A private lodge situated in the unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site.
The 16-bed lodge offers comfortable accommodation, fine cuisine and caters for a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities. Explore this unique ecosystem by guided canoe, boat trip on the lakes, raffia forest walks or day excursion to nearby coastal beaches. Discover one of South Africa’s best ecotourist destinations.
Kosi Forest Lodge is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake. The thatched bush suites are carefully positioned to provide guests with privacy and an intimacy with the peaceful surroundings. The romantic en-suite bathrooms are open-air, giving guests a truly unique experience. Guests can relax at the pool with its unsurpassed views of Lake Shengeza
Activities
Guided canoeing
The highlight of many guests stay at Kosi Forest Lodge is the canoe trip on the Kosi Lakes. Guests get the opportunity to canoe along the Sihadla channel and admire the magnificent Raffia Palms. The bird life while canoeing is very rewarding. Canoeing is always accompanied by a guide and is included in stays of one night. No experience is required.
Boat trips
The Kosi Lake system is a series of interconnected lakes which stretch over some 18km. The best way to see the system is by boat. Full day boat trips through various sized lakes and channels, include a walk through the famous Kosi Bay fish traps – a must whilst staying at Kosi Forest Lodge, as well as a picnic lunch and a swim in the sea at Bhanga Nek. This activity is included if you stay more than two nights.
Kosi Mouth Visit
This trip is a full day activity and takes just over an hour to drive to the beautiful Kosi Bay Mouth. See how the sea and lakes interconnect in a wonderful swirl of colour, sand and water. There’s great snorkelling with plenty of fish to view all year round. The water is warm and almost always crystal clear. The rock pools along this protected stretch of coastline are a virtual aquarium of brilliant sub-tropical fish. Enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and soak up the sun along this beautiful stretch of beach, followed by a scrumptious picnic lunch. Limited snorkelling equipment available at the lodge.
Raffia Palm Forest Walk
Enjoy early morning or late afternoon guided walks through the magnificent Raffia Palm Forest. Listen out for the abundant birdcalls and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare palm-nut vulture, whom we have regular sightings of in the canopy. The raffia palm is the largest palm in the world. This activity is included in stays of one night.
Tembe Elephant Park
Tembe Elephant Park is only an hour’s drive from Kosi Forest Lodge. Guests can enjoy a day game viewing in this 30,000ha wilderness. There is fantastic elephant viewing from the game hides.
Turtle tracking
Turtle tracking is offered every night from 15 November to 15 January. These excursions (including transfers to and from the beach) can last up to 3-4hrs and may return very late. Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles make their way home having swum the length of the continent in a return journey to the beach where they were born. Research has shown that eggs are often laid within meters of where the mother emerged as a hatchling years previously. Guests are able to view these magnificent creatures meters from where she is laying. Utmost precaution is taken to ensure that she is not disturbed.
