Maputaland: Kosi Lakes
Kosi Lakes and Fish Kraals
Kosi lake system which consists of four large lakes. The four lakes, Makhawulani, Mpugwini, Nhlange and aManzimnyama is inter-connected through channels that eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean. The lakes are separated from the ocean by a strip of forested sand dunes. The lakes form part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The kosi lakes are up to 50m deep in places and are home to large communities of crocodiles and hippos. Although one of the lakes contains fresh water, there is a salinity gradient seawards which results in a wide variety of habitats.
The kosi system is characterised by grassland, interspersed with lakes, pans, streams, marshes and swamps. The first two lakes are small shallow and clear with a high saltwater content. The third lake is the biggest (7km across) and mostly fresh water. The fourth lake is furthest from the sea and surrounded by swamp forest. The swamp forests found in this area are the largest in the country.
Where the Kosi lakes mouth into the Indian Ocean you will find a reef in the estuary which is excellent for snorkelling. Beware that you do not step on a stone fish when you snorkel because you will require immediate medical care.
History
Kosi Bay is not a bay at all and actually comprises four lakes. The reason why it is called Kosi is due to a mistake made by surveyors. A certain Captain William Owen, who was sent to survey the southeast coast of Africa, was told by locals of a river called the Mkuze. When he arrived at the area that the Kosi Bay lakes are situated in, he thought he had found the Mkuze River. Not being able to understand the local language all that well, he proceeded to call the estuary "Kosi".
Boating on the leakes
When boating on the lakes you will encounter hippos. The lakes and channels between lakes provide excellent birding. Kosi Bay is host for a large variety of water birds. Bird species in the area include the African Fish Eagle, Flamingoes, Palm-nut Vulture, White-backed Night-heron, and various kingfisher species.
Kosi Fishkraals
Another sight worth seeing in the Kosi lakes is the ingenious fish traps by the Thongas using stick kraals (enclosures) to harvest fish. These fish kraals, which have been in use by the local Tonga for eons, are reed fences that trap the fish. This practice is sustainable, as the number of traps are strictly controlled by the authorities. Also, these traps only catch about four percent of the fish that swim through them.
