Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp
Unnamed Road At gate of the Isimangaliso Park, Kosi Bay 3973 South Africa
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#1 of 4 lodges in Kosi Bay
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Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge offers a rustic beach lodge atmosphere with a touch of luxury. It is a community partnership project of skills sharing and a life of purpose. The lodge is situated at the entrance of the Isimangaliso Wetland Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site) a short distance from the Kosi Bay Mouth of the estuary. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches and superb snorkeling at the mouth. Night time Turtle Tours (mid Nov - mid March is a bucket-list item. In addition, activities on the spectacular lake and estuary system includes a three-lake boat cruise, kayak tours on the estuary, fish trap tour of the ancestral Tonga fish kraals, hiking and birding. Accommodation options range from luxurious Tusker Tented Suites, Hippo Chalets and permanent en-suit Turtle Tents to campsites. The catering kitchen will provide you with all your meal needs. Meals can be booked in advance. We proud ourselves in being a community owned project and a eco friendly establishment run by solar and battery power.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Pool
Bar / lounge
Canoeing
Diving
BBQ facilities
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Hiking
Snorkelling
Fishing
Walking tours
Outdoor furniture
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Location
Unnamed Road At gate of the Isimangaliso Park, Kosi Bay 3973 South Africa
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Detailed Reviews
This locally run campsite is top class! Lovely big sites under gorgeous, old trees. (The sites are very sandy, but that's the substrate here - it's practically at the beach!) Excellent facilities (wifi, pool etc) but no kitchen for campers. Spotless ablutions, staff friendly and willing to go the extra mile.
Be aware that getting to the beach in a vehicle (2km) requires 4x4 and a permit (R80 once off, available in camp. The Rhino card applies but your permit gets issued at the KZN Wildlife office on lake 3, so save the petrol and just get it here.)
Snorkeling at the mouth is incredible, but definitely better around HIGH tide (about an hour or two either side).
And our top experience was visiting the fish traps, organized through Vusi (get his number at reception) where the kids got to spear the fish, followed by a fish braai and palm wine. At R250pp it's an experience you can't have anywhere else in the world!
It is well with the effort to get to this far flung corner of our beautiful country.
Be aware that getting to the beach in a vehicle (2km) requires 4x4 and a permit (R80 once off, available in camp. The Rhino card applies but your permit gets issued at the KZN Wildlife office on lake 3, so save the petrol and just get it here.)
Snorkeling at the mouth is incredible, but definitely better around HIGH tide (about an hour or two either side).
And our top experience was visiting the fish traps, organized through Vusi (get his number at reception) where the kids got to spear the fish, followed by a fish braai and palm wine. At R250pp it's an experience you can't have anywhere else in the world!
It is well with the effort to get to this far flung corner of our beautiful country.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in a Tusker tent as a family of four. The general area is simply stunning. The camp/lodge offer local guides to show you around the incredible area, it’s a must. The camp sites looked great. We were on a slack-packing hike so they also provided food, which was of a good quality (albeit mostly stew-based traditional SA food when seafood wouldn’t probably work better). The lodge was very clean and the local people incredibly friendly and helpful, we felt super safe and never locked anything. The staff was friendly and efficient, though the manager Enoch was a bit aloof and didn’t go out of his way to help. We hired a local birding guide Ricky (not part of the lodge) and he was absolutely superb.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were so delighted with this place. Just beautiful!
We stayed in the Tusker Suite Tents. They were beautifully decorated, clean and spacious. The fan provided in the tent was more than enough to fend off the heat. We arrived at 11am and it was already 38C, but the tent was well positioned under a tree and was really pleasant and not hot at all! The linen was so soft and comfortable. The KIEKE African Wax printed decor made it feel like a real African retreat!
I'm generally not a big fan of outdoor showers. But if there is one place you want one, it's here! J
The staff was friendly. The communal kitchen well equipped. And the swimming pool was very refreshing.
