An estuary system comprising of four lakes linked by a network of channels
The Kosi Bay section of iSimangaliso, a rich tapestry of lakes which borders Mozambique, has been described as the last haven of untouched African paradise. It is a wonderland of blue sea and dazzling white beaches, wetlands and lakes and reed channels, raffia palm forests and mangrove swamps. Exploring the area is only possible in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Fish for fascinating cultural experiences
The local Thonga (the Tembe community) have a rich and fascinating history. Kosi Bay is famed for the traditional, woven fish traps and palisade kraals used by the community for well over 700 years – a skill passed down from generation to generation. The palisade fish kraals consist of a guide fence that curves in towards a fish trap, allowing fish easy entry but no escape. The traps are designed for small fish to escape, so there’s no major impact on the thriving fish population.
The African fish eagle is a common resident in Kosi Bay
Marvel at nature’s struggle for survival
Kosi Bay beaches are the traditional breeding ground for leatherback and Loggerhead turtles. To observe one of the gigantic leatherbacks (weighing up to 450kg and over 2m in length) as she hauls herself uphill from the surf beyond the tide line to dig her deep hole and then lay over 100 white glistening eggs, is the experience of a lifetime. Nesting – and then hatching – runs from October to February. Only three in 1,000 of these hatchings will make it to adulthood – and then return two decades later to nest on the very same beach.
Explore Africa’s lake district
The Kosi Bay system is one of the most beautiful and pristine lake systems on the African coast. Consisting of four lakes – Amanzimnyama, Nhlange, Mpungwini and Makhawulani – the system is connected by meandering channels and fringed wetlands before it runs into the Indian Ocean via a shallow channel and estuary. A boat excursion from Lake Nhlange to Lake Makhawulani is a scenic meander through the reed channels, offering an opportunity to snorkel along the mangrove banks or visit the Thonga fish traps on Lake Makhawulani.
Kosi Bay mouth is famous for its ancient fish traps, a sustainable method of fishing passed down for generations
Accommodation in the Park
Kosi Forest Lodge
Private thatched bush suites set within a beautiful unspoiled sand forest.
Website | Email | 035 474 1473
Kosi Bay – KZN Wildlife
Kosi Bay self-catering lodges are set in the forest alongside Lake Nhlange.
Website | Email | 033 845 1000
Kosi Bay Camp Site
Kosi Bay Camp is situated on the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Nhlange.
Website | Email | 033 845 1000
Operators in the Area
Kosi Bay Lodge
Kosi Bay Lodge is located in the far North Eastern corner of KwaZulu-Natal near the small village of Manguzi. Kosi Bay Lodge is perfectly situated for guests who want to base themselves in the heart of this pristine area and further explore the region. Just a few hundred meters from the water’s edge of Lake Nhlange, the third and largest lake, Kosi Bay Lodge offers everything an African Bush Lodge should and more.
Activities OfferedBoat Cruises
Shengeza Charters
Shengeza Lake Lodge is situated on the shores of Lake Shengeza bordering Isimagaliso Wetland Park. Are you ready to cruise or transfer across to Banga Nek beach or try your hand at lake fishing and confront the dangerous hippo or just lie back and enjoy the crystal clear water and serenity of this beautiful part of our country? Hop on our viewing vehicle and be transported to the launch site for a wonderful experience.
Activities OfferedBoat Cruises
Kosi Bay Casitas
Various accommodation options, activities, a great restaurant and good service – everything you need for your visit to beautiful Kosi Bay! Kosi Bay Casitas offers accommodation at a rustic Mozambican-style lodge located on the fringe of the exquisite Kosi Bay estuary. Our establishment overlooks a picturesque little wetland that offers solace and joy to bird-lovers and frogs alike!
Activities OfferedBoat Cruises
Utshwayelo Lodge
Utshwayelo Lodge takes its name from the fish kraal celebrating the traditions and culture of the Tonga people. Kosi Bay in the far North Eastern corner of KwaZulu-Natal forms part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – the first natural World Heritage Site in South Africa to be accorded this distinction. Kosi Bay epitomises the incredible splendour of untouched Africa at its most pristine, as are its people, resources, ecology and culture.
Activities OfferedBoat Cruises
Walking Tours Kosi Bay
Experienced turtle trackers independently operate walking tours along the beaches of Kosi Bay. Visitors have the opportunity to meet local turtle trackers at the Bhanga Nek Turtle Research Station.For more information, or to organise a tour, give one of them a call on the numbers provided below:
Shadrack Mathenjwa | 082 638 4488
Thembile Ngubane | 072 724 2738
Sthembiso Mthembu | 071 154 6623
Simangaliso Mageba | 072 725 2738
