Kosi Forest Lodge was the first of three properties that we would be staying at that fall under the banner of Isibindi Africa. A combination of beach and bush that will satisfy both my wife and me. What should have been a relatively straight forward drive from Pongola turned out to be longer than expected. This was due to me taking not one, but two incorrect roads and adding unexpected travelling time to the journey. But it turned out to be an adventure rather than a hardship and it all ended well when we drove into the garage in Kosi Bay to await our pickup. (Given the state of the road that we SHOULD have been on, the longer one was, in the end, the better choice.)
It was a 20-minute ride from the pick-up point to the lodge. In retrospect our Subaru (which is an all-wheel-drive vehicle) could have handled the sand road that leads from the R22 to the lodge) A multitude of Blood Lillies added a splash of colour to the predominant shades of green of the vegetation at the lodge.
Why does the first walk always seem to take so long? Our accommodation was buried deep in the sand forest and walks to and from the main reception area were useful to walk off the meals that we enjoyed. That being said, if long walks are NOT what you are looking for, then there are chalets that are closer to the main reception and dining area.
Lit by the early morning sun, this is chalet 2, which was our home for the duration of our stay. With a wall of sound from the cicadas in the surrounding trees, when there was momentary quiet, it was the lack of noise that was deafening and that added to the overall experience.
Just so that we did not have to walk ALL the way back to the main lounge for a cup of tea or coffee, this was a very welcome addition to our chalet.
And a comfortable bed and great linen was the cherry on top. Not that we spent much time here. There was too much to see and do, and too little time to cram it all in. A minimum stay of two nights is recommended.
There are several activities on offer, some that are within walking distance, like this bird hide where my cameras and I spend the early morning hours during our stay.
Tucked away down a cool winding path, the hide overlooks a small “bird bath” that attracted several interesting species that I had not seen before.
Many of the resident KZN species, like this Dark-backed Weaver, are not found in Gauteng or the Lowveld.
Looking like a hand-hewn calabash, this had been opened, eaten and discarded by one of the local species and the forest floor was littered with them.
Can you hear banjo music? You can if you are old enough to remember the movie ‘Deliverance’ with Burt Reynolds which was released in 1972. Under the expert guidance of guide Jerome, my wife and I enjoyed a leisurely paddle along some of the waterways that link the Lakes together. Actually, if I am to be honest, we enjoyed the scenery, while Jerome did all the paddling!
Sunset over the wetlands on the western side of the Lodge. Here the cry of sea birds mingled with the grunting of a small pod of hippos that were preparing to leave the water to forage on the banks during the hours of darkness. This view can be enjoyed all day long from the safety of the deck that surrounds the swimming pool.
An evening would not be complete without a fire to keep us company in the Boma as we enjoyed our evening meal.
Even though his engaging and contagious smile is hidden behind a mask, the twinkle in his eyes says it all. The General Manager, Blessing, was a pleasure to deal with and NOTHING was too much trouble. If you are looking for a break with a difference, then spending time here comes highly recommended.
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