, every one of them looked at me rather confused and said, “What elephant?”

They had been so focused on the trail ahead that they hadn’t seen him at all.

It still makes me smile because it reminds me just how wild the experience really is. You’re not running through a game reserve that’s been staged for tourists, you’re moving through a living, breathing wilderness where wildlife is simply going about its day. It’s a humbling reminder that we’re visitors in their world, and it’s those unexpected moments that make the New Planet Zuka Run unlike any other trail event.

Every trail runner has that one run they’ll never forget. Which adventure stands out most in your own running journey? 

There have been many memorable runs over the years, but one stands out above all the others.

In my early twenties, I was fortunate enough to spend a fair amount of time in the Sabi Sands. Through close friends, I had the incredible privilege of experiencing one of Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness areas in a way very few people ever do. Those years really shaped my love for both the bush and trail running.

I remember one particular run where a friend and I headed out early one morning with nothing more than a pair of running shoes and shorts. It wasn’t about pace or distance, it was simply about being in the wilderness.

During that single run, we came across an enormous breeding herd of elephants, later found ourselves surrounded by buffalo in open country, and, while dropping into a drainage line, encountered a young female leopard. It was one of those rare mornings where every turn seemed to reveal another unforgettable moment.

That experience changed the way I looked at running forever. It wasn’t about kilometres or times anymore. It became about connection and moving quietly through nature, noticing the birds, watching the sunrise filter through the trees, feeling completely present and understanding that you’re simply another small part of a much bigger ecosystem.

Those are still the moments that inspire me to lace up my shoes. Every run carries the possibility of discovering something beautiful.

You’re a familiar face at Holla Trails. What role has Holla played in your own trail running journey? 

Holla has played a huge role in my trail running journey. I’m out there most weekends, either on my mountain bike or out for a run, and I’ve been enjoying those trails for many years now.

What I love most is the feeling of escaping. Within a few minutes, you’re surrounded by forests, open countryside and beautiful singletrack, and it feels like you’ve left the busyness of everyday life behind. I love the quiet, the fact that there are sections where you won’t see another person for ages, and the chance to simply switch off and enjoy being outdoors.

From a training perspective, Holla has everything. Whether you’re looking for a gentle run, technical trails, steep climbs or a proper endurance session, there’s something for everyone. It’s certainly helped keep me fit and has been a huge part of preparing for many of my own adventures over the years.

More than that though, I think Holla has become one of the North Coast’s greatest assets. It’s created an incredible outdoor community and given so many people a reason to get outside, challenge themselves and connect with nature. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a trail network of this quality on our doorstep, and I think it’s something we should all value and support.

If someone is considering entering the New Planet Zuka Run for the first time, what advice would you give them? 

I’d say, don’t overthink it.

Whether you’re an experienced trail runner or simply someone who loves being outdoors, this is an experience unlike anything else. We put an enormous amount of care into every aspect of the weekend, from the safety and route planning for different fitness levels, to the hospitality and overall experience, so all you really need to do is arrive with an adventurous spirit and enjoy it.

Trail running has a wonderful way of reminding us what’s important. It gets us away from screens, deadlines and stress of everyday life, and reconnects us with nature, with other likeminded people and with ourselves.

Life is short, some of the best investments we can make are in experiences. The memories you create running through one of Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness areas, sharing stories around the fire afterwards and spending a weekend surrounded by good people are the kind of memories that stay with you for years.

If you love trail running, if you love nature, or if you simply love KwaZulu-Natal, I genuinely believe this is something everyone should experience at least once. And if we’re lucky, it’ll become something you come back to year after year.

What’s one piece of gear you never head out on a trail without? 

It has to be my Garmin. I love tracking my runs, analysing the stats afterwards and seeing where I’ve been. I’m a bit of a statistics nerd at heart, so I enjoy digging into the data almost as much as the run itself.

That said, if I could stretch the definition of “gear” just a little, my real favourite running companion is my Staffy, Mumford. Whenever I can, he’s right there beside me on the trails. There’s something incredibly special about sharing those quiet moments in nature with a dog that absolutely loves being out there as much as you do.

When you’re not organising events or planning safaris, where are we most likely to find you? 

Most likely outdoors somewhere.

If I’m not working, you’ll usually find me in the ocean surfing, diving or spending time on the beach. I also love playing golf, going to gym, getting out on my mountain bike and, of course, heading off for a trail run whenever I can.

As a family, we absolutely love being outdoors together. Whether we’re on safari, cooking a meal, exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying quality time together, those are the moments I value most. If we are in the bush, there’s a good chance I’ll have a camera in my hands- wildlife photography has been part of my life since I was 15 years old.

I suppose if there’s one common thread through everything I enjoy, it’s being active, being in nature and spending time with the people I love. That’s where I feel happiest and most at home.

And lastly, finish this sentence…

“Trail running is…”

The simplest form of freedom. Anyone and everyone can do it. All you need is a pair of shoes, a trail and a willingness to take the first step.

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