Isimangaliso World Heritage Site | Map | Detailed Map | Directions | Gallery | General Visitors Information | Tonga Culture | Zulu Language | Malaria | South African Overview | Contacts | Tourism Information |


General Tourism Info 

Introduction


o Maputaland is in the northern part of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Province that is tucked in between Swaziland, Mozambique, and the endless white beaches of the warm Indian Ocean coast. It is a vast remote and magical place of shimmering lakes, forests, bush and pristine seashore.
o Kosi Bay is the main town in this region. It is approximately 300km from Richards Bay, 250km from St. Lucia, 200km from Hluhluwe and 80km from Sodwana.
o Most guests think they will encounter an idyllic beach town. There are no bay in Kosi Bay so local residents refer to Kosi and not Kosi Bay. Kosi Bay is a misnomer. The town is 25km away from the coastline and to get to the coast you need a 4X4 vehicle or book into a place that will take you in their 4X4 vehicle on excursions.
o Kosi town is a vibrant colourful African village and the surrounds (because it is so remote and difficult to reach) are undiscovered paradise that offers diverse and some unique tourism activities and attractions in a fabulous subtropical climate.
o Kosi has grown tremendously over the last 3 years and you can shop for most things here.

History

o Kosi Bay, Manguzi, eManguzi, KwaNgwanase are all different names for the same place. Manguzi is the community in which the town is settled and KwaNgwanase is the district name.
o The name Kosi is said to be derived from the word Nkosi which means king. Ngwanase is the name for the Thonga King who fled from the Portugese Colonists in Mozambique. The original king was Mabhudu which the Portugese and English colonists mispronounced and misspelled respectively to Maputo and Maputa. The region is still known as Maputaland.
o The region is also known as Thonga Tembe Land. Historically this region was the orphan of South Africa and none of the previous governments made any effort to develop this region. Maputaland was/is completely self-governed by the Thonga people. The current king is Mabhudu Israel Tembe. Even today the Tembe Tribal Authority retains power and oversees everything regarding everyday life.
o The fact that the region have a King and chiefs, Local government, various other state bodies who have interests here and that large parts of Maputaland are national borders, world heritage area, state forest land, marine sanctuary and conservation areas do not make it easier to manage and purposefully develop Maputaland.
o In Maputaland first world dreams are conflicting with third world tranquillity and existence more than anywhere else. The stage was set when the Portugese and English colonists clashed in these regions during 1875 and asked the French prime Minister to arbitrate. With typical heavy handedness he drew a line on a map that divided the Thonga tribe in two.


Accommodation Types


o There are three luxury lodges in the region, two resorts with swimming pool, restaurant and pubs, various self-catering chalets and camping sites.
o The location of most places means that there are no supermarkets nearby. Provisions can be bought in Manguzi 10-20km away depending on where you stay. The town has grown tremendously over the last 3 years and you can shop for most things there.
o Because of the unique diversity in culture and nature (marine and on land) this region is a protected area and you will find that most accommodation establishments are located far from the beaches where development is not allowed. The Park Authority has earmarked some developments to be built inside the Park but they still need to be finalised with all role players before building will start. Most camps are situated outside the Park. There are some developments inside the Park but they have been developed without the proper environmental research and permissions.
o The traditional tourism to the region is one of getting into your car and exploring different beaches and lakes every day.
o Make sure your accommodation establishment can take you where you want to go if you do not have a 4x4 to drive everywhere.
o Accommodation establishments are further grouped around two areas - North and South of the Lakes. Tourists have to travel through town to go from north of the lakes to the south side of the lakes. The distance is only 30-40km but it generally takes an hour or more to travel round the lakes.
o The North Side have better access to the lakes and the most known attraction the Kosi Mouth.
o The South Side have access to more attractions and beaches, more remote bush but access only to the freshwater lakes.
o Accommodation List - see list attached

Attractions and activities

For the adventurous, there are numerous activities and excursions. 4x4 vehicles are recommended for travelling to most attractions and activities.

o Beaches
o Snorkelling
o Boat cruises
o Hiking - Guided Tracking
o Turtle Tours
o Visits to Tembe Elephant Reserve
o Canoeing/kayaking
o Climbing
o Birding
o Whale Watching
o Diving
o Rock and surf angling - Valid fishing permits are required at all times in all areas. Please make arrangements in advance.
o Cultural Activities

 

When to Come?

