4 Nights Kosi Lakes and Turtle Trails

4 Nights Kosi Lakes and Turtle Trails

Cost:
R10 300 per person for a 4-night trail, based on 6-10 participants.

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 night Kosi Adventure you will circumnavigate the lake system by way of foot, paddle and motor-boat, with some world-class snorkelling 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.

3-Lakes Itinerary
Arrival Day: Self-drive to Beach Camp (approx 5.5hrs from Durban, 9hrs from JHB)
Overnight: Beach Camp

Hike Day 1:  Lake Zilonde Hike (13km) or Kalu Inlet + Kayaking (7-10km/ 13km options)
Zilonde trail entails a fern-forest swamp exploration and a dune traverse, with stunning views across to Mozambique. Snorkel in Kosi mouth & hike back up to camp. * Option to do Kayaking (R350/pp) in the afternoon
OR
Kalu Hike (7-10km) & Kayak (R350pp): hike through coastal savanna & dune forest to the kayak launch, then paddle (5km) up the estuary and into the pristine, protected waters of Kalu inlet. After returning kayaks - hike along the estuary edge and up the forest flanked Kalu valley back to camp.
* eKuvukeni extension on the Kalu hike (13km) – brings you down to Kosi mouth, where snorkelling can also be enjoyed on this day.

Overnight: Beach Camp (Breakfast, trail lunch, dinner)

Hike Day 2:  Boat Cruise & shorter hike
Hike to look-out point and enjoy splendid views across the estuary with the fish kraals furling below, like an ancient tribal tattoo. Option to include some more forest exploration around Kalu inlet, before a shallow wade across to eKuvekeni peninsula, and on to first lake where you’ll embark upon the 3 Lakes Boat Cruise. Puttering through the channels connecting the lakes, provides excellent birding, wildlife and snorkelling opportunities along the way. Disembarking at 3rd lake (western shore), there is a cool sand forest walk (1km) up to Kosi Bay Lodge (6-9km hike options / 2.5 hr boat trip).

Overnight: Kosi Bay Lodge (Breakfast, trail lunch, dinner)

Hike Day 3:  Raffia Palms and Fourth Lake
Hike along the deep forest flank of 3rd lakes western shore up to the pontoon crossing between 3rd & 4th lake (10km). Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Palm-Nut vulture, whom nest in the giant Raffia palms endemic to this tiny geographic area. You can be collected by boat here OR (decided in advance) continue hiking along 3rd lake shoreline to Bhanga Nek or Bhanga Nek beach (a further 7km). Enjoy some surf and sand, before returning to lakeside for an exhilarating boat transfer across 3rd lake to Kosi Bay Lodge for another night.
Overnight: Kosi Bay Lodge (Breakfast, trail lunch, dinner)

Departure Day: Breakfast. Transfer (30min) back to vehicle(s) left at Beach Camp.

2024 Price – Based on Group Size
2 Persons – R9 200/pp
3 Persons – R8 700/pp
4-6 Persons – R8 300/pp
7-9 Persons – R8 100/pp
10+ Persons – R 7 900/pp

Price Includes:
4 Nights Accom - 2 Nights @ Beach Camp (Hippo chalets), 2 Nights @ Kosi Bay Lodge
All meals - 4 Dinners, 4 Breakfasts, 3 lunches
3 Guided Hike Days + snorkelling
3 Lakes Boat Excursion + Boat Collection - 3/4th Lake Pont OR Bhanga Nek
Full Slackpacking: all Luggage support & Return Transfers to trailhead
All isMangiliso Permits & Foundation Levies