Kosi Forest Lodge

Kosi Forest Lodge is located in a private nature reserve in a tranquil sand forest alongside one of the lakes in the Kosi Lakes system, an unspoilt wilderness area which forms part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (also now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park), an internationally recognised World Heritage Site.

The 11,000 hectare, 30 km long nature reserve is a tropical paradise of crystal clear water, marshland, swamp and coastal forests that is home to about 250 species of bird. Activities here include guided canoeing on the lakes, walks through the ancient Raffia Forest, boat trips to explore the unique system of lakes and channels where you may spot hippo, crocodile, and rare birds like the Pels Fishing Owl and Palm Nut Vulture, and exceptional snorkelling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Another additional activity is to join a 4x4 excursion to Kosi Bay Mouth to view ancient Thonga Fish Traps.

A massive Zulu Podberry tree is the focal point of the main lodge with the lounge, dining room 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. Candles light the area at night giving it a warm, romantic ambience reminiscent of wild African adventures of long ago.

The rooms are constructed of wood, thatch and canvas, each positioned to give total privacy. They are comfortably furnished with mosquito nets and fans. A unique feature of each room is the romantic outside boma bathroom with bath and shower set in soft white sand under the forest canopy.

A swimming pool, built into the deck at the lake's edge is a wonderful way to spend a few relaxing hours in the sunshine, while watching hippos and flamingoes in the lake.

Rates Include

All meals; guided walks; Community Levy; Park entrance fee; and specified transfer time (midday or 16:00) to and from Manguzi pick up point to the lodge are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 8 years are not permitted on canoeing trips and children under the age of 4 are not permitted on boat trips on the lake.

All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how Kosi Forest Lodge can be included in you own dream holiday.

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

Guest Rating: 3.3 / 5.0 based on 3 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Johannesburg (Recommended Route): Head to Piet Retief on the N2, pass through Pongola and proceed south towards Hluhluwe (approximately 113 km from Pongola).  Turn left into the town of Hluhluwe. Proceed through the town until you reach the last roundabout.  Turn left towards Mbazwana/Sodwana Bay and proceed for 0.7 km and turn right again towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana.  Shortly after turning right you will cross over a railway line.  Proceed for 87 km bypassing Mbazwana on your right.  Proceed straight through the roundabouts following the signs to 'Coastal Forest Reserve'. Proceed for 46 km after Mbazwana (passing the Mseleni turn-off) and turn right at the roundabout signposted Kosi Bay/KwaNgwanase. 

From Johannesburg (Alternative Route): Head to Piet Retief and  Pongola on the N2 and proceed south towards Mkuze.  Approximately 45 km from Pongola and 10 km before Mkuze turn left towards Jozini.  On leaving Jozini take a left turn towards the 'Coastal Forest Reserve and KwaNgwanase' (signposted), ensuring that you are proceeding over the Pongola dam wall.  After 45 km at a T-junction turn right towards KwaNgwanase.  Proceed for another 47 km past Tembe Elephant Park towards the town of Manguzi (KwaNgwanase). Please note that this route often has cattle wandering across it, some of the signs have fallen down and so caution and slower driving speeds are necessary.  Also particularly around the area of Tembe Elephant Park, the road has quite a few large potholes which have caused damage to some cars.  Although this route may appear shorter in distance, it takes almost as much time as the Hluhluwe Recommended Route above, but without all the hazards!

From Durban: Proceed on the N2 North out of Durban bypassing Richards Bay, Empangeni and Mtubatuba and head towards the town of Hluhluwe. Turn off the N2 towards Hluhluwe, proceeding through the town until you reach the last roundabout, and turn left towards Mbazwana/Sodwana Bay. Proceed for 0.7 km and turn right again towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana.  Shortly after turning right you will cross over a railway line.  Proceed for 87 km bypassing Mbazwana on your right.  Proceed straight through the roundabouts following the signs to 'Coastal Forest Reserve'. Proceed for 46 km after Mbazwana (passing the Mseleni turn-off) and turn right at the roundabout signposted Kosi Bay/KwaNgwanase.

ALL GUESTS NOW FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS:

For non 4x4 guests: drive into KwaNgwanase/Manguzi, through the town and near the end, look out for the Total Garage on your left-hand side. On your arrival here, you will be met by a Kosi representative and taken to a secure car park where you leave your car.  You will then be transferred to the lodge which takes approximately 25 minutes.  Please note that there are 2 transfers per day: midday and 16:00. These transfers have to be pre-booked when confirming your stay.  Please note that there will be an extra charge per person per transfer (payable to the lodge) for all late/early arrivals and departures. If guests are running late/early it is of the utmost importance to contact the lodge and notify them asap by calling +27 (0) 87 808 5151 or +27 (0) 82 873 8874.

4x4 guests: you can drive yourselves to the lodge. Just before the town of KwaNgwanase/Manguzi, turn right onto the D1843 which is marked by a small green signpost and a police station sign (a police badge emblem) - both signs are quite small so do watch carefully for them.  Follow this road as it bends right and just before the police station turn left onto a gravel road and follow the signs straight through to Kosi Forest Lodge (approximately 9 km).

General Information For Guests

All the rooms are en-suite with an outside bath/boma and indoor/outdoor showers. They also include a private deck, tea/coffee making facilities, 24/7 electricity, mosquito nets, a wall mounted fan and a safe.

The main lodge consists of the lounge, dining room, bar and deck area. There is also a swimming pool.

There is Wi-Fi in the main lounge area, but it can be slow and intermittent due to satellite connection. There is limited mobile phone coverage.

Activities include guided canoeing trips, boat trips, Raffia forest walks, day trips to Kosi Bay mouth (additional cost), snorkelling, fishing, turtle tracking (15 November-15 January, additional cost) and birdwatching.

All credit cards are accepted. No debit cards.

There is a limited laundry service (additional cost).

A babysitting service is also available - 24 hours notice required (additional cost).

Your rate includes a contribution towards the Isibindi Foundation, which does significant work in the impoverished communities living alongside this protected area, as well as supporting conservation initiatives too within the area. The lodge can arrange on request a free tour to view the projects they are supporting in the neighbouring communities.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 8 years are not permitted on canoeing trips and children under the age of 4 are not permitted on boat trips on the lake.