Kosi Forest Lodge | Kosi Bay
Kosi Forest Lodge is an intimate lodge situated under a canopy of magnificent trees within a tranquil sand forest alongside the Kosi Lakes System, an unspoilt wilderness area that is part of the iSimangaliso World Heritage Park. This 20 bed lodge offers comfortable accommodation in wooden, canvas & thatch cabins, great home cooking and caters for a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities. Glamping at its best.
A lovely sweeping pool overlooks Lake Shengeza where one can relax on the viewing deck in the shade of Umdoni trees while watching hippos & flamingoes in the lake.
Daily guided canoe trips and walks through ancient Raphia Palm Forests are offered at no additional cost. Additional activities are a boat trip exploring this unique system of lakes and channels where one can see hippo, crocodile, rare birds like the Pels Fishing Owl and Palm Nut Vulture, included in this day trip is a picnic on the unspoilt shores of Bhanga Nek beach. Another additional activity is to join a 4x4 excursion to Kosi Bay Mouth viewing ancient Thonga Fish Traps and exceptional snorkeling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Discover one of South Africa’s best ecotourist destinations.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wildlife
The rooms are constructed of wood, thatch and canvas each positioned to give total privacy. They are comfortably furnished with mosquito nets, Mini bar, fans and tea & coffee making facilities. A unique feature of each room is the romantic outside boma bathroom with bath and shower set in soft white sand under the forest canopy. Each room also has an indoor en-suite shower, toilet and basin.
There are 2 family rooms which consist of 2 bedrooms. The main bedroom has an en-suite outdoor bathroom with shower and bath set in soft white beach sand surrounded by a reed boma. They are comfortably furnished with mosquito nets, Mini bar, fans and tea & coffee making facilities. There is an indoor en-suite toilet and basin. The second bedroom has an en-suite indoor shower, basin and toilet.
The 2 rooms are connected by an outdoor passage of approximately 2 metres long.
Property Facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Babysitting Service, Credit Card
The highlight for many at Kosi Forest Lodge is the canoeing trip on the Kosi Lakes. The best time for this activity is in the early morning and lasts for approximately 2 hours. Guides escort you by canoe along the Siyadla channel where the bird life is very rewarding and the scenery peaceful and breath taking
The Kosi Lakes are a series of interconnected lakes which stretch over some 18km. The best way to see the system is by boat. The full day excursion leaves shortly after breakfast and travels through the lake system and estuarine waterways. The guides stop along the way and explain the traditional fishing traps and the traditions of the Tsonga community, who live in balance with the lake system.
Additional Charge for this activity.
Enjoy a walk through magnificent Raphia Palms - the tallest in the world! Home to the Palm Nut Vulture and Pel's Fishing Owl, the area can be explored by birders at their leisure. Local guides will share their extensive knowledge of local fauna and flora.
A day trip to Kosi Bay Mouth for a bit of beach fun and wonderful snorkeling in the shallows of the lake near the mouth. There is a lovely secluded reef close the the mouth. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the lake under palm trees.
Additional charge for this activity.
Guests are driven from the lodge in an open 4x4 vehicle over very rough roads to the beach where they are met by local community guides who will walk them along the beach in search of turtles. These walks are not suitable for children under 8 years old as it is a very rough road and a long walk on the beach at night.
This activity attracts an additional charge and it is weather dependant.
Kosi Forest Lodge Dining
Dine Al Fresco on the Main Deck or under the trees of the sand forest
Nibela Lake Lodge | iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Craving a low-key holiday that’s slightly off the beaten track? Surrounded by KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetlands Park near Hluhluwe, Nibela Lake Lodge is ideally located to deliver a nature-based holiday with a difference for the whole family.
Few lodges can say that they are located on the cusp of a World Heritage Site. This area is blessed by the waters of Lake St. Lucia, an estuarine lake system that sustains an abundance of birds and wildlife which proves that you don’t have to make your way to the Kruger to see it all.
Nibela Lake Lodge is easily accessible from Durban. The relaxing drive to the resort is part of the experience as you pass stunning coastal views and waving isiZulu children from the roadside villages.
Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with your own private haven in beautifully appointed timber chalets with private balconies and lakeside views, not to mention the background cheer of birds from the surrounding canopy of trees.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
Your Stay
2 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
No. Rooms: 22
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
A chalet made for two. The Double Chalets are tucked among the surrounding trees and come with double beds, en-suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the lake. Keep your sundowner drinks cold in the min-bar, and enjoy a hot cup of morning coffee in your lounge. These chalets are perfect for travelling families with children since some units are connected by an interleading door between each unit.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Double or two three-quarter beds with four poster mosquito net
Interleading rooms available for families
Freestanding rooms available on request
En suite bathroom with shower
Private viewing deck
The Deluxe Chalet enjoys an intimate and secluded setting, located furthest away from the main lodge, and positioned in such a way as to ensure complete privacy. Perfect for romantic breakaways, surrounded by the incredible nature of the Elephant Coast.
The Deluxe Chalet is finished with a luxurious king-size bed, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and a private deck looking out over the lake. The suite is fitted with a draped mosquito net for extra comfort, a tea and coffee station and a minibar fridge, which can be filled with beverages. Floor-to-ceiling windows and the authentic wooden chalet invite nature indoors, making it possible to bird-watch or enjoy a Hluhluwe sunset from the comfort of the splendid bed.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
King-size bed
En suite bathroom with shower
Outdoor bath and shower
Private viewing deck
Ideal for small families, the one-bedroom lodge offers a main bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a loft room with two three-quarter beds. It also comes with an en-suite bathroom, open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining room. There are braai facilities as well as a private deck.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps a maximum of 4 guests
Downstairs:
Fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area
Main bedroom with queen-size bed and en suite bathroom with shower only.
Upstairs:
Loft with 2 three-quarter single beds
This self-catering option at Nibela Lodge has plenty of space for parties of six people. It is well equipped with two bedrooms (queen and three-quarter twin beds) and a loft room with three-quarter beds. These are two bathrooms with an open-plan kitchen, lounge and a dining room. There are braai facilities available as well as a boma area and private deck.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps a maximum of 6 guests
Downstairs:
Fully-equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area
Main bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower only
Second bedroom with 2 three-quarter beds and en suite bathroom with shower only
Upstairs:
Loft with 2 three-quarter beds
Escape to the luxurious three-bedroom self-catering lodge to soak up the panoramic views from the wrap-around timber deck. Great for families and groups of friends, this beautifully appointed lodge offers an open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining room. All the bedrooms are en-suite and open out on the deck area. The main bedroom has a king-size bed, and the other two rooms are fitted with two three-quarter beds.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps a maximum of 6 guests
Main bedroom with queen-size bed and en suite bathroom
2 bedrooms with 2 three-quarter beds with an en suite bathroom in each
Fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area with aircon
Pizza oven
Jacuzzi
Bedrooms are accessed from the front deck
Private boma
It doesn't get any better than our four-bedroom self-catering lodge accommodation on Lake St. Lucia, with extensive views over the lake and all four bedrooms opening up onto the deck area. All four rooms are en-suite. Two bedrooms are fitted with queen-size beds and the other two bedrooms offer two three-quarter beds in each. This accommodation option also features a well-equipped open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining room.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps a maximum of 8 guests
2 bedrooms with queen-size bed and en suite bathroom with shower only in each
2 bedrooms with 2 three-quarter beds and en suite bathroom with shower only in each
Fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area with aircon
Bedrooms are accessed from a wraparound deck
Private boma
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television
Services
Credit Card
Adventure Trail- This one-hour trail takes you through the local tribal land, Enjoy the scenery and the challenge - R400 per person
Enduro Trail- these trails take you through the sandy roads of the Nibela community, enjoy the scenery and culture of the peninsula - R550 per person
Baby trail- this twenty-minute drive for under 6-year-olds (and mom/dad) gives the kiddies a sense of adventure whilst keeping them safe - R250 per child
No one under 16 is able to drive a quad bike by themselves
No under 6’s can go on outside trails
Children under 16 years old sharing a bike with an adult pay 50%
Two adults sharing a bike will both be charged at full price
Helmets are to be worn at all times
All trails are led by a Nibela guide
Any person found to be driving in a negligent manner will be fined
Schedules of drives are available at reception and vary in summer and winter
Daily Excursions
Ferry - This 1hr ferry trip leaves from False Bay Reception and takes you straight to Nibela Lake Lodge- Here you can partake in many of the daily activities, treat yourself to a spa treatment at the Lakeview spa, or simply have lunch and a cocktail. Please note this needs to be booked in advance and a non-refundable deposit paid.
