Kosi Bay and Coastal Maputaland lies in the far northern part of South Africa's coast, bordering Mozambique. This is a truly magical area, untouched by large-scale tourism development.

The Maputaland Marine Reserve stretches 200km north from Lake St Lucia to Kosi Bay near the Mozambique border. Within this marine reserve, the Kosi Forest Coastal Reserve is an unspoilt wilderness region of pristine golden beaches backed by forested dunes and captivating freshwater lakes. Kosi Bay’s lake system comprises four lakes that form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eventually drain into the Indian Ocean. Wildlife in the area includes duikers, hippos, crocodiles and a diverse bird life.

The intimate coastal lodges practice sustainable tourism with significant local community involvement. Their activities mostly revolve around the ocean and the lakeland system with snorkelling for tropical fish, diving, canoeing on the lakes and awe-inspiring evening excursions in the summer to view the rare giant leatherback turtles as they lay and hatch their eggs (available from November to February). From July to November you may also be lucky to see the magnificent Southern Right whales as they come into the bays to breed.

It’s also a mecca for keen divers, with spectacular coral formations and a number of magnificent reefs teeming with tropical fish. Snorkelling is possible from the beach as well as the reefs.