Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
KwaZulu-Natal

Angler The most remote north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - from the border with Mozambique down to Sodwana Bay - is still one of the relatively wild, pristine regions of South Africa. Especially precious is the coast which now is part of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park.

The jewel of this tropical stretch of the Elephant Coast is Kosi Bay. The nature reserve of 10,000 hectares comprises a system of four lakes - KuSifungwe, Mpungwini, KuHlange and Manzamnyama. They are linked to each other with a couple of natural channels and have a narrow access to the Indian Ocean in a sandy estuary. At high-tide saltwater is washed into the mouth, which spreads out into the lakes in varying concentrations.

The differing degrees of salinity in the Kosi lake system as well as the tropical climate support an extraordinarily high variety of plant life, particularly on the banks of the lakes, where rare raffia palm forests, various mangrove species, papyrus, fern trees, figs and various types of orchids grow.

Not less impressive is the wealth of life forms in the ocean, why Kosi Bay is called the "aquarium". Those who enjoy snorkeling, will love the mouth area of the Kosi lakes' system even boasting a coral reef. However, snorkelers are not completely safe, because the lakes are the habitat of Zambesi sharks, hippos and crocodiles in great numbers.

Kosi Bay is a paradise for anglers. There are quite a few restrictions, though. And to protect the sensitive eco-system, the number of visitors is restricted. To get to Kosi Bay, in the first place, requires a four wheel drive.

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Kosi Bay Nature Reserve KwaZulu-Natal

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
KwaZulu-Natal