Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve lies in the extreme north of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal close to the Mozambique border. Kosi is not really a bay but system of 4 lakes, inter-linked by channels and draining into the Indian Ocean through a pristine estuary. The tidal waters push up through the mouth and the estuarine basin known as Enkovukeni and then into the first lake named Makhawulani and then via a channel to Lake Nhlange and then finally into the freshwater Lake Amanzimnyana. The reserve is an integral part of the wetland park and fully justifies its status as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The reserve is 11000ha in extent and is mainly characterized by crystal clear waters, mangrove swamps, raffia palms and sycamore forest. The lakes are generally low in salinity except for the first lake where the amaThonga people have set up their fish traps. The mouth is an excellent fishing spot but fishing in first lake is not permitted. See Fishing on the North Coast.

The lakes are heavily populated by hippos and crocodiles and the forested areas are home to duikers, bushbuck and monkeys. There are more than 250 bird species in the reserve and regular sightings of fish eagles, herons and the rare palm nut vulture can be expected.

The off-shore areas have been declared a marine reserve and humpback whales can be spotted, but one of the most amazing natural phenomenons occur here in December and January – the annual migration of leatherback and loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs by the tens of thousands on the beaches of Kosi Bay. The area is world famous for the research projects conducted over the last 60 years.

Accommodation consists of a two-bedded cottage, a small lodge and a campsite with toilets and showers. The cottage and lodge are fully serviced. The area is high risk for malaria so it is important that visitors take the right prophylaxis. There is a four day hiking trail with a comfortable base camp and tented camps along the trail. There is a picnic area at the estuary.

Getting there: From Durban, take the N2 going north. Turn off at the R22 going towards Tembe Nature Reserve. At the T-junction turn onto the D1846 road going to Kosi Bay.