During leg 8 of Peter van Kets and Jacques Marais’ Beyond Lockdown, Beyond Expedition, they lingered in iSimangaliso and Kosi Bay. The vast Wetland Park is located in the far north eastern corner of KwaZulu Natal, where the coastal vegetation is a verdant sub-tropical bloom and the waters are warm.
“Kosi Bay is an incredible place. One of my favourite South African destinations” Jacques Marias said emphatically. The Beyond Expeditions team spent the extra time in iSimangaliso kayaking the Kosi Bay estuary, visiting the ancient fish traps and meeting Vusi, Mike and Simon, a trio of local, Thonga, fishermen. After the excitements and exercise of kayaking on the vast estuary they were only to happy to slow down.

Flecked fish, prepared over a smoky fire after a morning spent on the water, what could be more nourishing? Photo by Jacques Marais.
Vusi, Mike and Simon were happy to indulge the Beyond Lockdown crew while they relaxed. As long as they helped prepare the fish they’d caught. Said fish was then prepared in a traditional manner, flecked onto palm leaves and enjoyed with palm wine. A delicious way to celebration the lifting of prohibition.
Rick, from Thongaland Travel, was their snorkelling guide around the Estuary mouth on the final adventure of their time in KZW. “It was like swimming in an aquarium” an awed Marais reported. Then it was time for dinner back at Utshwayelo Lodge and Camp before retreating back to their campsite under the milkwood to prepare for the penultimate leg of their journey.

Fishing as its been done for hundreds of years in the fish traps of Kosi Bay. Photo by Jacques Marais.
By the time you read this the Beyond Lockdown team will be in the heart of the Eastern Cape, on the Wild Coast. Their final adventures will see them gallop the rolling hills of the Transkei as they explore Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall. They’ll be staying at Transkei Places & Faces, as they discover how the Eastern Cape survived the Covid-19 lockdown.
Follow the final leg of the Beyond Lockdown adventure on social media, on the following channels, to stay updated on their Beyond Expedition:
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Learning from the locals. Photo by Jacques Marais.