KOSI FOREST LODGE
A new era begins in our enchanted hiding place.
journey to an ancient land
A WATER WONDERLAND OF LAKES AND FORESTS
Enter a magical waterworld of lakes, Raphia forests and the home of the only fruit-eating vulture in the world. Feel the soft white sand between your toes and the shade of the peaceful forests, listen to the call of the fish eagle, embrace the warm welcome from our staff and know that you have left the stress of your busy life behind.
YOURS TO DISCOVER
Kosi Forest Lodge is situated within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, giving you the opportunity to experience exclusive, close encounters with the untouched African wilderness. The lodge is surrounded by untold biodiversity and beauty.
A NEW ERA
Kosi Forest Lodge is now an independant brand. This is more than just a change in branding, it’s a heartfelt move toward empowering the local people who have helped make your Kosi experience so special.
Isibindi will continue to support and guide Kosi Forest Lodge during this transition as it moves away from the Isibindi brand. This transition honours the longstanding relationship between the lodge and the local community who have played a vital role in its success. The shift toward including a local shareholder reflects our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, ensuring that the benefits of travel are shared more equitably with those who have helped build this magical experience.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
- John Muir
FOREST LODGE
A warm, romantic ambience reminiscent of wild Africa
Rooms
8 Tent-style thatched forest rooms nestle under wide milkwood trees
RATES
As seasons change
SPECIAL OFFERS
Share in our collection of special offers
EXPERIENCES
Raphia Palm forest walks, birding, turtle tracking, lake boat trips, excursions to Kosi Mouth, fishing and Canoeing
HONEYMOONS
Forest Romance
GALLERY
A visual journey
FOR FAMILIES
A forest and lake adventure for the whole family
WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION
Fascinating creatures live here. Find out more about wildlife and conservation in iSimangaliso wetland park
The Area
Explore the beauty of the Zulu Kingdom and the Elephant coast
COMMUNITY
Kosi Forest Lodge is built on community-minded conservation, which means that the people, flora and fauna of a place, are an inherent part of the beauty and the sustainability of that place.
LOCATION
Kosi Forest Lodge is situated within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, giving you the opportunity to experience exclusive, close encounters with the untouched African wilderness.
A 4x4 vehicle is required to get to Kosi Forest Lodge. We offer twice daily 4x4 transfers from Manguzi (KwaNgwanasi). See our Location page for detailed directions.
S27° 01’ 43.00” E32° 47’13.00”
Connecting to our eco-conscious community
Our purpose drives us all, we are committed to incorporating eco-conscious systems and initiatives wherever possible, this includes:
Removing single use plastics which includes replacing plastic water bottles with a reusable bottle for each guest
Investing in solar energy
Creating micro-economies in neighbouring communities to supply our lodge
Refusing to serve seafood that is not ethically harvested
GUEST REVIEWS
“A spectacular enchanting forest getaway that will have you living high on the hog!”
What a spectacular place! The barefoot luxury and passionate friendly staff had us living high on the hog for sure! This enchanting hideaway is located near the Northern gateway of Isimangaliso Wetland Park which is a UNESCO World Protected Wetland Area. There are so many adventures available at the Lodge...and best of all...most are included in your stay. We went on a forest walk and canoed in the Kosi Bay lake system. Unfortunately, we were only there 2 days which didn't give us enough time to explore all the other activities. Best of all, this lodge is conservation and community oriented, giving many benefits to the Zulu people. So while enjoying yourself in this little paradise, you can feel good about it!
In addition, our forest and canoeing guide Phiqa was AMAZING! He was so knowledgeable about the forest and lake systems and taught us so much. Plus he made us feel really safe when we were with him. Honestly, I was a nervous wreck with the idea of canoeing in waters with hippos and crocs but Phiqa took away my fears which allowed me to really enjoy my time on the beautiful and pristine waters of the lake.
I highly recommend Kosi Forest Lodge. The lodge and its employees more than lived up to its name...because guests are definitely made to feel welcome, cozy, and safe!
Sue T
Stayed August 2024
”Unspoilt magic“
It’s rare to return to a place after twenty years and find its magic remains unspoilt, Kosi Bay is a gem and Kosi Forest Lodge is the perfect base to explore its treasures. The river mouth has been battered by the cyclone but there’s still a lot of fish life to see- juvenile devil fire fish, huge schools of grunter and mullet, large families of geometric eels, and fish galore. Thank you to Blessing, Thulani and the KFL staff for a wonderful holiday. The food was exceptional, The warm welcome and friendly service was authentic. We hope to be back soon.
Martin & Dusty Donnelly
South Africa
Stayed Apr 2024
“Wonderful stay”
We really enjoyed our stay at Kosi Forest Lodge. The lodge offers a real bush feeling and the room we had, was very clean. We also loved the outdoor shower. Meals were served outdoors and were really delicious! In the evenings oil lamps lead the way to your chalet and a turning down service is done. We did the Raffia Palm walk, the canoe trip and the boat trip to the lakes and Bangha Nek. All three activities were great fun and the guides Paqa and George were very informative and funny.
But what makes this lodge so special is the truly friendly and hospitable staff: the managers Thandeka and Blessing, the waitresses, the room attendants, the kitchen staff, the gardeners and the guides. They made you feel so welcome and nothing was too much trouble for them.
Thank you to all of you for a memorable stay!
Ilyv2014
Mol, Belgium
Stayed April 2019
”Exceptional“
Jayselle
Paris, France
Stayed March 2021
”We were so impressed!!“
We have just spent two nights at Kosi Forest Lodge and I cannot rave enough. Blessing, Thulani and their team will ensure a phenomenal stay! From the cool towels on arrival, to their continuous attention to detail. I'd highly recommend George for excursions- the estuary kayak is quite something to do- peaceful but beautiful. The pool is ideal - perfect depth, great views for sunsets especially. Sunloungers overlooking the estuary. Dinner under the stars with the most incredible food- compliments to the chef- just leave the diet at home. Outdoor bathrooms. Bird hide to walk to- the bird life is quite something. We were so very impressed with Forest Lodge.
Lotter
South Africa
Stayed Nov 2020
”Fabulous Family Stay“
This was a return visit for us, which our children insisted on. There is something special about having evening cocktails at the pool with hippo snorting in the water just below. The outings are all fabulous with the boat trip on the lake system and snorkeling outings being firm favourites. If you have never seen turtles coming out to lay their eggs on the beach, that is also a really special experience (Nov-Feb). The staff at the lodge are incredibly friendly and really accommodating.
Elize2024
Stayed Jan 2024
“Excellent birding destination”
We were treated to outstanding service by the lodge. The food was very good and the staff went the extra mile to give me a birthday dinner around a boma fire and sang beautifully. Our guide for the week was George and he had the sharpest eye when it came to birding. He went out of his way to show us around the lakes by boat and canoe and took us snorkeling at the mouth of the estuary. As far as the birding goes we saw 22 'lifers' which surpassed our expectations. Highly recommended.
AdrienneLubbe
Johannesburg South Africa
Stayed Feb 2024
“Kosi Bay Forest Lodge Excellence”
Everything about our three-night stay was excellent: the remoteness and beauty of the lodge; the incredible kindness and attention-to-detail of the staff; the fabulous food; and the thrilling activities led by professional, caring and engaging guides.
