4 night Kosi Bay Adventure Trail - Slackpacking

The Kosi Bay Adventure Trail takes place in the northern tip of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a region of pristine diversity, consisting of four interconnected lakes and an estuary that opens out into the warm Indian Ocean. On our 4-6 night Kosi Adventure you will circumnavigate the lake system by way of foot, paddle and motor-boat, with some world-class snorkeling along the way. Hikers follow a trail through cool dune forest, open savannah and deserted beaches, enjoying a variety of activities along the way. A true ‘slackpacking’ trail – your luggage will be transferred between lodges, whilst a local guide will enrich the experience on the heritage of this special area. This trail is very flexible and can be customized to suit the time, fitness levels and interests of the group. We offer 4 - 6 night hiking packages around the Lakes, but to incorporate kayaking, one needs to include a stay at Kosi Forest Lodge (4th lake) – where a paddle amongst the raffia palms on the Siyadla river is a highlight.

Itinerary
Day 1: self-drive to Beach Camp (4hrs from Durban, 8hrs from JHB)
Overnight:  Beach Camp

Day 2: Lake Zilonde Circular Loop
After hiking through mangal swamps and magical fern forests, you will climb a 65m high dune with views looking across to Mozambique. Traversing prehistoric coral dunes (interesting corals & plant communities to see) down to the ocean, you will hike along pristine beach through to Kosi Mouth, where a palm-fringed beach of rippling sand curves around the mouth. Finish your day with snorkeling in the virtual aquarium that is the Kosi Bay Mouth – an important breeding ground and nursery for many species of tropical fish It doesn’t really get much better than this!

Hike Distance: 9.5 km to Kosi Mouth + 3km back up to Utshwayelo (Approx 4hr Hike)
Overnight: Beach Camp

Day 3: Kosi Estuary to 3rd Lake (with 3 Lakes Boat-trip)
Hiking down to Kosi estuary, we’ll wade across to eKovukeni, and hike to the shores of 1st lake. Boat collection at 1st lake – 3 Lakes Boat Cruise – through the channels (opportunity to snorkel in the channels) – up to 2nd & then 3rd lake. Boat drop-off on inland (western shore) of 3rd lake. Hike up to Kosi Lodge

Overnight: Kosi Bay Lodge

Day 4: Hike down to 3rd lake boat launch – transfer across 3rd lake to Bhanga Nek via boat. Visit Bhanga Nek beach – then hike along 3rd lake shoreline to cross the channel by raffia pont between 3rd & 4th Lake, Amanzamyama. Hike through to Kosi Forest Lodge

Overnight: Kosi Forest Lodge

Day 5 – Kayak & Departure 
Transfer (or hike) & then take a stroll through sand forest down to the Siyadla River to do a guided canoe trip on the Siyadla River into 4th lake. Enjoy a late breakfast and then 4x4 transfer back to beach camp.

Cost:
2019 per person – Based on Package Choice & Group Size

Group Size:
2 Persons - Std 4 Night - R7 300 | Std 5 Night - R9 200
Excl 5 Night - R11 450 | Excl 6 Night - R14 100

3 Persons - Std 4 Night - R6 500 | Std 5 Night - R8 200
Excl 5 Night - R10 250 | Excl 6 Night - R12 700

4 Persons - Std 4 Night R6 100 | Std 5 Night - R7 700
Excl 5 Night - R9 800 | Excl 6 Night - R12 200

5 or more - Std 4 Night - R5 900 | Std 5 Night - R7 400
Excl 5 Night - R9 600 | Excl 6 Night - R12 000

Includes:
4, 5 or 6 Night’s Accommodation – en-suite chalets. Exclusive packages include 1 or 2 nights at Kosi Forest Lodge
All meals: from dinner on arrival night to breakfast on departure day
Reserve Permits & Hiking Trail Fees
Guiding Fees for 3 Hike Days
3 Lakes Boat Tour (through the 3 lakes and the channels)
Boat Collection transfer from 4th Lake
Luggage &/or your vehicle transfer from Beach camp to Kosi Lodge
Return transfer to Beach Camp
Snorkeling in Kosi Mouth & the lake channels