KOSI BAY Attractions

KwaZulu Natal Destinations

Kosi Bay, Elephant Coast

Kosi Bay

In the northern reaches of KwaZulu Natal, the final stretch of South African coastline is a wilderness wonderland that is still largely unexplored and unexploited.

Kosi Bay is a rich network of lakes that stretches from Lake Zilonde, on the Mozambique border in the north, to Lake Amanzimnyama, in the south. Essentially it is a complex system of six large lakes, two smaller lakes and one of the best preserved estuaries on the Indian Ocean coastline. A number of lakes and streams enter the sea at Kosi Bay and the region is famous for its pristine beaches. Much of the area is protected within the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. Kosi Bay’s lake system is part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, and is home to a large variety of birds, including a number of rare species; animals such as hippos and crocodiles and a great variety of fish and other aquatic fauna. This is the land of marshes, swamp forests - some of the largest in the country - mangroves (five species), coastal dune forests and palm communities.

Add to this already impressive picture the annual sighting of Humpback whales, just off the beaches, on their northerly migration to Mozambique, and the visit of loggerhead and leatherback turtles to lay their eggs on the beaches every year and you can understand why Kosi Bay is such an attractive place to visit.

Fishing is a way of life to many of the Thonga people of the region as a food source but is also very popular amongst visitors, although ‘tag and release’ is encouraged. Fishing is usually only allowed in the reserves and with a permit and fly fishing has become popular, although the presence of hippos and crocodiles does tend to add an element of danger to the sport.

Kosi Bay is not only home to phenomenona such as the two-armed Mudskipper fish and the one-armed Fiddler crab, there are now a number of game reserves and private farms in the area that offer access to other species of the animal kingdom - rhino, giraffe, warthog, zebra, kudu and elephant are all within easy access. Deep sea fishing excursions are also popular.

Featured Attractions in (or near) Kosi Bay

Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park

The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999. It is considered South Africa's third largest park and extends from Mapelane (Cape St. Lucia) in the South, to Kozi Bay in the North. The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park incorporates ... more information

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia Wetland Park lies on the north eastern edge of KwaZulu-Natal. The incredibly beautiful series of beaches, coral reefs, lakes, swamps, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands that stretch all the way from Kosi Bay, virtually on the Mozambican ... more information

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve

The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is situated on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal and surrounds the Kosi Bay lake system. The system consists of four lakes and a series of inter-connecting channels which drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian ocean. It is home to a variety of birds and wildlife ... more information

Lake Sibaya

Lake Sibaya is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa with a surface area of 77 km² and an average depth of 13 m. The lake was previously connected to the sea and with the closure of the estuary, numerous invertebrates and vertebrates were trapped in a fresh water enviroment. Lake Sibaya is a ... more information

Maputaland Marine Reserve

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known as one of the 'jewels' of South Africa's coastline and a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site, is an incredible assimilation of beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, swamps, lakes, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands that used to be known as the Greater St Lucia ... more information

Tembe Elephant National Park

The largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 300km² park on the South Africa / Mozambique border. Excellent birding opportunities exist and scuba diving on the nearby Tongoland reefs. Situated in Maputaland, the north-eastern region ... more information

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Things To Do in Kosi Bay

Turtle Tracking in Kosi Bay

Where: Kosi Bay
How much (per person): On Request

Turtle tracking is offered every night from 15 November to 15 January at Kosi Forest Lodge in Kosi Bay. These excursions (including transfer ... more information

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Kosi Bay

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