- Maputaland Home | Activities & Attractions | Accommodation | Gallery & Maps | Business & Links
- Maputaland Overview | World Heritage Site | Map | Detailed Map | Gallery | General Visitor Info | Tonga Culture | Zulu Language | Malaria | South Africa Overview | Contacts | TOURISM INFORMATION | Your Business
- Attractions | Horse Safaris | Turtle Tours | Diving | Tembe Elephant Park | Lakes | Fishing | Birdwatching
- Maputaland Horse Safaris | Maputaland Bush Camp
- Accommodation | Other Accommodation | Maputaland Bush Camp | Your Place!
- Gallery | Map
- Go... | Kosi Bay Tourism Association | KwaNgwanase Business Forum
Monday, June 9, 2008
KOSI BAY & MANGUZI & ELEPHANT COAST & GREATER ST LUCIA & MAPUTALAND
Where is Maputaland or Kosi Bay?
This undiscovered paradise offers diverse and some unique tourism activities and attractions in a fabulous subtropical climate.
Kosi Bay, Manguzi, eManguzi, KwaNgwanase are all different names for the same place. Manguzi is the community in which the town is settled and KwaNgwanase is the district name.
Similarly is Elephant Coast, Maputaland, Thongaland one and the same place.
Maputaland is a part of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, that is tucked in between Swaziland, Mozambique, and the endless white beaches of the warm Indian Ocean coast. It is a vast remote and magical place of shimmering lakes, forests, bush and pristine seashore.
The area is only accessible on foot, on horseback or with 4X4 vehicles and therfore it is sheltered from mass tourism and major human intrusion.
The northern part of Maputaland, is without conventional electricity and water supply. Here you can experience the rich “real life” African tribal culture that is unaffected by modern world or industry.
For more info visit http://www.maputaland.net/map/
Kosi Bay, Manguzi, eManguzi, KwaNgwanase are all different names for the same place. Manguzi is the community in which the town is settled and KwaNgwanase is the district name.
Similarly is Elephant Coast, Maputaland, Thongaland one and the same place.
Maputaland Bush Camp
Maputaland Bush Camp is a small intimate lodge. We accommodate 10 people or 14 if sharing in bush style chalets. Each huts have an onsuite shower and bush toilet.
We serve excellent home cooked meals (european breakfasts, lunches and dinners) served in the main house or a picnic lunch when on a day excursions / activities.
We have stables with horses on site. We tried to preserve the bush experience. Solar panels provide enough lights at night. When essential a generator can supply a few hours of electricity per day.
Simple huts but with onsuite shower and toilet
ACTIVITIES THAT WE PROVIDE if you do not have your own transport.
o Beach Trips
o Turtle Tours - Come and see the giant sea turtles lay their eggs on our beaches. Unforgettable!
o Go for a game drive in Tembe Elephant Park
o Go out with a boat to sea - dolphins, whale-watching and snorkeling on reefs
o SCUBA - qualified divers only
o Horse Riding – Short and long trails
o Cultural Activities (visit to local Tonga and Zulu houses)
o Boating on the Lakes
o Guided Hikes - Walk with our guides and experience bush, savanna, forest and beaches.
o Canoe on the Siyadla river.
RECOMMENDED STAY is 5 days in which you will have an astonishing variety of activities to do (Day 1 - Boat out to sea, Day 2 - boat on the lakes, Day 3 - Canoe, Day 4 - Horse riding, Day 5 - Tembe Elephant Reserve. We supplement the primary activities for the day with cultural activities, beach trips, hiking and end most days with sundowners at our hippo pools.
WHEN? The best time is probably July or August because it is less warm, the windy months have not started and the whales are migrating. The turtles arrive for nesting from the end of October to February.
RATES OFFERED
1. ACCOMMODATION ONLY - Fully Catered R400 per person EXCLUDING activities.
2. ALL INCLUSIVE - Fully Catered 3 meals a day & INCLUDING activities R750 per person
3. TRAIL RIDING OPTION - Do a 2,3,4 night trail ride from camp to camp.
4. EXCLUSIVE - Rent our whole camp for a fixed amount per day for the camp.
OTHER INFO:
We will transfer you to our lodge (16km south of Kosi Bay/ Manguzi/Kwangwanase) if you do not have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Your vehicle will be left in a safe place in town. You need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to visit all attractions in the region.
