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By Khumo Ntoane http://www.getaway.co.za/content/getaway/magazine/print.asp?id=1352 Along the secluded beaches, coastal dunes, lakes and swamp forests of Maputaland is an Eden with one of the best hiking trails in South Africa. But internal rivalry broke out in the community in Kosi Bay and the first camp was burnt while others were left to fall apart. For a while the trail was lost. However, a few community members and tour operators have recently come together to resurrect the area. The old trail used to be a circular route, starting from the northern side of Third Lake at the hiking camp now burned. e new trail has been redesigned by Siyazenzela Co-Op and they’ve split it up into several flexible routes for both slackpackers and hardcore hikers who don’t want assistance. They’ve also included optional activities such as boat rides, snorkelling and horse riding. I decided to take the easy way and slackpacked, starting in the south side at Maputaland Bush Camp. |
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Hike Kosi plat! The Kosi hike is a slackpacker hike, we carry you luggage and cater for you. You walk only 3-4 hours in the morning and do optional activities in the afternoon. The hike is completely flexible if booked in advance. The number of hiking days can be changed and extra non hiking days can be added to see all of the best that Kosi has to offer. If you add extra days you can also go on an ocean safari to snorkel in open sea reefs, look for dolphins, or go to Tembe Elephant Park for a game drive. Please visit these sites for more info: hiking.kositourism.co.za
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Maputaland region is in pristine condition because it can only be accessed with a 4x4 vehicle. But 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 optional activities. The Trail Information This is not the old Kosi Hike because the camps in the north burnt down and strife within the community prevents rebuilding at present. The Kosi hike is an operation from Siyazenzela. 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. The new Kosi Bay hike is a collaboration between Maputaland Bush Camp & Horse Safaris, Kosi Forest Lodge, Kosi Bay Lodge, Kwadapha community and Amanzinyama Camp. Some operators provide accommodation and others provide optional activities for slack pack hikers. Maputaland is also such a complex region, in every way imaginable, that slack packing the trail with guides and hosts is the way to go. The experience is enhanced by having someone explain the history, culture or the spectacular nature around a campfire evening. |
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