There are very few truly unspoilt places left in the world. The area surrounding Kosi Forest Lodge is one of them. Conscious of the privilege they have of being situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, Kosi Forest Lodge has been created in an eco-conscious way, using nature as a guide. The tent-style thatched forest rooms nestle under wide milkwood trees, with thoughtful attention to blending into this pristine indigenous sand forest environment.

The lodge facilities are designed to enhance your experience of the exquisite wilderness. To help you make the most of the natural surroundings throughout your stay, the common and private facilities at the lodge are focused on getting you to observe and explore nature as you go about your day. The lodge takes full advantage of Maputaland’s sultry weather, and most meals are served al fresco under a canopy of magnificent trees.

Kosi Forest Lodge offers a choice of six Forest rooms and two Family rooms all tucked into a sand forest with enough distance between each room to make you feel as if you are the only person on earth. Each room is set on a raised wooden deck with tented sides and a thatch roof. Each room has a small private deck where you can enjoy your morning coffee while listening to the forest come alive. Although each room has an indoor shower it is the outdoor bathroom that is the highlight for many. The bathroom boma is encircled by reed screens affording you total privacy while you enjoy an outdoor shower or bath gazing up at the forest canopy with stars twinkling beyond.

To truly appreciate the beauty of the unique surrounding ecosystem of waterways, intertwined lakes, grasslands and ancient forests, you need to spend a few days exploring - either by canoe, motorised boat or on foot. With so much to do, your only regret will be not having booked to stay for longer at this otherworldly paradise.


Apart from appreciating the hush of the forest setting, there are plenty of activities at the lodge, including boating day trips to the Kosi Lakes and beach, excursions to Kosi Bay mouth to snorkel and observe traditional spiral reed fishing methods. Here are some of the activities on offer:

BIRD WATCHING
Kosi Forest Lodge is a twitcher’s paradise, with a myriad of enthusiastic feathered friends welcoming you to the soft sand forest. The rich and diverse birdlife in this region comprises forest, riverine, coastal and grassland birds. Birdwatching can be done your entire time at the lodge, not only on organised outings. Whether sipping sundowners at the edge of the pool or strolling by lamplight through the indigenous sand forest to dinner at the fireside boma, you are acutely aware of the privilege of being surrounded by an extensive array of birds. Some of the rare birds are Pel’s fishing owl, palm-nut vulture and nerina trogon.

RAFFIA PALM FOREST WALK
The Raffia palm is the largest palm in the world, making the unique Raffia forest feel as otherworldly as it is remote. Guests can enjoy early morning or late afternoon guided walks through the magnificent forest, an activity included in the room rate. Listen out for the abundant birdcalls and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare palm-nut vulture which is regularly seen in the forest canopy. The experienced and passionate guides will delight in showing you all that this pristine natural area has to offer.

FAMOUS FISH TRAPS OF KOSI BAY
One of the most fascinating features found in Kosi Bay has to be the traditional fishing traps that are still used by the locals to this day. The unique fish kraals used in the Kosi lakes are passed on from generation to generation and used as an income source for families in the area. Each fish kraal is carefully regulated, and the tribal authority will give each family the right to fish in a specific area. You can view the traps and learn more about them on a guided lake tour.

TURTLE TRACKING
From 15 November to 15 January, our guests have the privilege of tracking mother turtles as they return to the beach to lay their eggs. This is an exciting overnight expedition that involves a 4×4 drive along extremely rough roads, climbing over the sand dunes and combing the beach – all in the hopes of encountering the miraculous sight of a female turtle heaving herself out of the water, finding her ideal nesting site, digging a hole, and going into a hormone-induced trance while she lays her eggs. This activity is not suitable for children under the age of eight years.

FULL DAY BOAT TRIPS
A full day boat trip is a wonderful way to explore the fascinating lakes and channels, learn about Tsonga fish traps, enjoy a picnic and walk to the pristine Bhanga Nek Beach. You’ll find yourself right in the midst of what makes this water world completely unique, surrounded by a vast diversity of plants, birds, animals and marine life.