Maximum 10 guests R150pp – return trip
Kids 4–11yrs pay 50%
Fishing - a three-hour fishing trip, fishing rods, bait and tackle provided. Please bring hats and sunscreen. Ideally, this should be done in the morning when the water is calm. Trips leave from the jetty at 6 a.m.
Maximum 8 guests R500 pp
Hippo & Crocodile Cruise - roughly three hours, This cruise takes you South of Lane Island where pods of hippos love to wallow, and crocodiles and game can be seen on the banks of the lake. Please bring hats, warm clothing, and sunscreen. Snacks are included.
Maximum 8 guests R450 pp
Joyride - roughly one hour this is a small taste of what the lake has to offer
Maximum 8 guests R300 pp
Bookings Essential
Life jackets are to be worn at all times by children and non-swimmers
No hanging over the boat or dangling limbs in the water
The maximum number of guests on the boat is either 8 or 10 depending on the boat
Sunset Cruise
Schedules of boat trips are available at the reception
0-3yr, unfortunately, cannot partake
4-11yr pay 50%
Roughly two hours, embark on our ferry boat for the ultimate evening sunset cruise with an appropriately stocked bar on board enjoy the last hours of the day in style. This cruise is weather-dependent.
R350 pp- excluding drinks
Private Cruise Maximum 10 guests R3000 - excluding drinks
Bookings Essential
Life jackets are to be worn at all times by children and non-swimmers
No hanging over the boat or dangling limbs in the water
The maximum number of guests on the boat is 10
Schedules of walks are available at reception and vary in summer and winter
Night Walk- a completely silent experience, when the bush babies, owls and fireflies come out to play. Enjoy your walk under the African skies with the moonlight to guide your way. One and a half hours R200 per person
Day Walk- guided by one of our local guides, they are experienced birders and have wonderful knowledge of the fauna and flora of the area. Walks can be customized to your interests whether it be birding, fossils, flora or fauna. Two Hour – R200 per person
Schedules of drives are available at reception and vary in summer and winter
Nibela/Sobhengu Birding Tour- This one-hour tour takes you around the Kwa Nibela property to explore the birds, animals, fauna, and flora. R250 per person
Nibela/Sobhengu Night Drive – Explore the life of the Kwa Nibela Peninsula after sunset, enjoy the cry of the bush baby and explore the blanket of stars. R250 per person
Village Tour- This two-hour excursion allows you to experience the Kwa Nibela Peninsula and the local community and traditions. A portion of this fee goes into community development projects managed by Nibela Management. R280 per person
Wetlands Expedition - This three-hour tour takes you to the Lake St Lucia floodplains where flocks of flamingoes and pelicans love to gather, snacks are provided. R300 per person
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Big 5 Drive - This is an outsourced activity that we can book on your behalf. Please enquire at reception. Please enquire 12 hours in advance as drives are subject to availability.
• All these tours are conducted in an open-game drive vehicle
• Tours are subject to availability
• Maximum 10 guests on the game drive vehicle- no exceptions
• All trails are led by a Nibela guide
• Book the whole vehicle at R2900.00 for 3 hours
Catch and release only
Full Day- A little bit of soul therapy, grab a beer and a rod and relax on the shores of Lake St Lucia. Bait can be purchased from reception.
Rods can be collected anytime at dropped off 12 hours later.
Rod & Tackle Full Day R150 per rod
R400 charge for damaged/lost rod
Full-day bike hire– Take in the picturesque views of Nibela on a mountain bike, some trails are more challenging than others. Bikes can be collected at reception. Please book on arrival.
