Kosi Bay Trail

The Kosi Bay Hiking Trail is a four day guided trail in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal in a coastal area called Maputaland. This coastal area is a proclaimed marine reserve and is well known as a place where giant turtles come and lay their eggs, usually in early November. The trail is guided by a member of the local community who is well trained, to make sure that the hikers don't get lost and don't destroy any of the delicate environment that they walk through. There are also plenty of Hippo in the lake system and they could cause a few problems if a hiker does not know how to handle the situation.

Access to the Kosi Bay Nature reserve is via Jozini and Kangwanase. The last section to the basecamp is along sand roads suitable for access by 4x4. There is arrangements however for cars to be left safely at the end of the tar road and the remainder of the route to be done by transport provided by the trail.

The trail has been designed to suite the needs of each group that walks the trail. Several options are available. The trail is administered from Maputaland lodge and is a joint venture with the local community

Taking a rest in the forest	Preparing to cross the Lake
Across the Lake	Are there any Hippos?
Inspecting the fish traps	Snorkeling at the river mouth
View along the shore	View from the camp

Many people will remember the old trail as being a very special experience and were disappointed when it fell into disrepair. Now that the trail has been re-instated hikers are again able to experience this unique area.

Kosi River	View from the top
View of the Kosi river estuary
Along the top of the dune	Down to the beach
Time to relax	A stroll along the beach

Another aspect of the new trail is the fact that you now are accommodated in lodges along the way. Packs are transported for you and food is provided.

An ants nest in a tree	A Golden Orb spider

Aspects of the trail to look forward too include walks through swamp forest, crossing the Sidhala river on a pont, the possibility of seeing rare birds such as the Palmnut vulture and seeing the turtles.

The Raffia Palm Pont	Nearly across
Some beautiful plants in the forest	Back safely at the start

Contemplation under a palm

A really great hike and one that appears on our calendar on a regular basis. In fact it is more than a hike, it is a total nature experience. The hiking days are short, about 3 hours a day, so the hikers have time to really take in the beauty of the environment through which they are hiking. Be prepared to come back from Kosi Bay a revitalized person. (The pictures on this page were taken by different photographers on several visits to this amazing place). Kosi Bay is situated in endemic malaria area and it is suggested that you consult your doctor before going into the area.

Bookings

Jacana Travel Marketing and Reservations

Telephone  0861Jacana (0861 522262)

Direct phone: Port Elizabeth 041 378 1439

Pretoria: 012 803 9109

Direct fax: PE 041 378 2548

Pretoria: 012 803 4144

 PE e-mail  bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Pretoria e-mail: rosa@jacanacollection.co.za

Footprint Hiking Club

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