Maputaland: Kosi Bay Tourism: Attractions and Accommodation
updated 2009
Maputaland Kosi Bay region is in pristine condition because it can only be accessed with a 4x4 vehicle. But by hiking from camp to camp you can see many of the biospheres that make this area special. You will walk along sand forests, dune forests, savannah, wetlands, cross rivers and stroll along isolated beaches. At each camp you will experience a different feel and may take part in various optional activities.
T H E T R A I L I N F O
This is not the old Kosi Hike because the camps in the north burnt down and strife within the community prevents rebuilding at present. The Kosi hike is an operation from Siyazenzela. Siyazenzela, meaning we help ourselves, is an initiative of local community members and tourism operators in the region to provide tourism services and products jointly.
The new Kosi Bay hike is a collaboration between Maputaland Bush Camp & Horse Safaris, Kosi Forest Lodge, Kosi Bay Lodge, Kwadapha community and Amanzinyama Camp. Some operators provide accommodation and others provide optional activities for slack pack hikers.
Maputaland is also such a complex region, in every way imaginable, that slack packing the trail with guides and hosts is the way to go. The experience is enhanced by having someone explain the history, culture or the spectacular nature around a campfire evening.
THE ROUTES
There are no specific departure dates and good news is that our bookings are few and far between because this is a new product. So you may still plan ahead for any dates. The routes are flexible but the basic slack packer trail looks like this with 3-4 hour walking per day.
A HOST OF CAMPS AND LODGES ARE USED FOR THE HIKE AND NO TWO HIKES ARE THE SAME. WITH EACH INQUIRY WE ADJUST THE HIKE TO SUIT THE HIKER NEEDS AND AVAILABILITY OF CAMPS. AFTER YOUR INITIAL INQUIRY WE WILL WORK OUT A ROUTE ACCORDING TO THE DATES AND FITNESS OF HIKERS. IN SUMMER THE HIKES ARE MADE SHORTER.
If you have less or more time available please tell me and we extend or alter the trail accordingly. Some of the routes can be daunting. Hiking 15km on a beach against a wind at high tide is not ideal. The hike can be done in fewer days by shortening the route, using transfers by vehicle or being fetched by a boat (these options have to be organized in advance). THE TRAIL IS ALWAYS MADE TO SUITE THE NEEDS OF GUESTS.
CAMPS
The different camps are managed by different tour operators, and you may choose to be hosted and spoilt by having them cater for you too. This surely beat all the regular lightweight hiking food.
- * Willie and Isabelle are your hosts at Maputaland Bush Camp and they offer a hint of Belgian cuisine.
- * At Bhanga Nek we use one of several camps. Victor Ngubane of Ukuthula Adventures will be your host.
- * Amanzimyama Camp is situated in a forest and here we make open fire kitchen dishes.
- * Kosi Bay Lodge has self caterin facilities and a restaurant on the premises. Hardy will be your host.
- * more operators will join in the hike soon!
A TYPICAL SLACKPACKER TRAIL
Day 1: Arrival in Manguzi Town at Tourism Information (opposite the Total Garage) - Transfer to start camp with 4x4 - Sundowners - Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast - Morning hike - Lunch - Optional afternoon activity: Canoe - Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast - Morning hike - Lunch - Optional afternoon activity: Snorkel - Lake Boat cruise - Dinner - Seasonal Activity: Turtles
Day 4: Breakfast - Morning hike - Lunch - Optional afternoon activity: Snorkellingf or Horse riding - Dinner
Day 5: Departure - Transfer back to Manguzi Town with 4x4
FOOD
You are welcome to bring your own beverages. At some camps you will receive a complimentary drink or two but other camps do not have bar facilities.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM YOU:
1. When would you like to come and how many are you?
2. How many days do have available?
3. Date and estimated time of arrival:
4. Do you require safekeeping of your vehicle in town and a 4x4 transfer to the first camp?
5. Date and time of departure?
RATES
Accommodation rates Slackpacker Supported Hike @ R2250 per person for 4 nights (rates will be adjusted if the trail is made shorter or longer trail to suit guests) Included in this price is food, accommodation, transfer to and from vehicles. A guide fee of R500 is payable per group.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Optional extras are not included and will be optional extras. Canoe R100 Turtle tours R200 Boat cruises R250 Horse outrides R250
