African Sands Blog

Kosi Bay Trail in Maputaland, South Africa  is a fantastic trail to do, because it is so secluded and is still in pristine condition! You can only access this trail via 4 x 4 vehicle and by hiking from camp to camp you can see many of the biospheres that make this area special.

Region: Maputaland

Trail Type: Hiking Trail

Duration: 5 Days

Layout: One Way

Difficulty: Ranges depending on your fitness level as hikes can be tailored to your fitness

Fitness: Good
THE TRAIL:

Walk through swamp and sand forests, savanna, wetlands and beaches in a remote region of Maputaland. At each camp you will experience a different feel and may take part in various optional activities. The routes are flexible and different lodges are used to tailor-make this trail to suit the needs and fitness levels of each group. Since a typical day involves only three or four hours’ walking, hikers can also try activities like canoeing and horse riding, take a turtle tour or boat cruise. This makes it an expereience rather than just a hike. Be prepared to relax and enjoy!

IMPORTANT POINTS:

The different camps are managed by different tour operators, and you may choose to be hosted and spoilt by having them cater for you too. This sort of hiking is now commonly referred to as slack-packing and it certainly beats lugging all your food and cooking utensils along with you on the trail, making it easier for you to hike and explore your scenic surroundings at ease.  

At Maputaland Bush Camp your hosts offer a hint of Belgian cuisine.
At Amanzimyama Camp you get a feel of the real hiking trail with open fire kitchen dishes.
Kosi Bay Lodge has self catering facilities and a restaurant on the premises.

The Kosi Bay Hiking Trail is a four day guided trail in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal in a coastal area called Maputaland. This coastal area is a proclaimed marine reserve and is well known as a place where giant turtles come and lay their eggs, usually in early November. The trail is guided by a member of the local community who is well trained, to make sure that the hikers don’t get lost and don’t destroy any of the delicate environment that they walk through. There are also plenty of Hippo in the lake system and they could cause a few problems if a hiker does not know how to handle the situation. It all adds to the fun and excitement giving you a true taste of Africa!

Please note that this is a malaria area, you would need to consult your local GP prior to travel.

SUGGESTED SLACKPACKER TRAIL
Day 1: Arrival in Manguzi Town at Tourism Information (opposite the Total Garage) – Transfer to start camp with 4×4 – Sundowners – Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast – Morning hike – Lunch – Optional afternoon activity: Canoe – Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast – Morning hike – Lunch – Optional afternoon activity: Snorkel – Lake Boat cruise – Dinner – Seasonal Activity: Turtles
Day 4: Breakfast – Morning hike – Lunch – Optional afternoon activity: Snorkellingf or Horse riding – Dinner
Day 5: Departure – Transfer back to Manguzi Town with 4×4

Enjoy yourself!

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