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. Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge in the reserve – an unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site. The lodge offers excellent accommodation, fine cuisine and has become a firm favourite as a honeymoon destination.

Kosi Forest Lodge is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake estuary. The thatched bush suites are carefully positioned to provide guests with privacy and an intimacy with the peaceful surroundings. The romantic en-suite bathrooms are open-air, giving guests a truly unique experience. Guests can relax at the pool with its unsurpassed views of the lake

Kosi Forest Lodge is located in a tranquil sand forest alongside one of the lakes in the Kosi system. Kosi Forest Lodge offers comfortable accommodation, excellent cuisine and is the perfect base from which to explore this rare ecosystem.

Main Lodge

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 Maputuland’s sultry weather with most meals served alfresco - on the deck or under large Albizia trees. A swimming pool, built into the deck, at the lake’s 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.

Bedrooms

The thatched bush suites are hidden in the sand forest of the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve providing privacy under the forest’s 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.

Kosi Forest Lodge - Activities

• Guided canoe trips on the lakes
• Turtle-tracking (November to January)
• Full-day boat cruises on the lakes
• Excellent birdwatching
• Snorkeling and swimming
• Fishing: lake, surf and fly-fishing
• Day trips to Tembe Elephant Park
• Thonga cultural activities
• Guided walks through Raffia Palm Forest

Guided Canoe Trips

The best way to explore Kosi Bay Nature Reserve – an unspoiled wilderness with a unique ecosystem and a variety of wildlife – is by canoe. Discover the incredible beauty of this water wonderland as you paddle through the lakes, channels and Raffia Forest. Birdwatching is exceptional in the reserve and the lake is home to Pel’s Fishing Owl and the Palm Nut Vulture, the only fruit-eating vulture in the world. The lodge also offers guided walking trails through the reserve.

Snorkeling

The mouth of the Kosi Lakes is regarded as one of the best snorkeling sites anywhere in the world. The rock pools along this protected stretch of coastline are a virtual aquarium of brilliant sub-tropical fish. Enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and soak up the sun along this beautiful stretch of beach.

Turtle Tracking

Witness the culmination of an incredible journey as Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests on the Maputuland coast. The turtles swim the length of the African continent and return to the beach at which they hatched to lay their eggs. Turtle tracking is offered in the evenings from mid-November to mid-February. Every precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying process.

Fishing

The Maputuland coastline is one of South Africa’s most popular fishing destinations. Fishing varies from lake fishing, to surf fishing and deep-sea charters in Mozambique are also available. Fly-fishing along the coast and in the lakes can be very worthwhile.

Boat Cruises

A boat cruise along the lakes is the perfect way to explore the unspoiled waterways of the Kosi lake system. The series of channels, lakes and pools stretches over 18km and a boat cruise allows you to discover the amazing birds, plants and wildlife. A full day boat trip with picnic lunch, a swim in the sea and guided walks through the reserve will be a highlight of your stay at Kosi Forest Lodge.

Tembe Elephant Park

Tembe Elephant Park is a 40-minute drive from Kosi Forest Lodge. The park was established to preserve the gentle Maputuland elephant population, which suffered greatly at the hands of poachers. Game viewing in this 30,000ha wilderness is particularly good and there is brilliant elephant viewing from the game hides. Visits to Tembe Elephant Park are by prior arrangement.

Thonga Cultural Experience

Discover the spirit of Africa with thumping drums, rhythmic dancing and singing by the locals. For the more adventurous, visit a traditional healer (sangoma) or tickle those tastebuds with a sip of iLala Palm wine – a potent brew made from the sap of this indigenous palm.

Kosi Forest Lodge - Directions

From Johannesburg:

From Johannesburg, head towards Piet Retief and then Pongola. Proceed through Pongola towards the town of Mkuze, on the N2 heading south. Follow the map below from Mkuze. Travelling time is about 6 ½ to 7 hours.

From Durban:

Take the N2 north out of Durban, bypassing Richards Bay and Empangeni and head towards the town of Mkuze. Bypass Mkuze and 10km later you will see the sign to Jozini, turning right. Travelling time is about 4 ½ to 5 hours.

Guests in two-wheel drive vehicles needing a transfer must meet at the TOTAL GARAGE in Manguzi. Please pre-arrange transfers. Transfers are at 12h00 or 16h00.

Fact File:

• Kosi Forest Lodge has six twin rooms; one family suite and one honeymoon suite
• All rooms have an en suite bathroom with bath and separate shower
• Kosi Forest Lodge is located in the Kosi Forest Nature Reserve which is part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage site.
• Tembe Elephant Park is a 30,000ha wilderness with brilliant elephant viewing and is only a 40-minute drive from Kosi Forest Lodge.
• Kosi Forest Lodge falls within a malaria area and precautions should be taken before a visit.
• The nearest scheduled flights are from Richards Bay or Durban.
• There is a 800m grass landing-strip 5km from Kosi Forest Lodge
• The lodge has no electricity

Please complete the following for reservation Enquiries and further information
Disclaimer: The information in these Web sites is used entirely at the reader's discretion, and is made available on the express condition that no liability, expressed or implied, is accepted by Far and Wild Safaris cc or any of its associates or employees for the accuracy, content or use thereof.
* Required Fields

*Name: *E-mail Address: Nationality: Contact No: No. of Days / Nights: 1 Day 2 Day / 1 Night 3 Day / 2 Nights 4 Day / 3 Nights 5 Day / 4 Nights 6 Day / 5 Nights 7 Days / 6 Nights 8 Days / 7 Nights 9 Days / 8 Nights 10 Days / 9 Nights 11 Days / 10 Nights 12 Days / 11 Nights 13 Days / 12 Nights 14 Days / 13 Nights 15 Days / 14 Nights 16 Days / 15 Nights 17 Days / 16 Nights 18 Days / 17 Nights 19 Days / 18 Nights 20 Days / 19 Nights 21 Days / 20 Nights 22 Days / 21 Nights 23 Days / 22 Nights 24 Days / 23 Nights 25 Days / 24 Nights 26 Days / 25 Nights 27 Days / 26 Nights 28 Days / 27 Nights 29 Days / 28 Nights 30 Days / 29 Nights 31 Days / 30 Nights More than 31 Days / 30 Nights No. of People: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 More than 30 Preferred Dates: From: To:   No. Adults: No. Children: Ages:

Preferences / Further Information

OR

+27 31 2074700 (Fax)