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Provincial Game Reserves/ Beaches
Kosi bay
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Zululand
The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve lies on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounds the unique and beautiful Kosi Bay lake system. This system consists of four lakes and a series of inter connecting channels which eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian ocean. It is home to a large variety of birds and animals including hippos and crocs.
Humpback whales can be seen off the beaches on their northerly migration to calve in Mozambique and in December and January loggerhead and leatherback turtles come onto the beaches to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests. Proclaimed in 1950 and extended in 1984. This is the most pristine lake system on the South African Coast.
ACTIVITIES
Fishing - The reserve is extremely popular among the angling fraternity. Fishing takes place from boats as shore angling is permitted from within the campsite only. It is essential that fisherman provide their own boats. Fly fishing is becoming more popular among the anglers and "Tag and release" is encouraged.
Licences to catch or obtain bait are available from:
Marine Permit Office Tel. (031) 255 278 Fax. (031) 255 672
Licences are not available at Kosi Bay.
Guided Walks - The services of trained trail guides may be obtained to conduct groups of visitors around the Lake system and other places of interest. These walks enable the visitor to explore this fascinating system and learn more about the local fishing methods. Visitors are not permitted to walk through the reserve without a guide.
Trails - The trail circumnavigates almost the entire Kosi System and extends over 4 days. There are 4 camps. The first night is spent at Nhlange Base Camp, which like the other three camps, has rustic ablutions, and a kitchenette with a 2 plate gas cooker, frying pan, two pots and a kettle.
On the first morning the trail heads to First Lake 8 km away. In the afternoon a short walk leads to the estuary which is a great place to snorkel and swim.
Next day there is a 14 km walk to Bhanga Nek Camp which is situated close to the beach where one can enjoy swimming, snorkelling & fishing. During the turtle season the guests are taken on a turtle spotting walk. The 3rd morning is spent relaxing on the beach and in the afternoon there is a 7 km walk to the Sihadla camp.
The last morning the trail passes through the raphia palm forest and the swamp forest to arrive back at the Base Camp 15 km later where trailists can either stay overnight or leave the same day.
Snorkelling - The reserve offers a unique snorkelling experience with a reef situated inside the mouth of the Kosi system. One needs to drive to the mouth, (4X4 vehicles only,) or walk with a trail guide ± 12 km.
At low tide one can walk across the estuary mouth to this wonderful snorkelling site which is demarcated as a sanctuary and fishing and spear-fishing are not allowed. The best time to snorkel is at the start of the incoming tide which brings clean sea water. Shore fishing is popular off the beach or in the estuary.
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