Episode 11 Info: Click Here
Kosi Forest Lodge-Kosi Bay
Kosi Forest Lodge a private lodge situated in the unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site. The 16-bed lodge offers comfortable accommodation, fine cuisine and caters for a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities. Explore this unique ecosystem by guided canoe, boat trip on the lakes, raffia forest walks or day excursion to nearby coastal beaches. Discover one of South Africa’s best ecotourism destinations.
Kosi Forest Lodge is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake. The thatched bush suites are carefully positioned to provide guests with privacy and an intimacy with the peaceful surroundings. The romantic en-suite bathrooms are open-air, giving guests a truly unique experience. Guests can relax at the pool with its unsurpassed views of Lake Shengeza.
Main Lodge
A massive Zulu Podberry tree is the focal point of the main lodge with the lounge, dining room and bar all opening onto a large, wooden deck around the tree. Kosi Forest Lodge takes full advantage of Maputuland’s sultry weather with most meals served alfresco – on the deck or under large Albizia trees. A swimming pool, built into the deck, at the lake’s edge is always a welcome sight. Candles light the area at night giving it a warm, romantic ambience reminiscent of wild African adventures of long ago.
For more information on Kosi Forest Lodge, You can visit: https://www.kosiforestlodge.co.za
Isimangaliso Wetland Park
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values.
The 332 000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year old fishing traditions, most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000 year-old coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place.
‘iSimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale)’ – Nelson Mandela
Activities
The coastline of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the only remaining major nesting site in Africa where Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles still lay their eggs. These important breeding grounds have been protected by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the conservation partners of the Wetland Park Authority, for over 40 years.
This ancient nesting ritual starts early in November every year. The female emerges from the surf and rests in the wash zone alert for danger – at this point she is easily disturbed. She then moves above the high tide mark to find a suitable site, where the laborious process of digging a nest, down to 1m in depth, commences. After laying a batch of 80 – 100 eggs, she carefully closes the nest and conceals its presence from foragers like jackals, genets, honey badgers and ghost crabs. The cumbersome journey back to sea follows.
For more information on Isimangaliso Wetland Park, you can visit: www.isimangaliso.com