11 Cosy in Kosi Bay

Destination Info: Kosi Bay

11. Cosy in Kosi Bay

“I have seen wonders and miracles in the flatlands of Tonga” said an aide to the Zulu King centuries ago. Today the Zulu word for miracle is the name given to the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, in the far north east of South Africa. Paul has hippos, palm nut vultures and the largest crocodile population on earth to keep him occupied, while Terence has the tranquillity of the beautiful Kosi Forest Lodge with, of course, the requisite blonde ranger in attendance.

Paul and a Tonga tribesman spear Kingfish in traditional traps and cook it in the customary manner at the homestead. The Tonga method of cooking fish is ingeniously simple, but delicious. Cooked on a stick and marinated in nothing but the ocean it swam in and flavoured with nothing but fresh wood smoke, this is how Mother Nature intended fish to taste.

Terence meanwhile entrusts his fish to the lodge Chef. While this may be the smoother option, his mode of transport leaves much to be desired! Fortunately he has a luxurious open air bathroom and a blonde attendant to help ease his stress away before being shown how to perfectly spice and wrap his Kingfish in a banana leaf to steam on the coals. A local gremolata of lemon zest, mango, red pepper and cilantro complements this dish perfectly.

Terence joins the Tonga homestead festivities with his inspired creation and bottle of gin. (Just in case Paul’s cooking is inedible!) As the day draws to an end, the wonders don’t cease; a night-time beach safari to watch giant loggerhead turtles laying eggs followed by the beautiful sunrise on the beach confirms that they are indeed in the land of miracles.

Episode Specific Credits:

Appearance by
Chef Chris Rabie
Elmon Mkhonto

Special thanks to
Isimangaliso Wetland Park
Kosi Forest Lodge
Maputoland Lodge
Amangwane Camp
The Local Fish trap Fishermen
Andrew Zaloumis
Alexandra Johnston
Eric Njabulo Mlaba
Ilana de Lange
Blessing
Lebone Maema

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