Please search for http://www.maputaland.net on Google for more information about this amazing region.
regards
Willie and Isabelle
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Kosi Bay Hiking
Siyazenzela Co-Op Hiking Trails
Siyazenzela, meaning we help ourselves, is an initiative of local community members and tourism operators in the region to provide tourism services and products jointly.
Maputaland region is in pristine condition because it can only be accessed with a 4×4 vehicle and then only a few adventurous souls will attempt the uncharted region. So by hiking from camp to camp you can see many of the biospheres that make this area special.
You will walk along sand forests, dune forests, savannah, wetlands, cross rivers and stroll along isolated beaches. At each camp you will experience a different feel and may take part in various activities.
Background
The Kosi hike was one of the best and profitable hikes in South Africa because of the variety of nature, the quality of overnight camps not to mention isolated beaches stretching for miles and miles. Unfortunately the community trust in charge of the hike muddled it and now the hike is in tatters.
Siyazenzela uses an alternative route by combining other lodges and some of the existing hiking camps.
Routes
The new route is flexible and can be a two days hike or a 3 days hike. The route is no longer a circle route because the camp at 1st Lake burned down. Hikers have the following options.
· Start at Maputaland Bush Camp on the southern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek and return the same way (5 nights).
· Start at Maputaland Bush Camp on the southern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek and return the same way (5 nights).
· Start at Maputaland Bush Camp on the southern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek, hike back to Amanzimyama, and then to Kosi Bay Lodge in the North (5 nights).
· Start at Kosi Bay Lodge on the northern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek, hike back to Amanzimyama, and then to Kosi Bay Lodge in the North (5 nights).
Some of the routes can be daunting. Too hike 15km on a beach against a wind at high tide is not ideal. But never the less the hike can be done in fewer days by
· shortening the route
· using transfers by vehicle or being fetched by a boat (have to be organized in advance)
· walking back to the starting point in one go, skipping the middle camp, but this is a 15 or 17 km hike and recommended only for serious hikers.
Hikers can further decide on supported or unsupported hike
* During an unsupported hike you have to carry all with you.
* When doing a supported hike, a vehicle will bring essential luggage, like good red wine, and non essential luggage, like good red wine.
The cherry on top as they say, is that 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 will surely beat all the regular lightweight hiking food.
* Willie and Isabelle are your hosts at Maputaland Bush Camp and they offer a hint of Belgian cuisine.
* Arrie and Helena will be your hosts at Amanzimyama Camp with their open fire kitchen dishes.
* Maputaland is also such a complex region, in every way imaginable, that the experience is enhanced, by having someone explain the history of the Thonga culture or the spectacular nature around a campfire evening.
Siyazenzela goes on step further by offering experiences which features the attractions and activities of the region to the hikers. Each camp has a different afternoon activity for you to choose from. You may canoe, snorkel, go on a sunset cruise on the lakes or go horse riding.
* Traditional hikers may hike the route carrying all but the real focus of Siyazenzela and it’s partners is to provide the Kosi guests with an all round experience including hiking, canoe, birding, boating, snorkel, horse riding etc.
A local guide will accompany hikers and show them the way.
Camps
· Kosi Bay Lodge - Kosi Bay Lodge is a big resort type lodge with affordable accommodation pub and restaurant. They also operate boat cruises on the lakes.
· Amanzimyama Camp is set on the edge of the 4th lake close to the infamous raffia forest. Close by on the river Kosi Forest Lodge operates canoeing.
· KwaDapha Bhanga Nek Beach Camp is the only camp close to the beach. During season (November to February) you may walk along the beach with appointed guides to see giant sea turtles laying eggs.
· Maputaland Bush Camp is situated on a hill overlooking the endlessness. They have horses and stables on site.
Rates
· Accommodation rates (You may choose between catered or self catered rates).
o Kosi Bay Lodge - R150 pppn (A pub and restaurant is available)
o Amanzimyama Camp - R150 pppn or R400pppn catered (3 meals)
o KwaDapha Bhanga Nek Hiking Camp - R150 pppn or R400pppn catered (3 meals)
o Maputaland Bush Camp and Horse Safaris - R150 pppn or R400pppn catered (3 meals)
· Hike tariff – R200 per day
· Supported hike tariff - R500 per hike
· Optional extras like canoe, turtle tours, boat cruises, horse outrides are not included and will be optional extras.
