- KwaZulu-Natal
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park
- Kosi Bay region
Kosi Bay region, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Kosi Bay consists of a series of four freshwater interlinked lakes, varying in their levels of salinity, which drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean and are connected by reed-lined channels. Here, using ingenious fish traps, the local Thongan people have fished for more than 1 000 years and Kosi Bay is particularly famous for these traditional fish traps that trap fish moving in and out of the estuary with the tide. It is home to the hippopotamus, the crocodile, many bird species and a variety of other wildlife. The largest swamp forests in the country are found in this area.
Warning!
Please be aware that Kosi Bay is a high risk malaria area and visitors are advised to take precautions. Please consult your Doctor or Pharmacist about malaria prophylaxis prior to visiting the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve surrounds the shores of Lake Nhlange, the third and deepest of the four lakes, stretching north within two kilometers of the Mozambique border and east to the Indian Ocean. The reserve is a firm favourite with anglers and some of the best fishing and snorkeling happens here.
The shoreline of the un-spoilt estuary and lake system is fringed by marsh forests with a profusion of ferns and orchids beneath giant swamp fig and Umdoni trees. It is one of very few places in the world where 5 different species of Mangrove trees are found together in one area. The river mouth is known as "the aquarium" because of the clearness of the water and the profusion of fish species.
The 11 000 ha reserve is a tropical paradise of crystal-clear blue water and marshland, raffia, wild date and palm, mangrove swamp and sycamore fig forest, that amalgamate to provide a home for approximately 250 species of bird and various other wildlife forms.
Contact details
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
The Dredger Harbour
Private Bag X05
St Lucia 3936
Tel: +27 35 590 1633
Fax: +27 35 590 1602
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.iSimangaliso.com
24 Hour emergency hotline: +27 82 797 7944