It is exactly in the Maputuland of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that the Kosi Bay which is a series of four interlinked lakes is located. The lakes are a part of the ISimangalisa Wetland Park which is counted as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This estuary is just 2 kilometers away from the Mozambique border. In South Africa., it is one of the quietest beaches. Owing to the crystal-clear clarity of the water and the variety of fish species which is found in abundance, the Kosi River Mouth is popularly known as ‘the aquarium’.
The four large lakes and a series of channels that is interconnected together constitutes the Kosi Bay system which eventually drains its way through a sandy estuary down to the Indian Ocean. A strip of forested sand dunes separates the lakes from the ocean. This system is considered to be the best preserved estuary system on Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa.
One of the characteristic features of the Kosi Bay system is the grassland interspersed with the lakes, streams, pans, marshes and swamps of which the swamp forests that are found in this area are the largest in the whole country. In South Africa, it is the exclusive area, and of course one of the few places in the whole world where five different species of Mangrove are found at the same place, which also adds to its uniqueness.
Since the Kosi Bay is home to around 250 species of birds, it will truly be a visual treat to any nature lover, as they are sure to get a close view of all species of living beings at the same spot. The hippopotamus, water mongoose and claw-less otter, the most dominant mammals, and the rare species of birds that include the Fluff tail, White backed Night Heron and the Crab Plover give good photogenic scenes. The Palm nut Vulture which needs special mention, as it is the only vulture in the whole world that feeds on fruits, are also found in large groups. So, anything and everything is special here!