Kosi Forest Lodge

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Hotel overview

Kosi Forest Lodge is set on the shores of Kosi Lake, in the rare sand forest that grows there. Thatched suites are hidden by gnarled trees; inside you’ll find wooden floors, and low walls topped with mosquito netting, allowing you to roll up the canvas sides and let the breeze in. Mosquito nets and rich carpets create an Out-Of-Africa feel, completed by the outdoor bathroom that features a deep bath set into the white sand. The activities here are focused on the lake: canoeing trips out to see the amazing birdlife and some of the marine animals to be found here. Boat trips roam further a field, down reed channels and taking in the amazing traditional fish traps still used on the lake.

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Quirky excursions

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Excursion

Forest walks

The coastal forest that backs onto the white sand beaches of the Elephant Coast is an entrancing place. Soft and sandy underfoot, the canopy is low and the light filtered through a dense, green umbrella. The air rings with the sound of monkeys, glimpsed flashing through the trees. Shy antelope like nyala and tiny red and blue duiker. Birds rare and common, dun and colourful flit from branch to branch and there is no sign whatsoever of the 21st century. You get to share this wilderness with no-one except your guide who can help interpret the forest for you and ensure you get the most out of it.

Excursion

Scuba diving

The waters of the Indian Ocean off the Elephant Coast are teeming with life, thanks to nutrient-rich currents that sweep up from the Antarctic. Huge schools of brightly coloured bait fish, pods of dolphins, giant turtles, whales, sharks and even whale sharks are all spotted with remarkable regularity here. For beginners, many of the lodges offer PADI courses, whilst experienced divers can head out beyond the surf to try and see some of this remarkable array of marine life for themselves.

Excursion

Elephant Coast Bird Watching

The coastal forest that dominates this region is a colourful and vibrant place: just consider the names of some of the birds you might find here: Green Coucal, Purple-crested Lourie, Red-capped Robin-chat and African Emerald Cuckoo. The birds are not only prolific, but wonderful to watch as well. Your bird watching can be done completely spontaneously, walking from your room to the beach, or it might be more organised: a morning spent on your deck with a birding book, or a few hours spent in the company of a knowledgeable guide. If you’re interested in birds, then you are always going to have something to do in the coastal forest.

Excursion

Snorkelling

There are numerous rock pools and sheltered bays protected from the surf along the Elephant Coast, and these are ideal for snorkelling. Shallow reefs can also be reached, home to brightly coloured sub-tropical fish, with some larger visitors occasionally making a surprising stop! The Indian Ocean is fairly warm and so snorkelling is a very pleasant way to get to know the coast a bit better, ideal for adults and older children.

Excursion

Lake exploration

Lake St Lucia and the many other lakes of the Elephant Coast, including Lake Sibaya and Kosi Lake, dominate the inland ecosystem and their importance and uniqueness, in combination with the coastline, has been recognised in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake waters are home to hippos and crocodiles whilst the forested shores resound to the cries of various monkey species and the timid twitching of tiny antelopes, like the Red Duiker. Ancient fishing techniques, dating back 700 years and still in use can be observed on the lake waters. Whether you’re exploring the narrow backwaters by canoe, taking a larger boat out into the lakes to do some game viewing and bird watching, or going on a coastal forest game drive or bush walk, you shouldn’t miss the chance to experience and understand one of South Africa’s lesser-known but hugely impressive wildlife and conservation areas.

Excursion

Turtle tracking

Watching a vast turtle crawling onto the beach, laboriously digging a nest and then laying thousands of eggs is a rare privilege, as is watching the hatchlings dig their way out of the nests and make a desperate dash for the sea: precious few avoid all the predators to make it to adulthood. A population of both Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come back here every year in the South African summer to lay their eggs, which hatch out after less than a month. All of the lodges we recommend operate tours during this time, both to watch the nesting, and to watch the hatchlings as they emerge. This is a night time activity, and you'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will both inform you all about these magnificent and rare creatures, and ensure that you have no negative impact on their activities.

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