{"id":36966,"date":"2024-11-29T11:14:20","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T09:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/?p=36966"},"modified":"2024-12-03T09:54:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T07:54:01","slug":"walk-on-the-wild-side","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/blog\/2024\/11\/29\/walk-on-the-wild-side\/","title":{"rendered":"Walk on the wild side"},"content":{"rendered":"

Coastal forest, grasslands and pristine beaches\u2026Thonga Trails has it all. We experienced the 45 kilometre walk for ourselves, and were blown away by the natural beauty of this unique route.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"To begin the journey, we met at Sodwana Bay and hopped onto a shuttle that took us slowly but surely 100km north, landing us in Bhanga Nek, just a few kilometres shy of the Mozambican border. A short walk brought us to our hidden camp, \u2018Little Paradise\u2019, nestled in a clearing overlooking Lake Kuhlange, the largest of the Kosi lakes. Here, we were met with canap\u00e9s and bubbly served by Damien, a French chef with the incredible skill of creating culinary masterpieces even in the most remote settings.
\n\"\"After a delicious dinner, we headed out for an evening turtle walk, where we were lucky enough to spot a nesting loggerhead \u2013 a truly magical sight and a wonderful start to the adventure.<\/p>\n

EXPLORING THE LAKES<\/strong>
\nThe next morning, we hit the trail with our guide Agrippa, heading along the lake\u2019s edge, weaving through indigenous forest, and eventually making our way upwards to take in panoramic views of the Kosi lakes below. Although the walking was slow \u2013 with plenty of time to learn about flora and fauna along the way \u2013 we\u2019d certainly worked up an appetite by the time we reached a local homestead and the location of our lunch break. Here, we were welcomed with open arms, enjoyed fresh bread, salad and braaied meat, and rested under the trees.<\/p>\n