Distance: 14 km (Shortened option: 7-8 km) | Elevation: 392 m  

Accomodation: Big Skies Gugs

The Experience: This leg of the journey explores the incredible botanical diversity of the Maputaland interior. We begin by traversing an elevated ridgeline, offering a bird's-eye perspective of the sprawling coastal landscape and rolling dunes. We then descend into a secluded wetland oasis—a tranquil, hidden sanctuary perfect for a bird-watching water break. 

The trail continues through a tapestry of rolling grasslands and deep, shaded coastal forests before the path opens onto the shoreline. We complete the final stretch of the day with an invigorating beach walk, feeling the salt spray before reaching the iconic Black Rock. 

Here, a private seaside picnic lunch and a refreshing swim in the warm Indian Ocean await. After lunch, a short vehicle transfer brings you back to Gugs lodge where the rest of the day is yours. Unwind by the pool, indulge in a restorative massage, or—for those visiting during the season—opt for another evening tracking turtles under the Maputaland stars. 

• Bouton’s Snake-Eyed Skink: Explore the iconic Black Rock formation to find this rare reptile, a marvel found nowhere else in South Africa. 

• Pristine Beach Finish: Conclude your hike with the rhythm of the tides as you walk the untouched sands toward our lunch spot. 

• Ocean Swim & Picnic: Shed your hiking gear for a gourmet lunch on the sand and a dip in the protected waters. 

• Wetland Birding: Discover rare aquatic birdlife in the still, freshwater pools tucked behind the dunes.