Kosi Forest Lodge (Kwa-Zulu Natal)

Guided Canoe trips

The highlight for many at Kosi Forest Lodge is the canoeing trip on the Kosi Lakes. The best time for this activity is in the early morning and lasts for approximately 2 hours. Guides escort you by canoe along the Siyadla channel where the bird life is very rewarding and the scenery peaceful and breath taking.

Full Day Boat Trip on the Kosi Lakes

The Kosi Lake ecosystem is unlike anything in the world and consists of multiple lakes connected by narrow channels. These gradually transition from freshwater to estuary to seawater as they approach the ocean at the picturesque Kosi Mouth. The area is one of very few places on earth to have five different species of mangroves.

The optional excursion travels through the lake system and estuarine waterways. Highlights of the full day outing include spotting aquatic life in the crystal-clear warm water. Hippos, crocodiles, flamingos and a host of other aquatic species. Rare birds like the Pels Fishing Owl and Palm Nut Vulture are a highlight. You may also get the chance to enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of Third Lake and then walk over the dune to the beach at Bhanga Nek.

The guides stop along the way and explain the traditional fishing traps and the traditions of the Tsonga community, who live in balance with the lake system.

Raphia Forest Walk

“Otherworldly” describes the feeling of walking the meandering pathways among the forest of giant Raphia palm trees in Kosi Bay. As you wander through scenery befitting the Jurassic age, listen out for the tell-tale calls of the abundant bird life. Perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare Palm-nut Vulture and Pel’s Fishing Owl. It is also home to a wide array of butterfly species that will greet you with their kaleidoscope colors. Local guides will share their extensive knowledge of local fauna and flora. Or, pop in anytime you like. This is a nature lover’s delight.

4×4 trip to Kosi Bay Mouth

A day trip to Kosi Bay Mouth for a bit of beach fun and wonderful snorkeling in the shallows of the lake near the mouth. There is a lovely secluded reef close the the mouth. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the lake under palm trees.

Additional charge for this activity.

Turtle Walks

Only on offer in season from 15th November to 15th January, guests have the privilege of seeing mother turtles as they return to the beach to lay their eggs. Often the same beach where they began life as a hatchling. This is an exciting nocturnal expedition that involves a 4×4 drive to the beach where the evening walk commences. Climbing over the sand dunes and combing the beach. All in the hopes of discovering a female turtle heaving herself out of the water and up the beach above the tidal zone to find her ideal nesting site. She then digs a hole with her flippers and enters into a hormone-induced trance while she lays her eggs. Before covering them over and lolloping back to the ocean. This activity is not suitable for children under the age of eight years.

This activity attracts an additional charge and it is weather dependent.

Kosi Forest Lodge Birding

Kosi Forest Lodge is a birder’s paradise. With a myriad of ebullient feathered friends welcoming you to the pristine soft sand forest. The rich and diverse bird life in this region comprises forest, riverine, coastal and grassland varieties. And includes more than a few highly sought after species. Bird watching is something that can be done continuously throughout your stay at the lodge.

With ever-shrinking natural spaces meaning more and more wildlife under threat, the act of bird watching is a simple pleasure which is becoming increasingly sacred. With over 450 species occurring in the area, Kosi Forest Lodge is one of the best bases for bird watching in South Africa. Some of the rare bird highlights include the Pel’s Fishing Owl, Palm-nut Vulture, African Finfoot and Narina Trogon. The local guides at Kosi Forest Lodge know all the secret hiding places and may help you to tick those elusive species off your list.

Snorkeling at Kosi Mouth

Kosi Mouth is the furthest north point on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, just south of the Mozambique border. It is one of the most idyllic and spectacularly scenic coastal locations imaginable. Here the Kosi lake system finally meets the ocean. The tidal flows in and out of the mouth; have created one of the most vibrant and exquisitely colorful underwater worlds on the whole South African coastline.

Snorkeling in the estuary has been likened to being immersed in an aquarium. With literally hundreds of brightly colored fish, eels and crabs moving busily about amongst the delicate coral. It is an experience not easily forgotten.

This full day outing takes you by 4×4 from the lodge to Kosi Mouth. You will spend the day snorkeling in crystal-clear warm water and soaking up the sun on the beach or next to the estuary. A delicious picnic lunch is provided to be enjoyed in the shade of the palm trees. Snorkeling equipment is available from the lodge and included in the cost of this optional extra excursion. On the drive to and from the mouth you will enjoy views over the expansive Kosi lakes featuring the famous fish traps of the local Tsonga people.

Fishing

The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is a firm fishing favorite, with lake fishing, sea fishing, fly fishing and dropshot fishing available. “Tag and release” fishing is encouraged to help preserve this pristine wilderness region. Strict rules and regulations apply, so please let us know before your stay should you be particularly interested in fishing.