forest lodge a place left as nature intended
There are very few truly unspoilt places left in the world. The area surrounding Kosi Forest Lodge is one of them. Conscious of the privilege we have of being situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, Kosi Forest Lodge has been created in an eco-conscious way, using nature as our guide.
A natural connection
There are so many reasons to escape to Kosi Forest Lodge - the unparalleled beauty and wilderness of the natural surroundings, the chance to completely relax and get away from it all and the time to connect with what’s truly important in life.
Discover an ancient land
Listen out for the abundant birdcalls and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare palm-nut vulture which is regularly seen in the forest canopy. Our experienced and passionate guides will delight in showing you all that this pristine natural area has to offer.
Cuisine
Isibindi Africa's group chef Carl leads an innovative culinary team that is the source of much acclaim, not only for their sumptuous cuisine which will delight your palate while nourishing your body, but also for the ethical and sustainable philosophy which underpins how everything is sourced and prepared behind the scenes.
FACILITIES AT THE LODGE
The lodge facilities are designed to enhance your experience of the exquisite wilderness. To help you make the most of the natural surroundings throughout your stay, the common and private facilities at the lodge are focused on getting you to observe and explore nature as you go about your day. We take full advantage of Maputaland’s sultry weather, and most meals are served al fresco under a canopy of magnificent trees.
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Dining
Your breakfast and luncheon are served in the covered dining area, where you’ll also find a 24/7 tea and coffee station with delicious homemade biscuits. You’ll enjoy most of our generous and flavourful meals on the outdoor dining deck.
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Bar
Our well-stocked bar serves all your usual favourites against the backdrop of the forest and lake.
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Main Lodge
A massive Zulu podberry tree is the focal point of the main lodge with the lounge, dining room and bar all opening onto a large wooden deck around the tree.
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SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool overlooks Lake Shengeza. While away the afternoon cooling off, sipping on your favourite drink while watching the resident pod of hippos.
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OUTDOOR BOMA
Meals are often served in our forest boma, where a crackling fire is lit in the evenings. We usually serve a traditional South African braai showcasing typical local cuisine
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Walking Path
Enjoy a pleasant, easy walk through the grassland and forest that surrounds the lodge.
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OUTDOOR BATHROOMS
Completely private, our outdoor bathrooms under the trees are a Kosi Forest Lodge highlight. Lie back, relax and feel truly at one with the soothing sights, sounds and smells of the surrounding sand forest..
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BIRD HIDE
Our bird hide attracts a variety of species.
Gallery
journey with purpose
Kosi Forest Lodge works closely with the Mnyayisa community. Partnering with women from the this community the Isibindi Foundation has established and funded the Vulindlela Vegetable Garden. Zululand Nurseries in Eshowe has partnered with us to create this large scale commercial vegetable garden and all the infrastructure required in a project like this. The project will supply this community with fresh produce. It will serve as a source of income for this co-op. The lodge will also be buying their produce from the vegetable garden. Monthly litter clean ups in the Kosi Lake system have been undertaken for many years.
journey with purpose
Kosi Forest Lodge works closely with the Mnyayisa community. Partnering with women from the this community the Isibindi Foundation has established and funded the Vulindlela Vegetable Garden. Zululand Nurseries in Eshowe has partnered with us to create this large scale commericial vegetable garden and all the infrastructure required in a project like this. The project will suppy this comnunity with fresh produce. It will serve as a source of income for this co-op. The lodge will also be buying their produce from the vegetable garden. Monthly litter clean ups in the Kosi Lake system have been undertaken for many years.
GUEST REVIEWS
”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
”We want to thank you for the MOST amazing time away!!“
Greg Sue Jadon Luke and Eden
Stayed May 2021
”Well worth visiting“
Brendon Small
November 2021
”A bird lovers dream spot !“
Luan Anderson
Stayed October 2021
“Really special weekend”
Amazing staff, forest rooms felt like we were waking up in a fairytale, food was incredible and such a romantic atmosphere.
Highly recommend it and would love to go back! I wish our stay was longer. Loved every moment.
Neil
South Africa
Stayed Feb 2021
“Kosi Forest Lodge is amazing”
Kosi Forest Lodge was beyond expectation! We were provided an amazing welcome and dinner even though we arrived late. They went above and beyond at every step - allowing us to have lunch by the pool, adjusting the canoe trip to meet our family needs. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a weekend away. Also the baby turtles and momma turtles were amazing during the turtle trek.
lbbarland
Mbabane, Eswatini (Swaziland)
Stayed January 2020
“Get in touch with yourself in total peace and quiet”
If its peace and quiet you want then Kosi Forest Lodge is the place to go! The rooms are tucked away in seclusion down winding paths which are lit by torches at night. The only sounds are the insects, frogs and birds. The meals were served by lovely ladies and it was a real pleasure to have no clattering and noise from the kitchen.
The staff at Kosi were outstanding, very helpful and the guides were knowledgeable and competent. The canoe trip was a treat, our guide and oarsman was superb and I could have stayed in the canoe all day just soaking in the beauty and peace.
U736EOsuer
Stayed December 2019
“Amazing experience”
Wonderful and cosy lodge lost in the jungle with lovely staff. The food is delicious, a great surprise for us. The full day spent on the lake with RASTA to meet Hippos and Flamingos was a wonder experience.
Sti33
Stayed November 2019
“Total relaxation”
We had a wonderful stay at Kosi Forest Lodge in October. We were collected from a nearby town as the lodge really is in the middle of nowhere. The lodges are small but nicely furnished and in beautiful tranquil settings.
The food is excellent with very large portions of fresh food.
The staff go out of their way to make your stay special. There are great trips including canoeing on the lakes.
It takes a while to get used to the limited Wi-fi but is a great excuse for a digital detox.
We had a great stay and would highly recommend this location to those who love nature, peace and quiet.
Col and Ali
London, United Kingdom
Stayed October 2019
“Huge thanks”
A huge thanks to Blessing, Thulani, Mary and ALL the staff at Kosi Forest Lodge for a most enjoyable, memorable experience! We are so grateful to have had the privilege to visit Kosi Forest Lodge, to meet all those wonderful souls at the lodge and get to know a little bit more about the area, the people and wildlife. The food was excellent – thank you so much for all the trouble you went to, especially with the outstanding New Year’s Eve meal. We were truly sad when we left this morning – always a sign that a place and its people have crept deep into our hearts. We’ll be back, and next time, we’re adding Thonga Beach Lodge to the itinerary!
Marlise & Mias
South Africa
Stayed Jan 2021
“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.
