Kosi Forest Lodge, northern KwaZulu-Natal

The Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge within the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation in romantic thatched suites set in white beach sand on the forest's edge, each carefully positioned to give you the most privacy and to enjoy the tranquil surrounds.

Island-style chalets with unique 'open-air' bathrooms

Each unit is raised on a wooden deck with a private balcony and a unique open-air en-suite bathroom in a reed-enclosed boma. The bedrooms have low wooden walls with mosquito nets and roll-up canvas blinds. Meals are served alfresco on the deck under large Albizia trees. Because of its unique style and romantic setting, Kosi Forest Lodge is fast becoming a popular honeymoon destination.

Varied activities for every taste

There are a number of exciting activities on offer for you to enjoy. A popular highlight is a guided canoe trip on the Kosi Lakes with a walk in the magnificent Raffia Palm forests. Visit the beautiful Kosi Bay Mouth for fantastic snorkelling in warm, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by shoals of colourful tropical fish. In season (mid-November to mid-January), you can witness giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles making their epic journey back to their birthplace to lay their eggs and continue the cycle of life. Thembe Elephant Park is only an hour's drive from the lodge and offers fantastic elephant viewing opportunities and birding from the game hides. If you'd like to immerse yourself in the local culture, you may be in the right place at the right time to enjoy a Lala-palm wine tasting and cultural experience at a nearby village. There is no charge but it is dependent on season and whether the wine is available. Caution: the wine can be very strong!

Getting There

By road - The lodge is accessible by 2WD until the last 30 minutes' drive. There is a collection point in Manguzi (KwaNgwanase), from where you'll be transferred in an open 4x4 vehicle to the lodge (no charge, twice daily). From Johannesburg, it's approximately a 9-hour drive (680 km), Richards Bay - 4 hours (250 km), King Shaka International (Durban) - 5 hours (368 km).

By air - Regular flights are available from Kruger National Park and surround, Johannesburg and Richards Bay. Private charters can be arranged to Manguzi landing strip, 9 km from the lodge.

Our take on Kosi Forest Lodge

Kosi Forest Lodge is a small piece of paradise. You feel that you're safely off the beaten track, able to experience some beautiful places which not many people get to see. At Kosi, it's not about game viewing, rather canoeing, forest walks and snorkelling at Kosi Mouth. It's rustic and comfortable, rather than luxurious, but the service, food and whole experience is great - one you'll never forget!