The best time is probably July or August because it is less warm, the windy months have not started and the whales are migrating. The turtles arrive for nesting from the end of October to February

 

Climate

The KwaZulu Natal coastline boasts a summer climate all year round. Over 300 sun-filled days a year but when it rains it rains bucketsful.

 

Permits

o To boat on the lakes or enter the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, the mouth area or Coastal Forest Reserve (Bhanga Nek, Black Rock, etc) day entry permits are needed.
o Permits are R20 per person per day and R15 per vehicle.
o You may enter the Coastal Forest Reserve without knowing it and may be stopped and asked for a permit. If you fail to produce a permit you will get a warning or a fine. It is best to ask the manager at your accommodation to direct you and inform you where you are allowed.
o IMPORTANT: Please ensure that the gate attendant give back your permits because you might be stopped anywhere and fined if you cannot produce them.
o Permits can be obtained at Mazengwenya or Kosi Nature Reserve.
o Permit office: Go through Manguzi, heading towards the Mosambique border post. Approximately 7km from town, on your right hand side, you will see a sign directing you to Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. Turn right down this sand road and continue along for 7km until you drive straight into the boom gate. Go through to the permit office. It opens at 08h00 and closes at 16h00. No exceptions will be made. They also break for lunch between 13h00-14h00.
o Night permits can be obtained for Kosi Mouth during full moon only (3 days). Get them at the permit office.
o The number of permits to beaches is limited to a number of vehicles per day and they are issued on a first come first serve basis. Exceptions are made for recognized Tour operators.
o It is a fact that during peak seasons the general public who do not stay with recognized establishments will have to plan carefully to ensure permits and might not even obtain the necessary permits.
o The region is under constant pressure from new tour operators who enlarge the accommodation capacity without considering the carrying capacity of the Park and the limited number of permits.
o One is not allowed to overnight inside the Park and no permits are available for overnight accommodation. You are allowed to be inside the park from 6-6 or 5-7 in summer.
o IMPORTANT: Guests staying at unauthorized tourism accommodation establishments inside the Park will have to make sure that they can produce permits and conform to Park regulations.

4X4 Vehicles

o The attractions in the region (beaches, lakes, etc) can only be explored with a 4X4 vehicle and therefore you have to go on daily excursions provided by your accommodation establishment or explore with your own 4X4.
o When driving in the Park deflate your tyres to 1.5 bar or even 1.2 bar. The speed-limit in the Park is 40km/h
o Beware of other cars coming around sharp bends.
o Some 4X4 drivers do not find our roads challenging enough and spin out tracks whenever they find a steep hill. Please do not make new tracks.

Directions to Kosi Bay

o Directions from Johannesburg and Pretoria
* From Johannesburg take the N12 to Witbank. From Pretoria take the N4 to Witbank;
* From Witbank take the N4 to Middelburg; the N11 to Hendrina and then onto Ermelo;
* Take the N2 to Piet Retief and then Pongola; 40km after Pongola turn left to Jozini and Jozini Dam;
* Immediately after going through Jozini the road split - take the left fork, go over the dam wall and continue north.
* 40km after the dam wall at the T-junction at turn right (not left to Ingwavuma) and travel a further 70km to Emanguzi / Kosi.
o Directions from Durban
* Take the N2 north towards Empangeni;
* Go past Empangeni and take off-ramp to Hluhluwe / Sodwana Bay;
* Drive through Hluhluwe and then follow the R22 and directions to Mbazwana;
* Continue passed Mbazwane for a further 45 kilometres and at the large traffic circle turn right, signposted KwaNgwanase / Kosi, Emanguzi / Manguzi;
o Directions in and around Kosi.
* The tar road comes from Jozini or Hluhluwe through town and to the Mozambique border where it stops.
* Kosi town has one main road and only two tar roads that forks out of it. The rest is all bush tracks with little or no signposting.
* The local residents remove the signposts so that they can earn money by showing tourists the directions.
* Please avoid giving lifts to anyone who offer help or directions, but try to use local help affiliated to the establishment where you are staying. Ask the manager to organize a local helper for you.

