An estuary system comprising of four lakes linked by a network of channels

An engaging 4×4 experience
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An 18km stretch of estuary with some of the highest vegetated sand dunes in the world
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.
Be rewarded with iconic finds
African fish eagle
The African fish eagle is a common resident in Kosi Bay
Kosi Bay is home to numerous bird species including iconic African fish eagles, flamingos and the rare palm nut vulture – the area is one of only two places in South Africa where the latter’s favoured food source, raffia palms, are to be found naturally. Its beaches are the breeding place of endangered loggerhead and leatherback turtles. It is also home to over 250 species of birds, hippos and crocodiles, and smaller game such as buck and monkeys. Humpback whales are seasonal offshore visitors.
Fish for fascinating cultural experiences
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Kosi Bay mouth is famous for its ancient fish traps, a sustainable method of fishing passed down for generations
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.
Marvel at nature’s struggle for survival
Loggerhead Turtles nest on the pristine beaches
Loggerhead turtles nest on the pristine beaches
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
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The waters of the four lakes and the connecting channels host both fresh water and salt water fish
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.
Operators in the Area
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Useful Information
Getting There

N2 from the south: from Hluhluwe take the R22 towards Sodwana Bay. Pass Mbazwana and continue to KwaNgwanase – following the signboards to the Farazela Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique. Continue through the town and after 7km turn right onto a sand track. The 5km sand track to the camp requires the use of a 4×4 vehicle, or a vehicle with a diff lock.

N2 from the north: Drive to Jozini and continue to KwaNgwanase. Continue through the town and after 7km turn right onto a sand track. The 5km sand track to the camp requires the use of a 4×4 vehicle, or a vehicle with a diff lock.

Gate Opening & Closing Times

Gate opening and closing times:
06h00 to 18h00
Reception hours:
08h00 to 16h00 (Mon – Sat)
07h00 to 15h00 (Sun)

Contact Details
+27 35 592 0236
Entry Fees

Adults: R53
Children (under the age of 12): R26
Vehicle entry charge: R53
Community Levy: R5 per person

Public Facilities

Ice, cold drinks and a small range of books are available at the reception office. Annual fishing licences are also available. The Umdoni day-visitor area is shaded and has a number of braai facilities.