Thobeka Lodge

Additional sanitisation and safety measures are in place for this property in response to the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) to ensure your safety and comply with standards.

KOSI BAY

The main town in Maputaland is called Kosi Bay. This is a misnomer because there is no bay and the town known as Kosi Bay is still 30 km from the coast. Kosi Bay is also known as Manguzi (or eManguzi) situated in the KwaNgwanase district. The region signposted as Kwangwanase.

Kosi Bay is a rich tapestry of lakes which borders Mozambique, has been described as the last haven of untouched African paradise. It is a wonderland of blue sea and dazzling white beaches, wetlands and lakes and reed channels, raffia palm forests and mangrove swamps. Exploring the area is only possible in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Kosi Bay – a Section of Isimangaliso

The Kosi Bay estuary system consists of a series of interconnecting channels and four lakes that flow into the sandy estuary mouth before reaching the Indian Ocean. This subtropical paradise features spectacular wildlife, birds and plants, including interesting species of mangrove and palms.  The sandy mouth offers great swimming, snorkeling and paddling for kids.

​Stretching south of the Mozambique border, the gorgeous sandy beach at Kosi Bay Nature Reserve has much to offer nature and ocean lovers.  Part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beach lies parallel to the Kosi lakes and long strip of high sand dunes interrupted by a sandy estuary. 

​Dolphin and whale watchers will be delighted by frequent sightings, particularly during winter when humpback whales migrate north to calve in the warmer Mozambique waters.

 

 

December and January is a particularly exciting time in Kosi Bay, for this is when loggerhead and leatherback turtles haul themselves up the beach to scoop out nests and lay their eggs. 

 

The local Thonga (the Tembe community) have a rich and fascinating history. Kosi Bay is famed for the traditional, woven fish traps and palisade kraals used by the community for well over 700 years – a skill passed down from generation to generation. The palisade fish kraals consist of a guide fence that curves in towards a fish trap, allowing fish easy entry but no escape. The traps are designed for small fish to escape, so there’s no major impact on the thriving fish population.

 Kosi Bay offers some of the most exciting birding opportunities in southern Africa to both local and foreign visitors. 

Access to Kosi Bay estuary and beach is a 30-minute drive. The route provides spectacular views across the fish trap dotted lake to the sea from the top of the high dunes.

Kosi Bay mouth is a conserved Coastal Forest, therefor you cannot just drive to the beach without a vehicle permit, and only 20 vehicle permits are being issued per day.

Thobeka – Just genuine African bush living

Guesthouse, Camping, Backpacking, Lodging, B&B

Set amongst big shady trees in a peaceful rural setting, Thobeka epitomises simplicity where there are no frills but genuine African bush living.  Providing self-catering accommodation and camping sites in true African style, we offer twin rooms, double rooms, dormitories and family rooms. Each room is built according to the Zulu tradition and are connected by a wooden walkway that leads to a fully fitted kitchen, hot showers and toilets, and a swimming pool.

Bring your own camping equipment and relax in the shades underneath the stars.

We provide hot showers and toilets to enjoy a hot revitalising shower after your day out to the ocean.

Our self-catering kitchen is well-stocked with cooking utensils, crockery and fridges as well as tea, coffee and sugar.

 

Beside the bar is our swimming pool should you wish to take a dip and cool off, not far from yet another cold beer.

Our braai area is located next to the pool and about three steps from the bar so you can braai, take a dip in the pool, a swig of your beer and embrace the freedom that Thobeka offers you.

Evenings at Thobeka are reliant upon what you wish to experience. You could either sit around the fire, dance around the fire, beat your African drum, tell stories, have a kitchen party or relax and gaze at the twinkling African night sky and listen to the sound of nature.

Local amenities are in close proximity to our African bush lodge where you can purchase food products, local fruit and vegetables and African souvenirs to take home with you to your family and friends. A Petrol station, Pharmacy and ATM are also in the vicinity.

Our staff, born and raised in the village, have a wealth of knowledge and experience of Zulu culture, history and the local village itself and will shower you with African hospitality that is teeming with the richness of the Mother Land providing you with an all-round authentic African experience!

Please take note that you don’t need a 4 x 4 vehicle to get to Thobeka as it is easily accessed with any city car!

• 6 km from Mangusi, the nearest town
• 14 km from the Mozambique Border
• 22 km from Kosi mouth, nearest beach
• 32 km from Ponta do Oura, Mozambique
• 45 km from Tembe Elephant Park
• 93 km from Sodwana Bay
• 157 km from Hluhluwe
• 200 km from Maputo, Mozambique
• 220 km from St. Lucia
• 254 km from Richards Bay
• 387 km from King Shaka Airport
• 414 km from Ushaka Marine World, Durban

Check Availability and Make your Online Booking:

Our activities are an amazing experience. Here in Kosi Bay you can explore the world – a beautiful blend of nature, ocean, underwater life, birdlife, lakes, forest and villages. Absolutely recommendable! We love making memories with you……

Contact us for your next Safari!

Call on 072 446 1525

Email:   info@kosi.co.za

You can contact us now (072 446 1525 or email info@kosi.co.za) for your Kosi Mouth excursion.

Call us now at 072 446 1525 or email us info@kosi.co.za to book your hiking trip through these giants.

Call us now at 072 446 1525 or email us info@kosi.co.za to learn more about the fish traps.

Give us a call at 072 446 1525 or email us at info@kosi.co.za to make reservations for your Tembe trip.

We regret but currently we do not do any horse riding activities, however you are welcome to visit our horses in their paddock! Call us to make an appointment with them 072 446 1525

Give us a call or WhatsApp at 072 446 1525 or email us at info@kosi.co.za. Tours are between 4 to 8 hours, depending on all the sites we visit. Remember to take your binoculars, camera, bird book and comfy shoes, something to eat and drink. It is going to be a long day!

Give us a call at 072 446 1525 or email us at info@kosi.co.za to make arrangements for your next boat cruise.

Give us a call at 072 446 1525 or email us at info@kosi.co.za for more information.

Give us a call at 072 446 1525 or email us at info@kosi.co.za for more information.

Turtle Tours (November – March):  Turtle tours to Bhanga Nek can be arranged through us. Give us a call at 072 446 1525. Seats are limited!

July, August, and September mean whale watching season! To experience these ethereal mammals in all their glory you will have to visit St. Lucia or Ponta do Oura in Mozambique. This activity is unfortunately not available in our area anymore, to our regret.

WE REGRET, No Quad Bikes, Jetski’s, Water skiing, Kite surfing, Wake Boarding, Barefoot Skiing, Fly boarding, Parasailing, boat tubing.

Quad Bikes are absolutely not allowed as they are off road vehicles (not licensed to be on a public road).  All the roads in our area, leading to the lakes, the lodges and private dwellings are accessed by the public and are therefore considered a public road. ​

Jetski’s, Water skiing, Kite surfing, Wake Boarding, Barefoot Skiing, Fly boarding, Parasailing, boat tubing: Not allowed on the lakes or the estuary.