Kosi Bay is part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its interconnected lakes are linked by narrow channels and wetlands before reaching the sea through the Kosi estuary. The system supports an unusual mix of freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats.

The lakes are known as Makhawulani, Mpungwini, Nhlange and Amanzimnyama. Each forms part of a wider landscape of reed beds, swamp forest, mangroves and coastal dunes.

Look closely and the details become as interesting as the scenery: fish moving through clear shallows, birds working the water's edge and the changing character of the water as you travel between the lakes.

Some of the most interesting things at Kosi Bay are not found in a wildlife guide.

For generations, local Thonga communities have used carefully constructed fish kraals, known as utshwaelo, to guide fish through the waterways and into traditional harvesting traps.

Made using natural materials and an understanding of water movement and fish behaviour, these structures represent a long-standing relationship between the community and the estuary.

They are not decorative relics. They are part of a living cultural heritage and a reminder that Kosi Bay is a home and working landscape, as well as a conservation area.

A guided cultural experience offers a much richer understanding than simply passing the fish kraals on a boat cruise.

There is no single way to experience Kosi Bay. Choose a slow journey through the lakes, spend time exploring the estuary or head out towards the coast.

01 · THREE LAKE BOAT CRUISE

Follow the waterways between the lakes, passing traditional fish kraals, reed-lined channels and forested banks. Keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles and an interesting variety of birdlife.

02 · AQUARIUM REEF SNORKELLING

At Kosi Mouth, the Aquarium Reef offers a fascinating look at the tropical marine life of this coastal estuary. Guided snorkelling is timed around suitable tidal and sea conditions.

03 · GUIDED KAYAKING

Explore quieter stretches of the waterways from a kayak, moving through channels and past mangrove habitats. A guided outing is an excellent way to appreciate the smaller details of this aquatic landscape.

04 · THONGA CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Learn about the traditional fish kraals, local fishing heritage and the communities whose knowledge of these waterways has been passed between generations.

05 · KOSI MOUTH & THE COAST

Follow the estuary towards the Indian Ocean, where forested dunes, sandy beaches and the meeting of fresh and salt water create a very different side of Kosi Bay.

06 · TURTLE TRACKING

During the summer nesting season, guided night excursions offer the opportunity to learn about loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the northern coastline.

Kosi Bay invites attentive explorers to uncover its hidden treasures.

The interconnected lakes and lush wetlands host hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species. Observe the treetops, reed beds, and shallow waters for glimpses of the area's fascinating inhabitants.

Bird enthusiasts might spot African fish eagles, palm-nut vultures, kingfishers, herons, and various waterbirds. The variety of habitats makes Kosi Bay a haven for birding and ecological discovery.

The presence of raffia palms and mangroves further enriches the ecosystem, highlighting the ecological uniqueness of Kosi Bay.