Kosi Forest Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Kosi Forest Lodge

There are very few truly unspoilt places left in the world. The area surrounding Kosi Forest Lodge is one of them. Conscious of the privilege we have of being situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, Kosi Forest Lodge has been created in an eco-conscious way, using nature as our guide. Our tent-style thatched forest rooms nestle under wide milkwood trees, with thoughtful attention to blending into this pristine indigenous sand forest environment.
The lodge facilities are designed to enhance your experience of the exquisite wilderness. To help you make the most of the natural surroundings throughout your stay, the common and private facilities at the lodge are focused on getting you to observe and explore nature as you go about your day. We take full advantage of Maputaland’s sultry weather, and most meals are served al fresco under a canopy of magnificent trees.
5 reasons to visit:
1.) Flame lamps will guide you along a soft, sandy path to cosy forest rooms, where you’ll encounter a unique ‘glamping’ experience. Bathing under open African skies, by soft, flickering lighting from paraffin lamps, is one for the bucket list. Screened simply by reed walls, the outdoor bathrooms at Kosi Forest Lodge are set in a sand forest under ancient milkwood trees. Guests can look forward to a luxurious bath like no other amid the fragrance of the forest.
2.) Kosi Forest Lodge is a twitcher’s paradise, with a myriad of enthusiastic feathered friends welcoming you to the soft sand forest. The rich and diverse birdlife in this region comprises forest, riverine, coastal and grassland birds. Birdwatching can be done your entire time at the lodge, not only on organised outings. Whether sipping sundowners at the edge of the pool or strolling by lamplight through the indigenous sand forest to dinner at the fireside boma, you are acutely aware of the privilege of being surrounded by an extensive array of birds. Some of our rare birds are Pel’s fishing owl, palm-nut vulture and nerina trogon.
3.) The Raffia palm is the largest palm in the world, making the unique Raffia forest feel as otherworldly as it is remote. Guests can enjoy early morning or late afternoon guided walks through the magnificent forest, an activity included in the room rate. Listen out for the abundant birdcalls and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare palm-nut vulture which is regularly seen in the forest canopy. Our experienced and passionate guides will delight in showing you all that this pristine natural area has to offer.
4.) Apart from appreciating the hush of the forest setting, there are plenty of activities at the lodge, including boating day trips to the Kosi Lakes and beach, excursions to Kosi Bay mouth to snorkel and observe traditional spiral reed fishing methods.
5.) Kosi Forest Lodge is an initiative that was borne of a collaboration between Isibindi Africa Lodges and the local community. The community named and established the uMvubu (hippopotamus) Community Project in partnership with the lodge. This organisation prides itself on the establishment of clinics and health care services, school support, care of orphaned and vulnerable children and conservation education. The uMvubu Community Project has had a significant impact on the surrounding communities, and guests at Kosi Forest Lodge can feel inspired and assured that they are travelling with purpose by supporting the project.