Kosi Bay marks the northern terminus of the Route22 route, a short drive from the Mozambique border. It's a magical system of four interlinked lakes running down to a crystal-clear estuary mouth, famous for snorkelling and for the 400-year-old traditional fish traps still worked by hand today.
Snorkelling the Kosi Mouth
The Kosi Mouth is often called a natural aquarium — snorkelling in the clear, shallow estuary where the lakes meet the sea lets you drift among tropical reef fish, all within the protection of iSimangaliso. It's one of the most memorable things to do on the whole Elephant Coast.
The traditional fish traps
Kosi Bay's iconic fish traps are a 400-year-old system of hand-built kraals in the estuary, still used by local Thonga families under traditional rights. Guided tours explain this living heritage and make for extraordinary photographs at sunrise and sunset.
The four lakes, turtles & getting there
Beyond the mouth, the four lakes offer boating, birding and fishing, and summer nights bring turtle tours to see nesting loggerheads and leatherbacks. Access to the mouth is 4x4-only, so many visitors book a guided transfer — compare lodges, camps and guides in the Route22 directory.
Planning a visit to Kosi Bay?
Find lodges, camps, tours and activities near Kosi Bay in the Route22 directory — or list your own business on the route.