Travelling from Kruger Park?
Guests travelling by car from the Kruger National Park exit the park via Crocodile Bridge and then travel through the charming mountain kingdom of Swaziland, winding through hills and valleys on their way to the vibrant province of KwaZulu-Natal. An overnight stop either in Swaziland or just south of the Golela border post in KwaZulu-Natal is advised to break the journey.
Recommended accommodation stops:
Mkhaya Game Reserve -Swaziland
Ghost Mountain Inn
FROM JOHANNESBURG 8 HOURS
Travel to Ermelo and follow signs onto the N2 to Piet
Retief (eMkhondo). Follow the N2 to Piet Retief and
then to Pongola. From Pongola continue on the N2
South for approximately 52 km. Turn left on the road
to Jozini. Continue 20 km to Jozini.
Drive carefully straight through the town of Jozini and
immediately on exiting the town turn left towards
the “Coastal Forest Reserve and KwaNgwanasi”
(signposted), this road will take you over the Jozini
Dam wall.
Proceed for 38 km until you reach a T-junction where
you will turn right towards “KwaNgwanasi”. Proceed
for another 44 km past the Tembe Elephant Park until
you reach a large traffic circle.
At the traffic circle continue straight (second exit)
following the sign to KwaNgwanasi / Farazela Border.
From the traffic circle travel 21km and then turn right
onto the D1843 which is marked by a small green sign
post and a police station badge emblem. Note that
both these signs are quite small so you need to be
alert and look out for them. Follow the D1843 which
bends right at the first intersection and just before the
police station turn left onto a gravel road. Follow the
signs to Kosi Forest Lodge for approximately 9kms. Shengeza is before Kosi Forest Lodge.
FROM DURBAN 5 HOURS
Follow the exit signs out of the airport and head north
on the N2 toll in the direction of KwaDukuza (formerly
Stanger) then Empangeni / Richards Bay / Mtubatuba / Hluhluwe. Travel on the N2 for 230km from the
airport and then take the Hluhluwe and Sodwana Bay
offramp. Turn right over the highway bridge towards
Hluhluwe town. Proceed straight through the town
until you reach the last (i.e. fourth) traffic circle. At the
circle turn left (first exit) following the R22 / Sodwana
Bay signpost. Continue for 1.3 km and turn right over
the railway line on the R22 towards Sodwana Bay /
Mbazwana.
Continue straight on the R22 for 124 km which will
take you past Mbazwana & Mseleni until you reach a
large traffic circle.
At the traffic circle turn right (third exit) following the
sign to KwaNgwanasi / Farazela Border. From the
traffic circle travel 21km and then turn right onto the
D1843 which is marked by a small green sign post and
a police station badge emblem. Note that both these
signs are quite small so you need to be alert and look
out for them. Follow the D1843 which bends right at
the first intersection and just before the police station
turn left onto a gravel road. Follow the signs to Kosi
Forest Lodge for approximately 9kms. Shengeza is before Kosi Forest Lodge.
How to get to Us
Take the main tar road to the town of eManguzi. Just before entering the town turn right on to a short tar road to the Manguzi police station. Before the police station turn left on to dirt road D1843. Keep left on this road for 7km until you see Kosi Forest Sign. Turn left and follow the directional arrows for 1.5Km. As you pass Lake Shengeza on your right, look out for our sign on the left, you have arrived.
Kosi Bay, in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, is a pristine wilderness known for its interconnected lake system, traditional Thonga fish traps, and abundant wildlife. As part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers unique outdoor adventures.
Getting there and getting around
- 4×4 vehicle: A 4×4 is highly recommended for exploring the area, as many main attractions are accessed via sandy tracks. While most accommodations can be reached in a 2WD vehicle, a 4×4 is needed for key destinations like the Black Rock Beach. Kosi Mouth Beach can be accessed in a 4×2 or normal car if you park by the lake and walk to the beach. Car guards will assist you.
- Roads: The final leg of your journey will involve some off-road driving. For those self-driving, it is advisable to lower your tyre pressure for better traction on the sand.
- Permits: A vehicle permit and visitor permits are required to enter the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. These can be obtained at the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Office, but not at the gate.
- Border crossing: The Kosi Bay border post with Mozambique is open from 8am to 5pm daily. Allow plenty of time, as queues can be long during peak holiday seasons.
Things to do
- Snorkelling at Kosi Bay Mouth: Often called “the aquarium,” the estuary mouth offers calm, clear waters filled with colourful fish, making it a world-class snorkelling spot.
- Turtle nesting tours: If visiting between November and March, you can join a licensed, guided tour to witness Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles nesting on the beach at night.
- Lake system boat trip: Explore the four interconnected lakes to appreciate the diverse ecosystem and spot wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
- Traditional Thonga fish traps: Observe the ancient and sustainable fishing practices of the local Thonga people by visiting the intricate fish traps, especially at Kosi Bay Mouth.
- Beach hopping: With a 4×4, you can explore the area’s other beaches like Bhanga Nek, Black Rock, and Lala Nek, each offering unique snorkelling, fishing, and scenic spots.
Important considerations
Internet and cash: Cell reception can be patchy. While some lodges accept cards, it is best to carry cash for park entry fees, community tour guides, and smaller purchases.
Malaria: Kosi Bay is in a low-risk malaria area. It is important to consult a doctor for advice and use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
Wildlife: The lake system is home to hippos and crocodiles, so it is generally not safe to swim in the lakes. The safest place for swimming and snorkelling is the protected estuary at Kosi Bay Mouth. Be aware of stonefish when snorkelling.
Supplies: The nearby town of Manguzi has supermarkets, fuel stations, and ATMs. It is best to stock up on supplies before heading to your accommodation.
You will require a 4×2 or 4×4 to reach the lodge.
You can also follow the Kosi Forest Lodge signs, we are nextdoor.
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GPS Co-Ordinates -27.024990290436367, 32.785985944874035