Bikes can be used for a maximum of one full day.
R200 a day
• Helmets are to be worn at all times
• Please do not ride the bikes off the trails or roads
• Please do not ride the bikes on the walkways.
• R400 fee for damages to the bike
• Guided tour R50pp
Schedules are available at reception and vary in summer and winter.
Please ensure you bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen
Private Lakeside Picnic – A private picnic set up on the lakeside - R300pp
Private Bush Picnic – A private picnic set up on the sunset viewing deck, with a short nature drive in the open game drive vehicle - R450pp
False Bay View Picnic – After a short trip on the boat enjoy a short walk and private picnic at the tip of the peninsula - R700pp
Kids program during school holidays
Our private on-site spa is best enjoyed after a busy morning out exploring the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Our therapists offer a range of massages and beauty treatments that will appeal to all those interested in some well-deserved pampering.
Enjoy a facial, manicure or massage in our Nibela Spa. Let go of the stress of city life and let your body be treated with one of our custom spa massages. Let the tranquillity of the bush rejuvenate your soul as you ease into pure relaxation.
Lake View Restaurant
You won’t go hungry while staying at Nibela. Enjoy continental breakfasts and hearty dinners served under the stars at our Lake View Restaurant. Be sure to sample some of our fresh breads and pastries from our bakery. We cater for vegetarians and stock a kid's menu too.
Fairlight Beach House | Umdloti
Fairlight Beach House stands proud as the ultimate beachfront residence in the exclusive village of Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal . The original homestead, built in the early 1900’s in this beautiful seaside community, was transformed into an idyllic family home to Bruce and Michele’s family of five.
Today, Fairlight offers guests an unforgettable experience in a relaxed, sophisticated environment that still resonates with the original warmth and hospitality of the Deeb family and their traditionally open doors.
Fairlight’s defining feature is her location. Panoramic seascapes from every room in the home, Umdloti’s finest swimming beach but a few meters away and a range of tastefully appointed bedrooms makes Fairlight not only a luxury, four-star rated destination but the perfect choice for the business and leisure traveler alike.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Private, spacious & comfortable with full, open-plan . Side sea view from balcony. King/ twin bed, DStv, flatscreen TV, air con & 4 star comforts. Incl. breakfast, secure parking & free WiFi.
Spacious & private with full sea views from sea facing balcony. King/ twin bed. DStv, flatscreen TV, air con, ceiling fans & 4 star comforts. Includes breakfast, secure parking & free WiFi.
Features a shower en suite & panoramic views. Opens onto front deck. DStv, flatscreen TV, air con & ceiling fans, king/ twin bed & 4 star comforts. Includes breakfast, secure parking & complimentary WiFi.
Comfortable room with shower en suite & partial /full sea ocean. DStv, flatscreen TV, air con, king/ twin bed & 4 star comforts. Includes breakfast, secure parking & complimentary WiFi.
Spacious luxury & sweeping sea views, DStv, flatscreen TV, air con, ceiling fans, king/ twin bed & 4 star comforts. Incl. breakfast, secure parking and complimentary WiFi.
Spacious luxury & sweeping sea views, DStv, flatscreen TV, air con, ceiling fans, king/ twin bed & 4 star comforts. Incl. breakfast, secure parking and complimentary WiFi.
Set 1 tier back from main deck, spacious luxury & side sea view from private balcony. DStv, flatscreen TV, air con, ceiling fans, king/ twin bed & 4 star comforts. Incl. breakfast, secure parking and complimentary WiFi.
Full luxury with panoramic sea views. Private entrance, deck, full open-plan bathroom (private loo), DStv, flatscreen TV, air con, ceiling fans, king/ twin bed & in-room 4 star comforts with breakfast, secure parking & free WiFi.
Seperate unit to Fairlight Beach House. 2 bed, 2 bathroom. Fully equipped kitchen, open-plan living, sea-facing deck with full sea views. DStv, flatscreen TV, 4 star comforts, secure parking, free Wi-Fi. Access to main house.
Property Facilities
Barbeque Facilities, Gym (nearby), Internet Access, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle, Babysitting Service, Credit Card
