Kosi Bay, Elephant Coast
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.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Kosi Bay is so worth a visit - the beaches are second to none, the lakes beautiful and the fish traps really interesting!
Helen (Kearsney)
Verified review
The lakes and beaches of Kosi Bay are nothing short of magnificent. There is so much going on here in terms of the natural attractions. The birdlife was incredible and the scenery unmatched. We had super weather during our stay too, so it was a great success.
Roger Thompson (Cardiff, Wales)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Kosi Bay Casitas
Located in Kosi Bay, Kosi Bay Casitas offers accommodation for up to 53 guests. Here guests are near to a variety of attractions and activities i...
Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge
Nestled in the most north-eastern corner of South Africa lies Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge. The lodge offers superb Kosi Bay accommodation and is ...
Lodge Umusa
Lodge Umusa offers charming, eco-friendly chalets that can be booked on a self-catering or bed-and-breakfast basis. Our lodge in Kosi Bay is a pe...
Chinderera Eco Lodge
Situated in Kosi Bay, Chinderera Eco Lodge offers two private luxury eco-units which sleep either two or four guests on a full board basis. The u...
Kingfisher Bush Lodge
Kingfisher Bush Lodge is situated close to the well known Kosi Bay lake system. We offer self catering tented accommodation in either Luxury Tent...
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge
The lodge is designed to emulate the local Tonga building style and each of the fourteen chalets are uniquely positioned to offer guests total pr...
Kosi Forest Lodge
Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve - an unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park...
Kosi Moon Bed and Breakfast
Kosi Moon Bed & Breakfast offers comfortable accommodation in the lovely area of Manguzi, near Kosi Bay. Rooms are offered on a bed only basis, a...
Things to do in the area
Turtle Tracking in Kosi Bay
Turtle tracking is offered every night from 15 November to 15 January at Kosi Forest Lodge in Kosi Bay. These excursions (including transfers to ...
Mabibi Beach
Indulge in the serene ambiance of Mabibi Beach, cradled by verdant coastal forests and kissed by soft sands beckoning you to wander or simply bas...
Kosi Bay Beach
Kosi Bay Beach delights all with its regular appearance of the humpback whales and dolphins. Situated in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, this soft s...
Kosi Bay Trail
Whilst there is a Kosi Bay Trail that takes roughly four days to complete, which can also be done as a slackpacker version, there are variations ...
Lala Nek Beach
For the ultimate in a wild South African getaway, experience the raw, untouched appeal of the Elephant Coast when you stay in KwaZulu-Natal. This...
Noteworthy attractions
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 con...
Lake Sibaya
Lake Sibaya is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa with a surface area of 77 km˛ and an average depth of 13 m. The lake was previously c...
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 Afric...
Mapelane Nature Reserve
Mapelane Nature Reserve is the southernmost reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Mapelane Nature Reserve is situated on the south ba...
Ndumo Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve (adjacent to the Tembe Elephant Park) is a small but impressive game reserve. Proclaimed in 1924 Ndumo Game Reserve is one of ...
Sodwana Bay National Park
The small Sodwana Bay National Park consists of a narrow coastal strip of forest covered sand dunes. Sodwana Bay National Park was proclaimed in ...
Tembe Elephant National Park
The largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 300km˛ park on the South Africa /...
Enseleni Nature Reserve
The Enseleni Nature Reserve is a small reserve of 293 hectares lying just inland from the town of Richards Bay, almost midway between Empangeni a...
Maputaland Marine Reserve
The Maputaland Marine Reserve lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known as one of the 'jewels' of South Africa's coastline and a UNESCO de...
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