Directions to Kosi Bay

​Getting to Khaya Kosi (located within the grounds of the Palm Tree Lodge) is a scenic drive, but it requires careful attention to road conditions and navigation markers. 

The primary access point is through the town of eManguzi (also known as KwaNgwanase) on the R22/P22 highway, located just south of the Mozambique border.

🚗 From Durban (Approx. 5–6 hours)

1. Head north along the N2 Toll Road passing Richards Bay, Empangeni, and Mtubatuba.

2. Take the Hluhluwe / Sodwana Bay off-ramp.

3. Drive straight through the town of Hluhluwe until you reach the fourth (last) traffic circle, turning left toward the R22 / Sodwana Bay.

4. Turn right over the railway tracks and stay on the R22 past Mbazwane.

5. Continue through the traffic circles following signs toward KwaNgwanase / Kosi Bay / Mozambique Border.

6. Drive into eManguzi (KwaNgwanase). 

🚗 From Johannesburg & Pretoria (Approx. 8–9 hours)

1. Take the N17 east out of Johannesburg toward Ermelo via Leandra and Bethal. 

2. Take the N4 east out of Pretoria toward Ermelo via Hendrina.

3. From Ermelo, follow signs onto the N2 South through Piet Retief (eMkhondo) and Pongola.

4. Roughly 52 km past Pongola, turn left toward Jozini.

5. Drive straight through Jozini, turn left immediately on exiting town, and drive over the Jozini Dam Wall toward Ingwavuma/KwaNgwanase.

6. After roughly 46 km, turn right at the T-junction toward Tembe Elephant Park / KwaNgwanase.

7. Follow the road for about 45 km to the traffic circle, continuing straight toward KwaNgwanase for another 22 km into eManguzi. 

🌴The Final Approach to Palm Tree Lodge

Once you are in the town of eManguzi, use the following final steps to reach the property:

• Stock up: eManguzi is the last place to buy groceries, ice, and fuel.

• Head toward the border: Drive straight through the town on the main road (P22) toward the Mozambique border post.

• The Turn-off: Turn off the main road onto the D1846 gravel road. Follow the signage clearly marked for Palm Tree Lodge for approximately 4.6 km.

• Final left: Turn left onto the final access gravel track and proceed 500 meters to the lodge entrance gate. 

⚠️ Essential Travel Tips

• Vehicle Requirements: You can reach Palm Tree Lodge and Khaya Kosi in a standard 2WD vehicle as the main access roads and the initial gravel roads are generally well-maintained. However, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended if you intend to drive all the way down to Kosi Bay Mouth beach or explore deeper into the nature reserve, where the sand becomes very thick. 

• Hazards: Drive with extreme caution on the R22. There are severe, unmarked speed bumps, and it is highly common to encounter wandering cattle, goats, and pedestrians on the road. 

• Night Driving: It is strongly advised not to travel after dark due to poor visibility, bad cell reception patches, stray livestock, and unlit roads.