Crossing borders

Oh to have the freedom to travel and explore. To set sail for distant shores and be care free. Recently we crossed borders, first time since the dreadful pandemic. We started with small steps. We travelled to Bilen in Mozambique and it really was a true adventure.

As the countryside took the unfamiliar rural African appeal, we settled for village life in one of the sweetest places and probably one of the cleanest. Mozambique is a gem, the people, the landscapes; the whole afro-vibe is same-same but different.

While our hosts made us feel like family, we can't say the same about the constant police checks and roadblocks. The police harassment and the general mistreatment by authority is putrid and left us feeling disappointed and let down. There really was no need to harass us, but we were stopped and searched and made to drive 50km per hour as some road signs do not exist and fictitious signs were presented and fines issued and it just got a tad tedious - I guess there is so much to take in at that speed. We did not miss any precious sites.

As much as we love the intrepid travels, sadly Mozambique was just a heavy ball ache and we will not be going back for a long while because we really don't have to. Our Kosi Bay haven is all we need as far as folklore, culture and pristine beaches; we are so blessed with some of the best holiday destinations in the world.

And I am not just talking about the quality of accommodation, the friendly police and the state of the art road systems, we are so privileged to have people like Enoch and Anna who run the Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge and Camp in Kosi Bay. Kosi

Bay situated in the far North Eastern corner of KwaZulu-Natal and forms part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park - the first natural World Heritage Site in South Africa to be awarded this title.

Kosi Bay epitomises the incredible splendour of untouched Africa at its most pristine, as are its people, resources, ecology and culture. Kosi Bay is a system of an estuary with four lakes ranging from freshwater to saline that feed into the ocean.

Age old traditions passed down by generations of tribal existence still continue to this day - ancient fishing kraals erected and tendered by the resourceful Tonga people.

Kosi Bay has been described as "a wonderful aquarium and the most gorgeous aviary". Oh and there is so much to marvel at here. The Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge and Camp, in Kosi Mouth, offers accommodation sites to suit any pocket. The Lodge and campground is located right next to the Kosi Bay Mouth KZN park entrance gate, just 5 km from the Mozambique border.

Utshwayelo is the name for the reed fishing kraals used by the Tsonga people, and all the campsites here are surrounded by reed fencing. Sites are private, very big, and under the shade of large, beautiful trees. Each has a braai, water tap and electricity whenever possible. Facilities include clean ablutions with hot water, a pool, and a bar. There's a communal kitchen, and full board is also offered, catered by Anna, the chef.

Permits to drive into the park are issued at reception. (4x4 required). Enoch and Mike, who run the lodge, are very helpful. The property is a partnership with the local Tonga community so everyone benefits.

For more information visit their website: https://kosibay.info or call to book 082 909 3113 or 084 644 2104. Email info@kosimouth.co.za