Kosi Bay Expedition

Kosi Bay Expedition

The Kosi Bay system is one of the most beautiful and pristine lake systems on the African coast. Consisting of four lakes – Amanzimnyama, Nhlange, Mpungwini and Makhawulani – the system is connected by meandering channels and fringed wetlands before it runs into the Indian Ocean via a shallow channel and estuary. A boat excursion from Lake Nhlange to Lake Makhawulani is a scenic meander through the reed channels, offering an opportunity to snorkel along the mangrove banks or visit the Thonga fish traps on Lake Makhawulani.

Expedition description

This is a sample itinerary of what we can offer:

Set in a subtropical environment Kosi Bay is the ideal year round expedition location.

The Expedition is made up of various components with a combination of walks through the heavily vegetated forests, kayaking on the lake systems and hiking along the coast on the pristine beaches.

The components of the expedition. Very much based on wind direction and tides we can alternate the components to avoid things getting to difficult or dangerous. Paddling into a strong North Easterly with an incoming tide isn’t much fun…

We have set it up in 6 modules that can be done as series or individually so suite the expedition criteria.

Day 1

Transfer to our accommodation in Kosi Bay. Tented accommodation set in the forest near the lake.

An introduction to the expedition and a safety briefing is followed by dinner around the campfire and our first INDABA.

Day 2

We’re up early for some kayaking – exploring the lake systems and the estuary. A paddle on our double sit on top kayaks. Kosi Bay Mouth to our base camp on the western shores of 3rd lake or the other way around pending tides and wind direction on the day.Distance: Approximately 11-15 km’s

Day 3

Hike – around 3rd lake to Bhanga Neck. The largest lake in the 4 lake system you will have to navigate through the coastal forests and do a river crossing.

Distance: Approximately 12-15 km’s

Day 4

Kayaking/hike – Bhanga Neck paddle/hike combo. Circular route starting and finishing at Bhanga neck along the eastern shoreliine of 3rd lake and the area that lies between the lake and the sea.

Distance: Approximately 11-13 km’s Day 5 Hike – from Bhanga Neck to Kosi Mouth along the beach. Not as easy as it sounds but a stunning walk along the beach of this marine sanctuary. A good chance of spotting Dolphins, Whales and all the other marine species along the shore and in the Indian Ocean that make this a World Heritage Site.

We either spend our last night in base camp for and enjoy our final INDABA or transfer to Albizia Environmental Camp in Hluhluwe. Distance: Approximately 17-20 km’s