About
The only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve (part of the UNESCO-protected Isimangaliso Wetland Park) this eco-heaven stands out for its extraordinary activity list. Canoe excursions, beach trips, cruises, walks – all are possible. Set within a lakeside sand forest amid mangroves and fig trees, the rustic, 20-bed lodge also offers comfortable accommodation, home cooking and splendid views. It’s a charming, enchanting place to stay.
Accommodation
Kosi’s 10 thatched suites are ‘hidden’ in the indigenous forest, secluded along sand walkways along the shores of the lake. Each suite is raised on a wooden deck to provide panoramic lake views; the most attention-grabbing feature are open-air, reed-enclosed bathrooms, including showers and a tub. The Honeymoon suite affords additional privacy.
Facilities
Ringing a massive Zulu podberry, the central lodge area’s lounge, dining room and bar all open onto a large, wooden deck around the tree. That deck has a swimming pool built into it, facing beautiful Lake Shengeza, while nearby is a campfire area and the canopied bush-dining space. Candles and lanterns light the lodge at night to create a romantic, rustic and relaxing atmosphere.
Activities
Guided canoe trips (no experience required) into the wetlands are many people’s favourite: you push back ferns, listen to eerie sounds and look for the rare Palm Nut Vulture. Full-day cruises explore further into the lake system, with the swamps and open water hosting crocodiles and hippos. Another excursion visits Kosi River Mouth, with swimming and snorkelling on offer, and yet another goes turtle tracking at night (November-February only). If that’s not enough, birding walks, trips to Tembe Elephant Park and palm wine-tasting are also possible. Most activities are included in the board, as are all meals.
Child Policy
Kosi Forest Lodge is ideal for families with teens who can partake in the activities. Two adjacent suites interconnect to provide a family option.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