The snorkeling is out of this world! No need to scuba dive if you come to Kosi Mouth! The most beautiful sea life to see in the lagoon at hip depth... lion fish, eels, etc. Lots of them!
If you are in Jan, DO the Turtle Tours. I won't spoil it, just book it!
Manguzi, the closest town, have shop for food and liquor.
The perfect getaway just 4.5hours from KZN airport. A normal non-4x4 car takes you straight to the Lodge. It's 2km from the beach/lagoon and you need a 4x4 for this sandy road, but walking there is also fine.
Even though there is wifi, I would recommend you leave the electronics at home and go see what our beautiful Mother Nature has to offer!
Thanks again to the new passionate owners Yolanda and Mike for running this magnificent place. Can't wait to return to see the turtles hatch !!!
We stayed in the Tusker Suite Tents. They were beautifully decorated, clean and spacious. The fan provided in the tent was more than enough to fend off the heat. We arrived at 11am and it was already 38C, but the tent was well positioned under a tree and was really pleasant and not hot at all! The linen was so soft and comfortable. The KIEKE African Wax printed decor made it feel like a real African retreat!
I'm generally not a big fan of outdoor showers. But if there is one place you want one, it's here! J
The staff was friendly. The communal kitchen well equipped. And the swimming pool was very refreshing.
The snorkeling is out of this world! No need to scuba dive if you come to Kosi Mouth! The most beautiful sea life to see in the lagoon at hip depth... lion fish, eels, etc. Lots of them!
If you are in Jan, DO the Turtle Tours. I won't spoil it, just book it!
Manguzi, the closest town, have shop for food and liquor.
The perfect getaway just 4.5hours from KZN airport. A normal non-4x4 car takes you straight to the Lodge. It's 2km from the beach/lagoon and you need a 4x4 for this sandy road, but walking there is also fine.
Even though there is wifi, I would recommend you leave the electronics at home and go see what our beautiful Mother Nature has to offer!
Thanks again to the new passionate owners Yolanda and Mike for running this magnificent place. Can't wait to return to see the turtles hatch !!!
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in Hippo chalets, basically a converted wooden garden shed, the hot water wasn’t working so didn’t get to shower that evening and then in the morning there was only hot water - so hot that once again we couldn’t shower. Also despite paying full price for the room there was zero food on the premises, even though the website and pamphlet said there was a restaurant. There is only a steers take away to get something to eat - about 15 min drive away.. we felt the rooms were expensive for what was on offer. No A/C in the room.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in the Hippo cabins. Fabulous white linen ans comfy beds with suspended mosquito nets. Our private, open air shower was pretty special!
Shared kitchen facility was kept scrupulously clean by the staff who are all so polite and friendly.
Weber braais are available for your own fire and outdoor as well as covered tables for eating are available near pool.
The amazing lagoon is fantastic for little children and then all ages of adults for swimming in warm, clear water.
A truly lovely holiday, I do recommend Utshwayelo.
Shared kitchen facility was kept scrupulously clean by the staff who are all so polite and friendly.
Weber braais are available for your own fire and outdoor as well as covered tables for eating are available near pool.
The amazing lagoon is fantastic for little children and then all ages of adults for swimming in warm, clear water.
A truly lovely holiday, I do recommend Utshwayelo.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Kosi Bay estuary and ecosystem is phenomenal and this is a wonderful peaceful casual place to spend some days exploring. Appreciate the laid back atmosphere, the Turtle Tents were everything we needed and very comfortable. The tours on offer had a great local guide that gave so much context to the fish kraals. it is a long walk to the beach if you dont have a 4x4 but we enjoyed the walk and saw animals and great views along the way. great to support this community
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our only complaint is that we couldn't stay longer! Everything from the tented camps, pool area the beach and everything in between made for a perfect holiday. The staff are so lovely and helpful and kind. Housekeeping ladies are fanatic and nothing was too much trouble. Cindi the evening dish lady - what a delightful lady she is! Anna and the kitchen ladies are amazing and the night watchman was such a sweet helpful soul. We did canoeing, and the boat ride on lakes 2&3 - both guides are very informative and friendly and helpful. Turtle tours were quite expensive and our guide was not great - but it was a good experience anyway. On a rainy day only 1 of 10) we went on a safari drive and that was also great.
