Full Board
With this option meals are included in the price.
Escape to Kosi is your personal guide and trip organizer who can reveal the hidden gems in the area that you'd otherwise miss to ensure an unforgettable holiday.
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Please note that you will not pay more by either booking Holiday Accommodation or any of the Activities and Excursions from Escape to Kosi. I earn a small commission from the lodge owners and tour operators for marketing their lodges and activities on my website.
Please book your holiday accommodation, activity or excursions via the Booking page or contact me directly at 0780523142
Full-Board
The following Lodges have Full Board available:
Kosi Forest Lodge
Kosi Bay - Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Deep in the forest overlooking Lake Shengeza lies Kosi Forest Lodge, an enchanting wilderness retreat.
Kosi Forest Lodge is situated within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first heritage site. The Lodge is eco-conscious, using nature as the guide and offering guests the unique opportunity to explore the Wetland environment in guided canoes and vehicles.
Flame lamps will guide you along a soft sandy path to cozy forest rooms where you can encounter a unique glamping experience. The forest rooms are nestled under milkwood trees, with thoughtful attention to blending into the pristine indigenous sand forest environment.
All rooms have both romantic outdoor bathroom Bomas as well as en-suite indoor showers. Bath under open African skies by soft flickering lighting from paraffin lamps.
This lodge is also an idyllic honeymoon destination offering the bridal couple a romantic haven of calm after a busy wedding.
Laze at the pool that overlooks Lake Shengeza with a cool drink in hand while watching the resident pod of hippos down below in the lake.
The tucked away forest Boma plays host to extra special dining experiences. Meals are served around the wooden deck Boma, where a crackling fire is lit in the evening. Buffet breakfasts and luncheons are served in the covered dining area, where you’ll also find a 24/7 tea and coffee station with delicious homemade biscuits.
Thonga Beach Lodge - Maputaland Coast
Kosi Bay - Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Escape to a place of miracle and wonder!
Thonga Beach Lodge is uniquely set on the sparkling shores of the Maputaland Coast.
Part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is situated deep in this wilderness of white beaches, blazing corals and freshwater lakes.
Thonga's 12 eco-sensitive rooms are positioned to create minimal environmental impact and afford maximum privacy.
You’ve got a choice of ocean or forest views with the deluxe ocean view rooms sporting private plunge pools.
• Dining
Outdoor & indoor dining area
• Bar
Fully stocked bar where delicious cocktails and speciality coffees are served.
• Beach deck
Situated just above the dunes, where you can enjoy ice-cold drinks on wooden loungers overlooking the ocean.
• Wi-Fi Lounge
Comfortable lounge area with a selection of books and board games to keep you entertained.
• Spa
Two indoor treatment rooms and a private outdoor treatment area in the forest, which caters for couples’ treatments.
Activities
Guests are offered an authentic array of exciting experiences with something for every adventurer, nature lover and max-relaxer.
Turtle tracking, bird watching, snorkelling, fishing, Tsonga cultural tours, guided forest walks, sundowners on Lake Sibaya and Kayaking on Lake Sibaya.
Scuba diving - at Thonga Beach is phenomenal with reefs located only a short distance from the Lodge. Shoals of game fish, sharks and schools of bottlenose dolphins are often encountered. All enthusiasts are welcome from the beginner to the veteran. Scuba training is also available at our PADI Dive Centre.
Open ocean experience – An exciting launch through the surf, takes you beyond the breakers where you can experience the beauty of the ocean. Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful coastline where dolphins and whale sharks swim freely.
South Africa’s most pristine wilderness beach Lodge awaits you!
Big SkiesCamp - Maputaland
Kosi Bay - Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Big Skies Camps are situated just 4 km from the exquisite snorkelling site of Lala Nek Beach.
Boasting with breathtaking view of the coastal forest and ocean on the border of Isimangaliso Wetland Park.
Here Big Skies operate three community and nature- focused Lodges, each with a unique experience.
The open airy location lends itself today dreaming, while kids can burn of their excess energy in safety.
Providing everything for the ideal family and friend holiday.
The accommodation is luxurious with a unique blend of comfort and adventure.
When the ocean calls a short 4x4 drive brings guests to endless beaches, rock pools and all the wildlife spotting possibilities that Maputaland offers.
Big Skies - ️Ubunye Camp
This camp is designed to be comfortable and capture the essence of camping.
The canvas walls let the peaceful outdoor sounds seep in, a pergola and outdoor deck create a serene morning spot.
This is Maputaland bliss.
️Accommodation
4 x Comfort rooms with spacious bedrooms that can be set up with 2x twin beds or 1 king size bed
En-suite with an indoor and outdoor shower
Ceiling and standing fan
Mosquito nets
Linen, bath and beach towels provided
Sweeping views of the rolling green hills and the gentle sound of crashing waves define our intimate communal space at Ubunye.
Bar nook offers a wide range of interesting wines and cocktails
Open plan living kitchen creates a warm and social experience
An airy lounge and dining space to enjoy warm coastal days and nights.
