Wilderness Canoeing Trails

Kosi Bay – Northern Kwazulu Natal

The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve lies along the coast in the most northern section of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounds the Kosi Bay lake system. This system consists of four lakes and a series of inter connecting channels which eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian ocean.

It is home to a large variety of birds and animals including hippos and crocs. Humpback whales can be seen off the beaches and in December and January loggerhead and leatherback turtles come onto the beaches to lay their eggs. Kosi Bay Nature Reserve was proclaimed in 1950 and is considered to be the most pristine lake system on the South African Coast.

The camp we use at Kosi Bay is situated on the western shore of the largest in the Kosi system. To access the Kosi mouth and the Indian Ocean beaches is a 45 minute drive requiring a 4X4 vehicle. This camp has a few rustic chalets and a campsite. Very good ablution facilities are on site and a kitchen area is available to prepare your meals. A large thatched deck overlooks the lake and is used as both a dining area and a place to relax.

We will kayak on the lakes, on the sea, into the Mangrove forests and alongside the Rafia Palm forests. We will also have the opportunity to snorkel at a reef situated at the mouth of the lagoon. The camp site is perfectly situated near to the sea and lake and we will return to this base at the end of each day. So minimal kit needs to be taken on our boats and we will also be assured of comfortable evenings at camp.