Left Right Or Straight Ahead

It usually is a last minute decision. No bookings or special arrangements are featured. We just throw a few things together, collect our camping gear from the garage and we throw it all together in the back of the car and drive. Usually as we come to the N2 we look at each other and say; "Left? Right? Or straight ahead?"

There are so many magnificent places to visit in our country, and we are really lucky to have a wide affordable selection of places to visit, all in a relatively close radius. Each holiday destination in KZN is special and surreal and not withstanding practically affordable.

With the sad state of our economy and our weak currency, overseas travel has become unattainable for most of us. Lets face it, overseas travel is not just hellishly expensive but it is also time consuming. So why spend all that money and time trying to get to your holiday destination when a short trip will take you to a world class destination, that is not going to break the bank.

Last weekend we decided to head north, we did not have to arm wrestle over this decision. A capable car would take us to the most magical place on the planet, Kosi Mouth.

Kosi Mouth probably the most popular World Heritage site to visit as it includes the traditional fish traps that are found in the Kosi system. The mouth requires a permit to allow access by 4X4, the permit is available from the Community campsite right at the gate or the park authority and only 20 permits are issued per day.

We usually camp out at the Etshwaelo Community Campsite run by the Tembe Tribe Chief and a good friend Enoch Tembe. We have been camping there for ages and have brought friends and family, whom like us fell in love with this majestic part of the world. Each time we arrive a magical thing happenswe breathe. It is as if a heavy load is lifted off our chests and we can't help but take in fresh and invigorating air into our lungs and let our brains light up.

With only 20 permits allowed per day the Kosi Mouth estuary is never over full, even during the peak holiday season there is always a sense of privacy. Little nooks and crannies dot the shoreline and there are hundreds of hiding places in between the massive driftwood.

There is safe snorkeling within the estuary system where there is no wave action. However you must be aware that there are stonefish found in the snorkelling area. There is also snorkeling around the rocks north and south of the mouth depending on the tide and how rough the sea is.

If like us you enjoy a beach walk, Kosi is a prime destination. Safe, immaculate and deserted beaches can be found here and you can literally walk for miles without seeing another living soul or even footprints in the sand.

If you are looking for an adventure escape, look no further. Just four hours from Ballito on a newly constructed highway, you will find this piece of paradise.

The campsite charges R160pp and there are additional charges for permits but lets be honest for the price of a daily stay at Kosi Mouth, you probably will not be able to afford even the cheapest cocktail in an overseas pool bar.

So head North, or South if you so wish, but do not forget to head out and adventure in this beautiful country that we live.