Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay Overview

Kosi Bay was made for outdoor exploring, with lush subtropical surrounds and diverse habitats across the region. As the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, Kosi Bay also has enough beaches to ensure that travellers can escape the crowds during the summer holidays.

From a cultural point of view, Kosi Bay is home to the Thonga people, who rely on the network of lakes and rivers for survival. Fishing plays a vital role in the Thonga peoples’ livelihood, helping to feed families and earn a basic living. Ecotourism projects to preserve the bay’s fish stocks are therefore important, with a ‘catch and release’ policy for visitors to ensure that fishing stocks are not depleted.

Highlights & Places in Kosi Bay

As one might expect from a largely water-based destination, Kosi Bay is most famous for its scuba diving, snorkelling and other water sports. Many tour operators in the region offer ecotourism adventures that include Turtle Tours, which offer the chance to learn more about the turtles found in these waters, as well as their conservation status. Kayaking and other options can also be arranged for those who wish to immerse themselves in the warm waters that surround Kosi Bay. Fishing is also abundant in Kosi Bay, supporting the various local tribes as well as the marine life in the bay.

Safaris and game viewing can also be enjoyed, with the nearby Tembe Elephant National Park offering the chance to view the largest African elephants in the world. These gentle giants and many other game species such as rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species can be seen, making the reserve ideal for Big 4 safari experiences.

Kosi Bay’s proximity to the Mozambique border make travel between KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique possible for those who want to continue onwards, however visas and other travel documents may be required when crossing the border. Boat cruises are a great way to explore the bay and its various destinations.

Best Time to Visit Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay Weather

Kosi Bay temperatures range from 16°C to 25°C in winter and 23°C to 33°C in summer.

When to Go

Kosi Bay has a subtropical climate, with year-round warm weather. Summers run from November to February, and are generally very humid, with rainfall. Autumn runs from March to May, bringing warm weather with occasional rain showers. Winters are mild and dry, running from June to July. Spring is generally mild to cool, and run from September to October. Turtles come to the shores of Kosi Bay to nest during October and February, making these months ideal for Turtle Tours.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay lies on the route from KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, up to the border. International flights can be taken to Durban, with road transfers to get to the start of Kosi Bay. Travellers can also enter via Mozambique’s border.

Getting Around Kosi Bay

The best way to get around Kosi Bay is by boat, which offers a fun and simple way to explore the reserves, lakes and rivers that comprise the bay. Car travel is another good option.

Kosi Bay Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs/Currency/Money:
There are no ATMs or banks within Kosi Bay itself, so it is best to withdraw cash in Durban before leaving.

Internet Availability:
Generally, there is no internet access here, although some camps may have internet access.

Drinking Water:
Bottled water is available at the camps, or can be brought in when arriving at Kosi Bay.

Hospitals & Medical:
The closest hospitals are found in Durban, a fair distance away, but camps have very basic first aid kits for emergencies.

Visa Requirements:
Most travellers do not require a visa to enter South Africa.

Kosi Bay Map