The Gorgeous Lakes of Kosi Bay

 

Consisting of four interlinked lakes which creates a complex estuary system Makhawulani (1st Lake), Ku Mpungwini (2nd Lake) Ku Nhlange (3rd Lake), Amanzimnyama (4th Lake) connected by meandering channels which drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean.

 

The water of these four Lakes changes from crystal clear saltwater in the estuary through to black hippo waters in the Raffia Forest.

 

There is abundant wildlife in the wetlands including hippos, crocodile, tropical fish and bird watchers’ paradise with a variety of grassland, freshwater as well as sea bird found within the confined area. You can find the rare fish eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, pelicans to name just a few. The shallow sandbanks also attract large flocks of pink Flamingos that gather to feed.

 

A 3 Lake Boat cruise through the channels connecting the four lakes is a great way to explore the Kosi Bay Lake system. 

Going through reed channels offering an opportunity to snorkel along the Mangrove banks and to also do some fishing.

 

Kosi Bay is the only place in South Africa where the five major species of Mangrove occur.

The Isimangaliso Wetland Park provides an ideal habitat for the Mangrove ecosystem in Kosi Bay.

 

There are 5 species of Mangrove that naturally occurs.

*White Mangrove, *Black Mangrove, *Red Mangrove, *Mozambican Mangrove, *Tonga Mangrove.

A single specimen of a sixth Mangrove was also found here in Kosi Bay *Cannonball Mangrove.

 

 A guided kayaking adventure in the Kosi Bay Estuary is certainly an experience that should not be missed. The guide will take you on an educational tour through the fish kraals and the magical Mangrove Forest up the Kalo River. He will then also explain the difference between the different Mangroves.

 

🌿Mangroves are normally found in tropical climates. They are salt-resistant plants with special adaptive mechanisms for coping with conditions of high salinity. Mangrove forests provide shelter to many animals, birds and marine life.