Small plunge swimming pool and loungers
Detached lounge for watching the sunset through the Ubombo mountain range
"Take and leave" bookshelf
Board game library
Spa and wellness center treatments are available at an extra cost.
Rates From R3 410 per person per night
Big Skies - Gugs Camp
️Accommodation
7x medium rooms with en-suite bedrooms with 2 x ¾ beds.
1x Family room that has 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom.
Ceiling and standing fan
Linen, bath and beach towels provided
The Big Skies Gugs communal space:
Reclaimed Bar (built from the wood of the old camp and reclaimed scrap metal)
Open air lounge area
"Take and leave" bookshelf
Forest boma area
Wellness deck
Shared swimming pool with Loungers
Rates from R2 500 per person per night (children 2 – 14years R1 400 pppn)
️Offering at Ubunye and Gugs includes 3 vegetarian meals a day and selected drinks.
Sustainably, locally caught fish have been introduced into some of our meals.
️The following activities are included at Ubunye and Gugs:
Scorpion walk-in camp.
Short walk around camp learning about indigenous fruits, trees and plants.
a community excursion which includes a shisha nyama,
a tour of an injemane (palm wine) “bar” and a fireside oral history told by a village elder taking place at the community centre we have built called “Hlabezimhlophe”;
a boat cruise which includes a guided explanation of the lake system, a fish braai and a snorkel in the mangroves.
Beach day which includes setup, packed picnic, and snorkel.
and finally, sundowners up at the old fire watchtower looking over the KwaMpukane community and into the Lebombo mountain range.
️The following is excluded:
Turtle activities (seasonal)
Spa treatments
Selected drinks
Gratuities
Transfers between Manguzi and either Ubunye or Gugs, for guests who do not have their own 4x4 vehicles to access the camps directly.
Big Skies - Research Camp
Originally designed as a researcher’s retreat for delving into Maputaland's rich ecological and cultural tapestry, Research now welcomes guests seeking an exclusive, self-catered escape.
Perfect to book out for groups of up to 8 guests:
4x 2 sleeper tented cabins with ¾ beds (sleeping 8)
En-suite bathrooms
Fully equipped kitchen
Cleaning included
From: R12 000 per day for the entire camp
Access requires a 4x4 vehicle, for other vehicles, secure parking is available in Manguzi with scheduled transfers to the camp provided by our community partner at an additional cost.
There is an airstrip 20 minutes from the camp.
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge
Kosi Bay - Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Situated on a hillside with magnificent views overlooking the kwa-Mazambane reserve and 3rd lake can be seen from some of the rooms.
Thembe Eco Lodge offers self-catering accommodation and camping.
There are eight self-catering units, six of the units can sleep four people (a double bed and a bunker bed)
Two of the units can sleep two people (double beds)
Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, and patio with braai facility where guests can sit and watch the most beautiful African sunrises and sunsets.
The campsites are located under huge Marula trees, each with its own braai, table, light, and PowerPoint.
There’s a fenced pool and a play park for children, this is where kids can burn off their excess energy in safety.
The entire Lodge has a well-kept lawn and a range of plants which all compliment the natural feel of the surrounding nature, hence the “Eco” in the name.
The Lodge is wheelchair and pet friendly, however, guests are reminded that no animals are allowed on the Beaches as it is part of Isimangaliso Wetland Park and is a protected area.
*Pet sitting facilities are available.
Thembe Eco Lodge is ideal for fishermen, families, groups, and businessmen and for anyone who wants to relax and refocus.
Chinderera Eco Lodge
Kosi Bay - Northern KwaZulu-Natal
This private lodge specializes in catering exclusively for between two to six guests.
Perfect for a romantic getaway!
It is nestled peacefully in the dappled shade of majestic indigenous trees in the Kosi Bay sand forest.
Chinderera Ecolodge offers you a touch of rustic Africa blended into the beautiful coastal forest.
The chalets are secluded amongst the trees, ensuring privacy, peace and tranquillity.
The rustic luxury of the spacious interiors, large surrounding open windows, and handcrafted furniture, with en-suite, open-air bathrooms, all combine to delight and invite guests to immerse themselves in the nature that surrounds them.
The chalets are named after great African rivers.
Lualaba and Rufiji each offer a queen-size bed. Chalet Rufiji has a family extension accommodating 2 single beds. Each unit has an outside balcony.
You have an option of bed and breakfast or full board.
You can relax in the coffee lounge while enjoying a range of African blend coffees.
It will be your choice if you want to use the uncapped Wi-Fi, where you have full reception throughout the entire lodge and rooms.
At the restaurant, you can enjoy a unique Afro-fusion menu.
The dishes hail from around the continent of Africa.
Sip on a glass of wine while relaxing around a lovely open fire while listening to soothing African music.
Kosi Bay offers visitors a wide range of activities.
Guests are encouraged to book in for at least 3 nights to allow 2 full days to explore the area and appreciate the diversity.
Some of the activities have been custom designed in collaboration with the local Tsonga people and are available only to Chinderera guests.
Leave behind the daily hustle and bustle of life, and come and enjoy the relaxing pace of the African bush at Chinderera Eco Lodge...