KOSI BAY NATURE RESERVE
Private Game Reserve Accommodation
in Kosi Bay, Zululand & Maputuland,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve lies on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounds the unique and beautiful Kosi Bay lake system which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. This system consists of four lakes and a series of inter connecting channels which eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian ocean.

It is home to a large variety of birds and animals including hippos and crocs. Humpback whales can be seen off the beaches on their northerly migration to calve in Mozambique and in December and January loggerhead and leatherback turtles come onto the beaches to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests. Proclaimed in 1950 and extended in 1984. This is the most pristine lake system on the South African Coast. Kosi Bay Camp is situated on the western shore of Lake Nhlange, the largest in the Kosi system. To access the Kosi mouth and the Indian Ocean beaches is a 45 minute drive requiring a 4X4 vehicle. The drive is spectacular with views across the fish kraal dotted lake to the sea as you crest the huge coastal dunes. The condition of the last 7kilometres of the Kosi Bay Camp entrance road is very sandy and requires a 4X4 vehicle or one with a difflock. As most of the 'roads' in the area are sand tracks, a 4X4 is required to fully access all the areas of the park.

Accommodation
Kosi is one of the most fascinating and beautiful pristine lake systems on the African coastline, a get-away-from-it-all coastal paradise. Activities revolve largely around water sports and sport fishing activities including deep-sea, surf, estuary, fly fishing and snorkelling.

Kosi Bay Camp features three rustic cottages. These include a six-bed cottage with three bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, lounge/dining room and kitchen with a large viewing deck with barbecue facilities. The five-bed cottage features two bedrooms, two bathrooms with showers, lounge/dining room and kitchen and the two-bed cottage has an open plan room with bathroom, kitchenette and lounge/dining area combined.

There are 15 campsites at the Kosi Bay Camp situated on the edge of Lake Nhlange.

Kosi Bay Camp is situated on the western shore of Lake Nhlange, the largest in the Kosi system. To access the Kosi mouth and the Indian Ocean beaches is a 45 minute drive requiring a 4X4 vehicle. The drive is spectacular with views across the fish kraal dotted lake to the sea as you crest the huge coastal dunes. Beach driving is not allowed. The condition of the last 7kilometres of the Kosi Bay Camp entrance road is very sandy and is only accessable to 4X4 vehicles or those with a difflock. As most of the 'roads' in the area are sand tracks, a 4X4 is required to fully access all the areas of the park.

Camping
Kosi is one of the most fascinating and beautiful pristine lake systems on the African coastline, a get-away-from-it-all coastal paradise where humpback whales are seen on their northerly calving migration to Mocambique, loggerhead and leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beaches at night in summer and local people practice a unique and age-old form of subsistence fishing.

Kosi Bay Camp has fifteen shady open campsites in a beautiful coastal bush setting that can accommodate up to seven guests each. Each site has cold running water, barbecue facilities and a plug point.

Two modem ablutions feature hot and cold running water, flush toilets and showers, but no dishwashing or laundry facilities. The camp also features three fully equipped self-catering cottages set deep in the beautiful coastal forest. Kosi Bay Camp is situated on the western shore of Lake Nhlange, the largest in the Kosi system. To access the Kosi mouth and the Indian Ocean beaches is a 45 minute drive requiring a 4X4 vehicle. The drive is spectacular with views across the fish kraal dotted lake to the sea as you crest the huge coastal dunes.

The condition of the last 7 kilometres of the Kosi Bay Camp entrance road varies according to season and weather so it is recommended that prospective visitors phone before setting off. As most of the 'roads' in the area are sand tracks a 4X4 is required to fully access all the areas of the park.

What to do in Kosi Bay
Fishing - The reserve is extremely popular among the angling fraternity. Fishing takes place from boats as shore angling is only permitted from within the campsite area. It is essential that fisherman provide their own boats and must obtain a fishing permit. Fly fishing is becoming more popular among the anglers and "Tag and release" is encouraged.

Please Note that the Kosi lakes are natural systems whick contain large populations of hippos and crocodiles. Fishermen need to be aware of these animals as they move around the system in their boats. Hippos usually spend the daytime in groups in the water and feed at night on the lush grasslands that surround the lakes. Potential confrontations occur with visitors as the hippos move to their grazing grounds at dusk and return to the water at dawn. Fishermen should be especially cautious when negotiating the narrow channels between lakes at these times. Please refrain from speedind in the channels.

Ice, cooldrinks and bait are available at the Curio Shop.
Monthly and Annual Licences are available from the Curio Shop.
Rhino Club Gold Cards are also available from Reception.

Snorkelling - The reserve offers a unique snorkelling experience with a reef situated inside the mouth of the Kosi system. One needs to drive to the mouth, (4X4 vehicles only,) or walk with a trail guide ± 12 km. At low tide one can walk across the estuary mouth to this wonderful snorkelling site which is demarcated as a sanctuary and fishing and spear-fishing are not allowed. The best time to snorkel is at the start of the incoming tide which brings clean sea water. Shore fishing is popular off the beach or in the estuary

Vital Information

Gate Opening and Closing Times: 06h00 to 18h00

Office Hours : Monday - Saturday 08h00 to 16h00
Office Hours : Sunday and Public Holidays 07h00 to 15h00

Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: One minute

Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00

Facilities:
Community Guided trails, boating fishing and snorkelling.

Shop:
Nil (Cold drinks, charcoal, bait and ice are available from the camp office and firewood can be purchased from the community at the camp entrance.)

Special Precautions:
Kosi Bay is in a malaria area and special precautions are necessary.
A 4 x 4 is recommended to be able to reach Kosi Mouth.

Please Note that the Kosi lakes are natural systems which contain large populations of hippos and crocodiles. Fishermen need to be aware of these animals as they move around the system in their boats. Hippos usually spend the daytime in groups in the water and feed at night on the lush grasslands that surround the lakes. Potential confrontations occur with visitors as the hippos move to their grazing grounds at dusk and return to the water at dawn. Fishermen should be especially cautious when negotiating the narrow channels between lakes at these times.

The nearest town which has a full range of services is Kwangwanase which is 13 kms away.

How to get there:
Travel on the N2 to Jozini. Drive through the town and over the dam wall and follow this road to Kwangwanse. Kosi is 13 kms from this town but is not well sign posted.

Pets are not permitted into the reserve.

"No entry fees will be charged for visits by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Primary and Secondary School groups, from KZN Schools to KZN Protected Areas and St Lucia Crocodile Centre provided that such visits:
1. are authorised by the Head of the school
2. are booked in advance with the Officer in Charge of the Protected Area or Crocodile Centre
3. do not take place over weekends, during KZN Provincial school holidays or Public Holidays".

Facilities for people with disabilities: A special ablution block in the campsite.

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