Kosi Bay coastal ecology, beautiful sunrise over Indian Ocean and spear fishing in ancient fish traps

Sunrise over Kosi Bay with ancient fish traps visible

“Last night Katy (our expedition leader) made a big mistake… She told us she and Tommy (our main guide) were going to see the sunrise at the beach this morning. To her disappointment all of us were up at 5.45 to join them so her peaceful morning on the beach was ruined!

Tommy power-walked us to the coast 3.5km from camp – (up and over some of the highest sand dunes in South Africa) which we made in under half an hour. The sun was beginning to peer through the clouds on the horizon. We all braved an early morning dip which turned out to be amazing and well worth it.

The quiet paradise at the mouth of the estuary meant we all thought we were in some kind of movie” - Susan

In the afternoon, Tommy demonstrated how strong and deceptive the currents leading out of the estuary could be so the Cadets paddled in the calmer waters searching out many organisms from blue bottle jelly fish to sea urchins.

Then it was time to learn all about the ancient fish traps, which have been tended and used by generations of the same families for nearly 1,000 years. The Cadets had a go at spear fishing – Jared was successful!

Wading out to the ancient fish traps at Kosi Bay

Fish! In the ancient fish traps at Kosi Bay

Lunch!

Preparing fish at the water's edge

Palm Trees and huge sand dunes at Kosi Bay

Early morning paddle at Kosi Bay - chilly until the sun comes up

Pristine beach where turtles nest in November and where Humpbacked whales can be seen on the distant horizon  breaching in July & August.

A profusion of marine life 

In the evening the Cadets were treated to a ‘braai’ (African BBQ) by Tommy as it’s his last night with the Cadets before they head for the Pongola River and the next exciting phase of their expedition.