Kosi Forest Lodge is a 16-bed wilderness lodge located in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve a magical place of lakes, rivers, pristine beaches, bush and coastal forests.
The unspoiled Kosi Bay Nature Reserve surrounds the rare and beautiful Kosi Bay lake system. It has been incorporated into the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, an internationally recognised World Heritage Site.
The 11,000ha, 30km-long reserve is a tropical paradise of crystal clear water, marshland, swamp and coastal forests that is home to about 250 species of bird.
Hippo and crocodile bask in and around the lakes and the reserve provides a haven for a variety of rare fish, flora and fauna. The Kosi lake system has long been regarded as the best-preserved large estuary system on South Africas Indian Ocean coastline.
Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge in the reserve. The lodge offers excellent accommodation, fine cuisine and has become a firm favourite as a honeymoon destination.
A massive Zulu Podberry tree is the focal point of the main lodge with the lounge, diningroom and bar all opening onto a large, wooden deck around the tree.
Kosi Forest Lodge takes full advantage of Maputulands sultry weather with most meals served alfresco - on the deck or under large Albizia trees.
A swimming pool, built into the deck, at the lakes edge is always a welcome sight. Candles light the area at night giving it a warm, romantic ambience reminiscent of wild African adventures of long ago.
The tariffs are fully inclusive of all meals, activities and excursions, but excludes fishing boat hire. Guests have to stay at least 2 nights for the full day boat trip.
Kosi Forest Lodge is a 45 minute - 1 hour drive from the beach and there is no electricity in the rooms, only lanterns.
Rooms:
The thatched bush suites are hidden in the sand forest of the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve providing privacy under the forests peaceful canopy of shady trees.
The rooms are raised on a wooden deck with a beautifully appointed bedroom, balcony, dressing room and separate bath and shower. The romantic en-suite bathroom is open-air in a reed-enclosed boma.
Set in white beach sand and positioned under one of the huge forest trees, guests are guaranteed a truly unique experience.
The bedrooms have low wooden walls with mosquito netting and roll-up canvas blinds allowing for full views of the surrounding forest.
Kosi Forest Lodge has become increasingly popular as a honeymoon destination. The honeymoon suite is completely private and allows couples to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding sand forest undisturbed.
Activities:
* Guided canoe trips on the lakes
* Turtle-tracking (November to end February)
* Full-day boat cruises on the lakes
* Excellent birdwatching
* Snorkeling at Kosi Mouth and swimming at Bhange Nek
* Fishing: lake, surf and fly-fishing
* Day trips to Tembe Elephant Park
* Tsonga cultural activities
* Guided walks through Raffia Palm Forest
* Horseriding
How to get there:
See Map Travel on the N2 between Johannesburg and Durban and 10km north of Mkuze, you'll find the turn-off to Jozini.
Take the turn-off, drive through the town and over the dam wall and follow this road to Kwangwanse. Kosi Forest Lodge is 13 km from this town.
While the tracks to the lodge can only be negotiated in four wheel drive vehicles, there is a 2 wheel drive parking facility approximately 25 minutes from the lodge in the town of Kwangwanase (drive to the far end of town, on the lefthand side and park at the Total Service Station).
There are pick ups here at 12h00 and 16h00 with a 9km transfer in an open 4 x 4 to the lodge.
Health & Climate:
Please note that Northern Kwazulu Natal is a malaria area.
