Info

GENERAL INFORMATION

BOATS

There is no boat access to the Sea from Kosi mouth, but there is a lake launching site at the KZN Wildlife camp on Third Lake. If you wish to bring your boat, you will need to have category C safety equipment and your inland waters skippers ticket.

DIVING

There is no diving permitted from Kosi Bay. The nearest dive site is Ponta do Ouro just over the Mozambique border, or Sodwana Bay (about an hour’s drive south of Kosi Bay).

ACCESS

The R22 is a good tar road that runs from Hluhluwe through to the Mozambique border at Farazela. From there you can drive all the way to Maputo on tar now, with the new road opened in 2018 and the bridge across the Maputo Harbour. Manguzi is 20 minutes drive from the Mozambique border and less than 2 hours from Hluhluwe. Access to the accommodations will vary. Some roads are gravel and others are sandy. Some accommodations may be accessed with a normal 2×4 car, and others will require a 4×4.

PARK ACCESS

You can access the park at Kosi Bay mouth, 3rd Lake, Black Rock and Bhanga Nek. Gate opening times vary but are generally 6am to 6pm (please check as you go in the park). You can organise gate permits with us.

Kosi Bay Mouth:

The track down to the beach parking area is sandy and only 4×4 vehicles are permitted. It is approximately 3.5 kms to the bay from the gate. Please enquire if you would like to organise a shuttle between the gate and the bay. It takes about 40 minutes to walk between the bay and the gate.

MALARIA

Kosi Bay is in a low risk malarial area. The number of mosquitoes will depend on the amount of rainfall and temperatures. Generally there will be more mosquitoes in the summer months (December through March). It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent and lightweight long sleeves and trousers for the evenings. If you wish to take anti-malarial prophylaxis speak to your doctor or local travel clinic. Most people that do choose tablets choose Malarone. http://www.santhnet.co.za/index.php/malaria-advice-for-travellers/item/330-malaria-risk-map-for-south-africa-2013.html is a good place to get more information on malaria.
We do not have mosquito nets permanently up, but do have a few available if you are worried.

SUPPLIES

The nearest shops are in Manguzi (KwaNgwanase) which is the main town, about 20 minutes drive from the border. Boxer and Spar are both decent supermarkets.

ACTIVITIES available in Kosi Bay include:

Snorkelling trips to the bay – this is one of the top 10 snorkelling sites in Africa – the clear warm waters are perfect. Highly recommended.
Fish trap visits – a local fisherman, whose family has been in the area for generations, will take you to his fish traps and explain how they work. He will show you how they are made and after explaining how he spears the fish, you are encouraged to try and catch one yourself. What you catch you can keep – we can prepare it for your dinner.
Elephant Safaris – in Tembe Elephant Reserve. This small but unique nearby reserve lies on the border between South Africa and Mozambique. It is home to the BIG 5, and is especially known for its LARGE elephants, and is also home to the endangered Suni, as well as other more common African wildlife species.
Canoeing/ Kayaking – the community guides will take you out for an easy paddle on these beautiful waterways.
Fishing – our guides can show you the hotspots. Bring your own tackle.
Visit to local school – meet and talk to local kids in the classroom (term time only!).
Turtle tours – nesting season is between November and February. Walking tours with trained community guides start from Bhanga Nek: search for nesting and hatchling loggerhead and leatherback turtles.
Boat trips – launching at 3rd lake – enjoy the waterways of this large lake system.

This information is available as a PDF.