Breath-taking Beaches
The Breath-taking Beaches of Kosi Bay
Coastal forests back onto sand dunes some of the highest forested dunes in the world which drop into the Indian Ocean forming miles upon miles of pristine beaches.
Sub-tropical, clear water and brightly coloured coral reefs.
Seawater temperatures peak in the range of 26 – 28 degrees Celsius in February and 21 – 23 degrees Celsius during winter.
Dolphin and whale watchers will be delighted by frequent sightings, particularly during winter from June until November when Humpback and South Right Whales migrate north to calve in the warmer Mozambique waters.
From November to January, you can witness a true bucket list moment as the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Directions to the Beaches
There is a maze of sandy tracks that winds through the forest providing access to the stunning beaches. This adds to your Kosi adventure holiday!
There are no signs for directions to the different beaches, therefore, it is very easy to get lost. It is advisable to book a guide, but if you intend to do a self-guided trip then download the maps with directions before going on your trip as there might be no signal.
Kosi Bay Mouth - Kosi Bay
The pristine beach, where the blue waters of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage site flow into the Indian ocean at the mouth of the Kosi Bay estuary system near the Mozambique border.
Why should Kosi Bay Mouth be on your bucket list?
Kosi Bay Mouth is where the lakes empty out into the ocean, creating a particularly unique ecosystem.
Here you find clear, warm waters and an abundance of fish that gives the area its name - the aquarium reef.
It is a shallow, rocky reef that lies within the estuary at the base of eNkovukeni forested dune and extends upstream for some 120m.
The river mouth is a unique breeding ground for marine life and is one of the best places for snorkeling.
Its relatively shallow waters make it incredibly easy to see colorful fish like:
* Moray eels * Honeycomb stingrays * Lion fish * Picasso trigger fish * yellowfin Surgeon fish * Queen Coris *Malabar * Rock cod * wrasses * Stone fish * Flutemouth * shoals of river snapper and spotted Grunter just to name a few!!
When is snorkeling at its best?
High tide sends a rush of warm, clear seawater. The clean seawater provides great visibility! Snorkeling is best and safest during this time, as the current flows upstream rather than out to sea.
Snorkelers can jump in at the start of the reef and drift along above the rocks.
Snorkeling aquarium reef is the perfect days activity for those wishing to experience the underwater world of Kosi Bay!
Make sure to book for the guided snorkeling adventure.
Perfect for first-timers and kids (from 5 years).
For the more experienced snorkeler a good way to be introduced to aquarium reef.
Black Rock Beach - Kosi Bay
Protected from the wind, turquoise warm water and a beautiful snorkelling spot, especially during low tide.
The prominent rock formation on the point gives Black Rock its name.
The snorkelling in the bay is fantastic with many species of fish to be seen. If you are into lying on the beach and tanning, Black Rock is ideal, as it is protected from the wind!
For fishermen, the bay offers excellent sea fly fishing and rock and surf angling opportunities.
Walking up the dune gives you the most beautiful view of the ocean.
We spotted dolphins and whales from this vantage point.
To get to Black Rock, you need a 4×4 vehicle.
Banga Neck - Kosi Bay
Banga Neck Beach ⛱
Kosi Bay - Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Banga Neck is in the middle of the most untouched stretches of the African coastline.
Situated in North Eastern KwaZulu-Natal, 15km south of the Mozambique border.
Banga Neck is on the Southern shore of the Kosi Bay Lake System.
This Beach is now accessible by a normal car.
A beautiful stretch of turquoise blue water perfect for swimming, snorkelling, lake and sea fishing 🎣
Guided, night turtle tours take place from Banga Neck.
This is where you can watch the female Leatherbacks and Loggerhead turtles come out of the surf to lay eggs during November to January.
Baby Turtles or hatchlings emerges at night and making for the safety of the sea during January to March.
The Isimangaliso Wetland Park includes one of only a handful of marine World Heritage sites globally that protects the beach-nesting sites of sea turtles 🐢
There is a turtle research centre based at Banga Neck. Ongoing research gets done into turtle behaviour and characteristics.
The warm Indian ocean water of Isimangaliso shores are home to five of the world's seven turtle species. The green hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles.
But only the Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles breed in these waters and lay their eggs on these shores.
Viewing these magnificent creatures will be once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten!