For more information regarding Maputaland go to http://www.maputaland.net
SIYAZENZELA
mail@maputaland.net
Siyazenzela, meaning we help ourselves, is an initiative of local community members and tourism operators in the region to provide tourism services and products jointly.
Maputaland region is in pristine condition because it can only be accessed with a 4×4 vehicle and then only a few adventurous souls will attempt the uncharted region. So by hiking from camp to camp you can see many of the biospheres that make this area special.
You will walk along sand forests, dune forests, savannah, wetlands, cross rivers and stroll along isolated beaches. At each camp you will experience a different feel and may take part in various activities.
Background
The Kosi hike was one of the best and profitable hikes in South Africa because of the variety of nature, the quality of overnight camps not to mention isolated beaches stretching for miles and miles. Unfortunately the community trust in charge of the hike muddled it and now the hike is in tatters.
Siyazenzela uses an alternative route by combining other lodges and some of the existing hiking camps.
Routes
The new route is flexible and can be a two days hike or a 3 days hike. The route is no longer a circle route because the camp at 1st Lake burned down. Hikers have the following options.
· Start at Maputaland Bush Camp on the southern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek and return the same way (5 nights).
· Start at Maputaland Bush Camp on the southern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek and return the same way (5 nights).
· Start at Maputaland Bush Camp on the southern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek, hike back to Amanzimyama, and then to Kosi Bay Lodge in the North (5 nights).
· Start at Kosi Bay Lodge on the northern side of the lakes, hike to Amanzimyama camp, continue to Bhanga Nek, hike back to Amanzimyama, and then to Kosi Bay Lodge in the North (5 nights).
Some of the routes can be daunting. Too hike 15km on a beach against a wind at high tide is not ideal. But never the less the hike can be done in fewer days by
· shortening the route
· using transfers by vehicle or being fetched by a boat (have to be organized in advance)
· walking back to the starting point in one go, skipping the middle camp, but this is a 15 or 17 km hike and recommended only for serious hikers.
Hikers can further decide on supported or unsupported hike
* During an unsupported hike you have to carry all with you.
* When doing a supported hike, a vehicle will bring essential luggage, like good red wine, and non essential luggage, like good red wine.
The cherry on top as they say, is that 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 will surely beat all the regular lightweight hiking food.
* Willie and Isabelle are your hosts at Maputaland Bush Camp and they offer a hint of Belgian cuisine.
* Arrie and Helena will be your hosts at Amanzimyama Camp with their open fire kitchen dishes.
* Maputaland is also such a complex region, in every way imaginable, that the experience is enhanced, by having someone explain the history of the Thonga culture or the spectacular nature around a campfire evening.
Siyazenzela goes on step further by offering experiences which features the attractions and activities of the region to the hikers. Each camp has a different afternoon activity for you to choose from. You may canoe, snorkel, go on a sunset cruise on the lakes or go horse riding.
* Traditional hikers may hike the route carrying all but the real focus of Siyazenzela and it’s partners is to provide the Kosi guests with an all round experience including hiking, canoe, birding, boating, snorkel, horse riding etc.
A local guide will accompany hikers and show them the way.
Camps
· Kosi Bay Lodge - Kosi Bay Lodge is a big resort type lodge with affordable accommodation pub and restaurant. They also operate boat cruises on the lakes.
· Amanzimyama Camp is set on the edge of the 4th lake close to the infamous raffia forest. Close by on the river Kosi Forest Lodge operates canoeing.
· KwaDapha Bhanga Nek Beach Camp is the only camp close to the beach. During season (November to February) you may walk along the beach with appointed guides to see giant sea turtles laying eggs.
· Maputaland Bush Camp is situated on a hill overlooking the endlessness. They have horses and stables on site.
Rates
· Accommodation rates (You may choose between catered or self catered rates).
o Kosi Bay Lodge - R150 pppn (A pub and restaurant is available)
o Amanzimyama Camp - R150 pppn or R400pppn catered (3 meals)
o KwaDapha Bhanga Nek Hiking Camp - R150 pppn or R400pppn catered (3 meals)
o Maputaland Bush Camp and Horse Safaris - R150 pppn or R400pppn catered (3 meals)
· Hike tariff – R200 per day
· Supported hike tariff - R500 per hike
· Optional extras like canoe, turtle tours, boat cruises, horse outrides are not included and will be optional extras.
For more information regarding Maputaland go to http://www.maputaland.net
SIYAZENZELA
mail@maputaland.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
