Kosi Bay, Indian Ocean & walking trails tracking black rhino

Cadets reached Kosi Bay* on the Indian Ocean and Mozambique border yesterday, for the coastal ecology phase of their expedition. 

This is also where they will be based for their community project and voluntary work.

The weather finally improved as the Cadets carried out an orientation of the area - it looked wonderful - a truly unique and most beautiful part of South Africa. Right on the Indian Ocean this special ecological area has marshes, swamp forests, mangroves, coastal dunes, sandy beaches, lakes, streams, and amazing wildlife.

Katie - expedition leader - also reported to Fee Bellamy that: "Walking Trails in the morning went well - these are very exciting and allow the Cadets to venture into the Bush and explore parts that are inaccessible by vehicle. The Cadets had the privilege of tracking the rare black rhino for several hours but didn't quite see it although Peter, their guide, believed that they had come pretty close (within 200m) at one point!

The Cadets camp: Accommodation is in rustic reed chalets, which are basic but comfortable. There's a Lapa area where everyone meets at the end of an exciting day to share stories around the campfire. 



*Kosi Bay: A nature Reserve consists of four lakes and a series of inter-connecting channels which drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean. It is home to hippopotamus, crocodile and a wide variety of birds (250 species) among them the fish eagle and palm nut vulture, white backed heron, night heron, purple and reed kingfisher. Kosi Bay is a tropical paradise of crystal-clear blue water and marshland, raffia, wild date and palm, mangrove swamp and sycamore fig forest. There are traditional fishing traps - some handed down from generation to generation for nearly 1,000 years.The largest mammal found here is the humpback whale which can sometimes be seen from the beach breaching on the distant horizon during July/August. Let's hope the Cadets are lucky and get to see this magnificent sight - if only from afar.