Kosi Forest Lodge is a beautiful wilderness retreat situated in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, a stunning region of great geographical diversity encompassing lakes, rivers, pristine beaches, wild bush and coastal forests. The reserve forms part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now a recognised World Heritage Site, and is one of South Africa's standout ecotourism destinations.
Kosi Forest Lodge is a small, private retreat, accommodating just 16 guests. There are no other lodges within the Reserve except for Kosi Forest, ensuring that guests at this unique wilderness retreat have the area largely to themselves. The reserve can be freely explored on foot or by boat. There's a great range of beach, forest and estuarine activities on offer at Kosi Forest, from boat rides on the lakes and beach excursions to raffia palm forest walks. The beaches within the reserve are stunning, and see very few visitors.
Kosi Forest Lodge itself is almost as striking as its natural environment. A huge sherbet tree forms the focal point of the lodge, with the main public areas, including lounge, bar and dining room, all built on wooden decks that wrap around the tree. From here, at the heart of the camp, meandering pathways through the forest lead to eight guest chalets, located at a distance from each other so as to guarantee privacy.
Accommodation
There are eight chalets tucked away in the sand forest a short distance from the lodge's main guest areas. The chalets are built on raised wooden decks, and constructed with wood, thatch and canvas, giving them a lovely rustic feel. They are spacious and attractively furnished. Each opens at the back onto a separate dressing room (partitioned off from the main bedroom by a reed screen) and outdoor shower boma. At the front of each chalet is an outdoor deck with seats and a hammock.
One of the rooms is a honeymoon suite, which is located further from the communal areas than the other rooms.
Two of the chalets are located close together and can be booked as a single, inter-connecting family unit.
There is no electricity at Kosi Forest Lodge.
Dining
Dining at Kosi Forest Lodge is a highlight of the overall experience. A large buffet breakfast is served each morning on the deck around the sherbet tree. Lunch is typically taken as a picnic, while wonderful dinners are served by candlelight either on the deck or in a forest clearing. Expect lots of fresh meat and fish from the barbecue, or braai, as well as a good mix of vegetarian options.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Dining room
- Lounge
Activities
- Game drives
- Bush walks
- Canoeing on the Mzinene River
- Mzinene Riverboat Cruise
There are many activities available in the local area (mostly at an additional cost):
- Hiking trails
- Fishing
- Golf
- Bird watching
- Horse riding
- Fossil Park
- White Rhino tracking
- Whale watching (between June and Sept.)
- Make a trip out to the country town of Darling
- A wide range of water sports
Child Policy
Children of all ages can be accommodated at Kosi Forest Lodge. It is possible for children to share a room with parents, but only one child per room. There is also an interconnecting family unit suitable for larger families (parents and three children).