Nature

* The wider region is blessed with 21 different bio systems (spheres) such as - dune forest, sand forest, wetlands, savannah, etc.
* In Maputaland you can see the biggest mammal (whales), the biggest fish (whale shark), the oldest fish (coelecant), the biggest land mammal (elephant), the smallest antelope (suni) and I can go on mentioning more rare and wonderful species.
* Birding - Most east coast specials and endemics can be found here, including Rosy-throated Longclaw and Swamp Nightjar, and a few sought-after species such as Pel's Fishing-Owl, African Finfoot and African Pygmy-Goose as well. The range of specials includes Southern Banded Snake-Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, Crested Guineafowl, African Finfoot, Livingstone's Turaco, Pel's Fishing-Owl, Swamp Nightjar, Narina Trogon, African Broadbill, Brown Scrub-Robin, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Woodwards' Batis, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher, Purple-banded Sunbird and Rosy-throated Longclaw. Rarities include Ayres's Hawk-Eagle, Crab Plover and Greater Frigatebird
* Turtles - During turtle season (November to February) these amazing creatures, leatherback and loggerhead turtles; come back to the same place every year, after crossing oceans, to lay their eggs. It is an unforgettable experience and privilege to witness a giant leatherback (nearly 2 metres in length) or loggerhead turtle as she performs this miracle of nature.
* Hippos roam free so do not wonder off in the night. If you are really lucky you might see a crocodile or a hippo frolicking in the ocean.

Culture

o Respect the local community. Be polite and courteous. Respect traditions.
o If you are uncertain about something, ask before you do it!
o The Tonga fish kraals at the mouth is a must see. For centuries these kraals gets handed over from father to son.

Language

 

o Useful Zulu words and phrases
* Hello - Sawubona (First person singular) / Sanibona (First person plural)
* How are you? - Unjani?
* I am well. - Ngisaphila.
* I am fine, thank you. - Ngisaphila ngiyabonga.
* Goodbye - Hamba kahle (go well) / Sala kahle (stay well)
* Good luck - Ngikufisela inhlanhla
* yes - yebo
* no - cha
* please - ngiyakucela
* thank you - ngiyabonga
* How much is this? - Malini?
* I want ... - Ngifuna ...
* What are you doing? - Wenzani?
* Where are you going? - Uyaphi?

NCS and GSLWPA

o The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park Authority is in charge of the region from St. Lucia to the Mozambique border. They control the activities that are allowed in the Park.
o Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is appointed to police and conserve the region.
o The Park has been existence for 7 years now but it seems there are still growing pains.
o The Park will be baptized in November 2007, 7 years after birth, to Isimangaliso Park.
Map - see map attached or visit www.maputaland.net/map/detailedmap.asp

 

Rules and regulations

o The Park and surrounds are protected with numerous environmental regulations. Be sure of what is allowed and ask if you do not know.
o Attached you will a book issued by Ezemvelo Wildlife with all the rules and regulations.
o PLEASE REMEMBER
o No motorised recreational vehicles of any type (quads, jetskis) will be allowed. There are plans in the pipeline to allow quads in areas dedicated to this purpose but until then there is an absolute ban on quads..
o Responsible tourism is an important source of income in the area - please allow the local people to assist with recreational and domestic chores like washing, cleaning fish, etc;

Safety and Security

o Although theft is a very rare occurrence in the area, still ensure that all valuables are locked up and not left unattended;
o Please report all incidents to your hosts otherwise nothing will be done to prevent future reoccurrences

Malaria

o At present and for the past five years malaria is no longer a serious threat.
o This situation can change depending on the amount of rainfall.
o Please take all the precautions necessary.

 

Kosi Tourism Association

 

The KTA exist to ensure that the public receive the best possible service from Members.

Call us on 035-5929925

Or send post to

KOSI TOURISM ASSOCIATION
PO Box 859
KwaNgwanase
3973
South Africa

http://www.maputaland.net/KBTA

 

 



Navigate the top portal site to find information on Kosi Bay, also known as Maputaland, northern Elephant Coast, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Manguzi, Kwangwanase, Thongaland, Tembeland, including such fabulous sites such as Kosi Lakes, Kosi Mouth, Bhanga Nek, Rocktail Bay, Black Rock, Lake Sibaya, Mabibi, in fact anything north of Sodwana and south of Ponta de Ouro, Ponta Malongane andf Ponta Mamoli in Mozambique.




 IMVUBU INFO LAPHA - Maputaland Tourism Information | +27 35 5929925 | +27 727273079 | mail@maputaland.net 

Copyright© W. Labuschagne 2008