Blue trail
bring the gees!
Thonga Trails presents the Blue Trail
A fully catered marine wilderness journey with a turtle twist (in Summer) and Damien’s famous cuisine, beer, wine & ciders all included.
(TheTurtle Twist is applicable November to mid-March · Max 10 guests)
Breathe in the salt air, feel sand beneath your feet, and chase the rhythm of the tides on this wild, ocean-inspired trail. Settle into life at Skova Lodge—named after the owl, iSiKova in isiZulu—your base for days filled with wonder, water, and walking with ancient creatures.
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Ease into trail life with a drink by the pool and a view into the trees. As the light fades, climb into our 4x4 and head down to the shore at Mabibi, where our local turtle guide leads you on a silent beach walk beneath the stars to search for Loggerhead and leatherback turtles.
They emerge from the surf to nest, or—later in the season—you might witness hatchlings sprinting toward the sea. These moonlit walks are raw, real, and unforgettable.
Fuel up on breakfast before heading for the sea. After a quick briefing, you’ll surf-launch into the Indian Ocean on our Blue Safari. This is no ordinary boat ride—scan the water for Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins, mantas, five species of turtles, coral reefs and in Winter a Humpback whale or ten.
Later, unwind at the lodge with Damien’s famous meals and optional fireside stories from ocean photographers, turtle researchers, or shark scientists—intimate, unscripted, and full of wild encounters from the deep.
Another sea day takes you into deeper water, this time with a hydrophone to listen to the sea itself. The clicks, songs, and pulses of the ocean soundtrack your search for the large and the elusive—sharks, dolphins, rays, or a gliding manta.
Back on land, step into the cool shade of the forest for a shoreline walk beside Lake Sibaya—South Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Watch for hippos, duiker, hornbills and lake vistas to die for. At twilight, return to Mabibi beach for another turtle walk. No two nights are the same—perhaps tonight you’ll see a hatchling’s first breath, or a nesting female’s final push.
Today, head inland to Tembe Elephant Reserve, home to Southern Africa’s last great tuskers. Drift slowly through sand forests, pausing at quiet hides to watch for elephants, lions, and the secrets that move through Tembe’s shaded paths.
That evening, return to Skova Lodge for a final dinner under the stars—stories swirling, glasses clinking, the sound of the bush wrapping around you.
Farewell, for Now
A slow breakfast. A last swim. One final glance through binoculars at a flash of feathers in the trees. The ocean stays with you, tucked in your skin, echoing in your chest.
Please note that depending on the weather and ocean-conditions, the order of the programme might be swapped around.
Out of turtle season we follow a similar programme, but without the walks at Mabibi at night.
ready to explore our trails?
Pick your perfect trail, let us know your preferred dates, and tell us your group size—we’ll get in touch to take care of the rest!
