Kosi Bay Lakes Trail
The Kosi Bay Lakes hike is an escape into one of the most inaccessible and ecologically special parts of South Africa. It is a region of pristine diversity, consisting of four interconnected lakes and an estuary that opens out into the warm Indian Ocean. It forms part of the protected iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first World Heritage Site.
This is a flexible trail which can be tailored to suit the time, fitness and interests of the group. The average hike day ranges from 9-12km, winding your way from isolated beach to cool dune forest, through open savannah, and wetlands.
Each day brings a new natural or cultural fascination. From watching the local fisherman spear a mullet in their fish kraals, seeing the loggerhead turtles waddle ashore to lay their eggs (Nov – March), or snorkelling in a natural aquarium. It is a great hike option for families.
- Trip Duration4 Nights / 3 Hike Days - with extension optionsShorter & customised routes also available
- Daily DistancesDay 1: 13km / 6hrDay 2: 7km hike / 5hr with boat tripDay 3: 12 / 19km / 4-7hr
- Trail Grading2-3 / 5 - Fitness. Generally short daily distances & little ascent, but soft sand makes it harder-going in places.1-2 / 5 - Technicality. No scrambling or sheer sections. Some estuary wading and optional dune ascent.
- Trail TerrainCoastal Trail passing through diverse ecosystems – open savannah, wetlands, coastal dune & fern forests, shallow lake crossings.
- AccommodationBeach Camp & Safari Style Tented Camps. Ensuite. Hot water showers & communal dining.
- Logistic SupportA fully-catered & guided hike with inclusive luggage transfers and 3 Lakes boat-trip
- Group SizeMin 2 persons and large groups can be accommodated
- PricingFor a 4 night trail: from R6,500/pp based on 5 or more persons
On the Kosi Lakes hike, we have two standard offerings. For those that like to unpack and not have to repack their bags until the end, we offer a 4 or 5 night trail based out of beach camp for all nights. For those that like to mix-up their accommodation experience, we offer a 4 or 5 night Lakes Trail with 3 nights spent at beach camp and 1 or 2 nights spent at Kosi Lodge on the western shore of third lake.
There is also an Exclusive Trail offering where 1 or 2 nights can be spent at IsiBindi's Kosi Forest Lodge on fourth lake.
The trail is led by local community guides who are happy to share their knowledge and heritage, so you leave not only 'refreshed' but enriched.
An inclusive boat excursion will take you through the reed channels, with an opportunity to snorkel and visit the Tonga fish traps. These palisade fish kraals consist of a guide fence that curves in towards a fish trap allowing the fish easy entry but no escape. Fish moving through the channel are guided into the traps where they are then caught and speared by the trap owner. Ownership of these kraals is handed down through the generations.
Other activities such as snorkelling and birding are very much part of the hike experience, whilst additional activities like turtle tours (in-season) or specialised fishing trips can be organised on request.
- Day 1Arrival Day
- Day 2Hike Day 1: Lake Zilonde Loop. (13km hike + snorkeling in mouth /approx. 6hr)
- Day 3Hike Day 2: Beach Camp – Kosi Lodge with 3 Lakes Boat Charter (7km hike / 2.5 hr boat trip / 6hr)
- Day 4Hike Day 3: 4th Lake Hike (12km) / Bhanga Nek (17km/ 4-7hr)
- Day 5Departure Day
Casual Beach Lodges & Safari Style Tented Camps
Ensuite bathrooms with hot water showers or baths
Communal dining area, bar and pool
Upgrade option to more Luxury 'Tusker Tents' at Beach Camp
- Do we carry our own backpacks?
- What type of footwear is best?
- What is the best time of year for this trail?
- What endemic fauna and flora exists?
- Is malaria a problem here?
- Can this hike be shortened or lengthened?
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Standard 4 Night/ 3 Hike Days
Group Size | Price (PP) | |
---|---|---|
2 Persons | R7700/pp | |
3 Persons | R6900/pp | |
4 Persons | R6500/pp | |
5 or more | R6400/pp |
Standard 5 Night/ 4 Hike Days
Group Size | Price (PP) | |
---|---|---|
2 Persons | R9700/pp | |
3 Persons | R8700/pp | |
4 Persons | R8100/pp | |
5 or more | R7800/pp |
- 4/5 Nights Accom (sharing basis) - en-suite chalets – 2/3N Beach Camp, 2N Kosi Bay Lodge
- All meals - from dinner on arrival night to breakfast on departure day
- Hiking Guide - for all hike days
- IsiMangiliso Reserve Permits & Hiking Trail Fees
- 3 Lakes Boat Tour - through the 3 lakes and the channels
- Boat transfer from 4th Lake
- Return Transfer to starting point
- Luggage transfers between lodges
- Snorkelling in Kosi Mouth & the lake channels