The camp is well run, and well looked after and want to thank the whole team for a great break after a terrible 2022.
The camp is well run, and well looked after and want to thank the whole team for a great break after a terrible 2022.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Hide your food from the monkeys!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The camping sites have ample shade, are private and some have private ablutions. The best place to camp right at the gate to Kosibay Mouth. It is a neat and safe camping site with a swimming pool and bar.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked a Hippo cabin at Utshwayelo, and Mike made everything very easy, given that we booked with a couple of day's notice. Accommodation, as advertised, is rustic, but very comfortable and relaxing. Initially, we were sceptical about the open area, kitchen, and sharing with other guests during a pandemic. However, since it is so spread-out, social distancing was not an issue, and quite a few guests adhered to wearing masks. All facilities in the open area were superb and well-stocked. Thanks to Enock, and other staff for activities bookings, help with braaing, and lunch, food was simple but fresh and tasty. We did not have a 4x4 to drive to the Kosi mouth and had planned to hike. But thanks to Mike, we got a lift both times. Snorkelling at the Kosi mouth was an amazing experience, we needed to get used to the current, but it was safe and great to see such a large variety of fish. Turtle tours and the three lake boat cruise were great experiences too. Thanks to Lucky for a stunning tour of the lakes and rescuing our car on sandy roads a few times. It was a short 2-night trip, but we would definitely go back to Utshwayelo for a longer period of time.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We camped over the long weekend with a group of friends. Most of the campsites are very large and spacious (not all are equal to be sure to get info before booking - some even have ensuites). The ablutions were always clean and novel with the open roof for starlight gazing whilst showering!
The campsite is surrounded by natural beauty with the lakes and the beach. We unfortunately stayed during a rather unseasonably cold & windy snap so sadly weren't able to enjoy the water sports to their full potential despite our best attempts! We all agreed that the campsite must be amazing in the warm sunny weather with the lovely pool and bar area.
I'd suggest having a 4x4 or access to transport as the road to the mouth is in a very bad state although is being worked on, Plus it could be fun to bring along passports for a day trip to Ponta as it is basically a stones throw away.
Thumbs up for the boat trip, it was well worth it.
Thanks so much Mike & Co.
The campsite is surrounded by natural beauty with the lakes and the beach. We unfortunately stayed during a rather unseasonably cold & windy snap so sadly weren't able to enjoy the water sports to their full potential despite our best attempts! We all agreed that the campsite must be amazing in the warm sunny weather with the lovely pool and bar area.
I'd suggest having a 4x4 or access to transport as the road to the mouth is in a very bad state although is being worked on, Plus it could be fun to bring along passports for a day trip to Ponta as it is basically a stones throw away.
Thumbs up for the boat trip, it was well worth it.
Thanks so much Mike & Co.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Campsites 14,15,18,2 & 3 are probably the best!
14 & 15 have ensuites, 2 is massive and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Whitfield, Owner at Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp
Responded 03 Jul 2022
Thank you for visiting Utshwayelo! We are delighted to hear you had a good time despite the weather not playing along. Looking forward to welcoming the family back :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Siom, in Johannesburg there are many shuttles and taxis to the airport. Not that many in Richard's Bay but wherever you will be staying they will be able to advise you or even organise you transport to and from the airport.
I hope this helps!
"Walk down to the beach for a good hike and enjoy the nature instead of driving down."Read full review
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LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalKosi Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
28
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp?
Nearby attractions include Beach Bar (6.1 km), Fernando's Bar (6.4 km), and Ponta Douro Beach (6.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp?
Guests can enjoy a lounge, breakfast, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp?
Conveniently located restaurants include Mango Cafe, Love Cafe and Deli, and Pontas Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Kosi Mouth, Lodge & Camp?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.