Kosi Bay is situated in the northeastern corner of Maputaland near the Mozambique border. It consists of four lakes and a system that is about 12 kilometres long. The southeast side of the area is barely accessible by vehicle and access to some areas is only possible on foot or by boat. The kwaDapha, eMalangeni, and Nkovukeni (KEN) communities are the oldest existing communities in the Maputoland region, having been there for over 700 years. They are also the last remaining communities on the shores of the Kosi Bay lake system.
Tembe Elephant Park
Close to Kosi is the Tembe Elephant Park, which provides excellent game viewing. The Ivory route is but one of the game drives offered at the Park, it takes you on the route where elephants once moved seasonally between Mozambique and Maputaland, but were brutally poached for their ivory tusks. A sum of 180 of these magnificant elephants still roam here to tell the tale, some bearing the war scars of their history. Other drives reveal an abundance of game and birdlife, and of cause the renowed Big Five.
Kosi Bay Historical and Cultural Attractions
Fish Kraals
These fish kraals are found in the Kosi Estuary not far from the mouth. They have been in existence for hundreds of years and are a source of sustenance for the Tembe Tribal people of the area.
Evidence of Fish Kraals have been found in other areas to the north of Kosi and as far south as Port St Johns. This method of trapping however only continues to be practised in the Kosi estuary.
According to Alan Mountain, the principle employed in trapping the fish is very simple. In the estuary and shallow waters of the lakes, guide fences(umtamana or umteyula) are constructed at right angles to the flow of the water and to the shore- line. This fence is cresent or hook-shaped, with the concave side facing upstream. Its purpose is to prevent fish passing through to the sea and instead to guide them to a heart shaped enclosure - where fish are trapped either in a basket(umono or in a valve like structureijele where they can be speared.
These fish kraals are carefully regulated by the Tribal Authority for the area. This authority gives each family in the area the right to establish and maintain a particular fish kraal site.
Craft
An abundance of locally manufactured craft can be found at roadside stalls in the Kosi area.
Kosi Nature Reserve
The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is situated on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, surrounding the stunning lake system, which forms part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (World Heritage Site).
The Reserve has an abundant variety of birdlife. It is also home to hippos and crocs.
In December, Humpback whales can be seen from the shore on their northerly migration to calve in Mozambique, as well as loggerhead and leatherback turtles crawling the beach dunes to lay eggs in their well-prepared nests.
Source of image: Environment
Trails
Spectacular hiking trails that cover almost the entire Kosi system, are available at the Nature Reserve, including a four day hike, camping at various sites.
Snorkelling and Swimming
The estury provides a fantastic snorkelling and swimming spot. Snorkelling is offered by the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, a unique experience due to reef sutuated inside the mouth of the Kosi system, the site is demarkated as a sanctuary.
The area is accesible by 4x4 vehicles or along a guided +-12km walking trail. The best snorkeling time is within the start of the imcoming tide. At low tide it is possible to walk to the snorkeling site accross the estuary mouth.
Fishing
Shore fishing is popular off the beach or in the estuary.
Kosi Mouth
Access to the Kosi mouth and the Indian Ocean beaches, a 45 minute drive requiring a 4X4 vehicle. The drive is holds breath-taking views across the fish kraal lake to the sea, as you journey accross majestic coastal dunes.
Birding
(The following content has been sourced from SA Birding)
Kosi Bay is not a cohesive conservation area and one needs to visit the different birding areas on individual excursions, some of which may include other leisure activities. Although self-guided tours to most of the areas are possible, successful birding generally requires local guides. The area is criss-crossed by a myriad of sandy tracks to local settlements, and one needs to know the area well in order to find the birding localities. Birding on the lakes also requires a boat and local knowledge. Although the local people are friendly, the occasional security problem has occurred. Guided tours from the lodges are therefore recommended. Access to most areas requires a permit from the conservation authorities (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), or arrangements with the lodges. In the following descriptions, p = permit required, g = guide required, sg = self guided possible.
Most east coast specials and endemics can be found here, including Pinkthroated Longclaw and Natal Nightjar, and a few sought-after species such as Pel's Fishing Owl, African Finfoot and Pygmy Goose as well.
The range of specials includes Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Palmnut Vulture, Crested Guineafowl, African Finfoot, Livingstone's Lourie , Pel's Fishing Owl, Natal Nightjar, Narina Trogon, African Broadbill, Brown Robin, Palecrowned Cisticola, Woodwards' Batis, Bluemantled Flycatcher, Purplebanded Sunbird and Pinkthroated Longclaw. Rarities include Ayres' Eagle, Crab Plover and Greater Frigatebird
(Birding content and images have been sourced from South African Birding)
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