Trip report - Bhanga Nek
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 9:37 am
So, here's our trip report we did between 17 December 2017 to 24 December 2017
During October 2017 we got our act together and decided to embark on a journey unknown to both of us. This was after I stumbled upon a website called OUTDOOR LEGENDS Camping & Caravan & Fishing and Bush lodges, 2018. I browsed the website, and was looking for a camping site close to the beach, and not too far from Pretoria, Montana.
With the relevant correspondence with a lady called Jenny Koen from Extreme Nature Tours, she got back to me with good news on a stand available which will suit our needs. She said they've got a stand open at Victor’s Camp which was +-1.2km from the beach. This sounded good, and we reserved the spot for one weeks camping.
One week later she contacted me again, and informed me that there was a cancellation at Joel's Camp, which was +-500m from the main beach. Obviously we then opted for that, and secured our booking with a 50% deposit of only R1365.00.
Right... the booking was done. Then i did a bit of homework on the area, and what to expect. All the necessary factors like Crime, Water, Electricity, Fishing, Permits etc. was to be clarified.
Directions
Directions to Joel’s Camp at Bhanga Nek
If you need help on the sand road after eManguzi, ask the local people or call Jenny 082-857 3363.
If traveling from the Gauteng area southwards on the N2, take the JOZINI turnoff left about 50km south of Pongola, at -27.542936, 31.979042
Up over the mountain to Jozini town, at the SODWANA sign, take the left fork which will take you over the dam wall and onto the road towards KwaNgwanase (eManguzi).
Turn RIGHT at the T-junction at the brown signboard TEMBE / NDUMO / KOSI BAY COASTAL FOREST
-27.099334, 32.158819
The next landmark is the first roundabout at the R22 junction – go straight to KwaNgwanase (eManguzi) at -27.083263, 32.553916
KwaNgwanase (eManguzi) is 22km from here. eManguzi has a well stocked Total garage and other shops.
I strongly suggest that you fill your vehicle with fuel before leaving eManguzi.
If you plan to get permits before proceeding to Bhanga Nek, proceed northwards on the road which leads to the Mozambique border.
About 5km from the Total Garage, heading north, take the RIGHT turn at the brown sign with rhino picture “Kosi Bay Camp” and follow the most used track.
GPS co-ordinates of the camp are: -26.954679, 32.824228
From the KZN camp, backtrack to eManguzi, and turn LEFT at the police emblem sign on the outskirts of town (as though you’re heading back towards Jozini), onto the D1843 at
-26.994421, 32.743150
If you do not plan to get permits before proceeding to Bhanga Nek, after you have fuelled up, backtrack on the road you came into town on and turn LEFT onto the D1843 at
-26.994421, 32.743150 (The signs are quite small, so keep a good lookout.)
Whether you went to get permits or not, from here follow the same road after +- 1.3km after turning onto the D1843, turn LEFT at the fork with the signs Ukuthula Adventure, Victor’s Camp, Kosi Forest Lodge & Kosi Bay Hippo Lodge, onto the sand road at
-27.004541, 32.747503 START TO MEASURE DISTANCE FROM THIS POINT
9.8km further, take the LEFT fork at the signs Ukuthula Adventure, Victor’s Camp, Kosi Forest Lodge & Kosi Bay Hippo Lodge
At -27.079749, 32.779453
A short distance later, cross the metal bridge over the Siyadla river, go up the reinforced road beyond the bridge, then take the LEFT at the nearby fork. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT take the ‘Bay Camp’ and ’Camp 4’ road (this will take you southwards, the complete wrong direction)
From after the bridge you should travel in a North-north Easterly direction. At places there are a few sand tacks in more-or-less the same direction – it’s usually best to follow the most-recently-used one, and basically all roads from here lead to Bhanga Nek.
+-50m further go RIGHT at
-27.080860, 32.788467
Next is RIGHT at
-27.075858, 32.798670
Then at RIGHT at Manzimnyama sign at
-27.055371, 32.827061
Then LEFT at -27.053893, 32.828490
Next sign to note is “God Knows Tuck Shop”. The Tuck Shop will be on the right-hand side of the road – cold beer, etc and cooldrinks available here!! Also sugar, salt etc at -27.041098, 32.841764
Next take LEFT at the fork with KOSI KAY sign at -27.022426, 32.851165
Now you’ll start seeing the camp signs, pass SIZAKALA (George & Betty) go RIGHT at
-27.012451, 32.852637
Then pass UKUTHULA ADVENTURE, Vic’s camp, go LEFT at
-27.012310, 32.852993
A few meters further ON THE LEFT is the entrance to Joel’s Camp (Ngubane’s Camp, Isinkwe) (Joel’s surname is Ngubane and an Isinkwe is a Bushbaby!!).
THIS IS THE CAMP
General:
• The last 6km to the Kosi Bay KZN Wildlife Office and Camp is on very soft sand, best suited to 4x4 vehicle
KZN Wildlife office hours: Weekdays: 7:00 to 16:00 Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays: 7:00 to 15:00
• Recreational day visitors currently pay R40 per adult, R20 per child and R40 per vehicle to enter the Reserve at the Kosi Mouth entrance. Permits can be bought on the day of your visit or one day in advance. This also applies to permits for Black Rock & Lala Nek which can also be bought from the KZN-Wildlife office at Manzengwenya.
• Visitors to Bhanga Nek require an entry permit obtainable from the Kosi Bay KZN Wildlife Office at the 3rd lake. The current cost is R40 per vehicle, R40 per adult & R20 per child FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STAY, not per day. There is no entry gate at Bhanga Nek, so if you arrive after the KZN office has closed, please go there the next day to buy your permits.
• Driving on the beach, pets, jet skis, quad bikes, motor bikes, boats using sails, hang gliders and microlights are not allowed
• Gate times to the Kosi Mouth area are 05h00 to 19h00 Oct – Mar, and 06h00 to 18h00 April – Sept
• Legal vehicle access is by the main Kosi gate and Kosi Mouth gate only
• Camping or sleeping overnight is allowed only at recognized camps
• Collection or purchase of firewood, rocks, plants or animals, shells or fish is not allowed
• Fires may be set only in designated places
• Firearms must be kept locked away and not discharged
• Wild animals must not be fed or interfered with in any way
• From 22h00 all noise must be kept to a minimum
• All litter and pollutants must be put in refuse bins or taken away
• Catapults, airguns, insect electrocutors and stone throwing are not allowed
• Recreational visitors only may fish. Ghillies may not fish or collect bait
Fishing
• A valid fishing licence is required for fishing in the lakes and in the ocean, obtainable at Post Offices SA.
• Published fishing size and bag limits apply. Details available at the office
• Cast nets, gill nets, drag nets and spear guns are not allowed anywhere in the Kosi lakes and estuary
• Cracker shrimps may be bought at lakes 1 & 2 or pumped at lakes 1 & 2 if you have a licence
• It is illegal to bring living bait into the reserve or to collect swimming prawns
• Fishing is not allowed in the sanctuaries (just inside Kosi Mouth and to 200m south of the mouth in the estuary
• Fishing into the ocean is not allowed south of the signboard at the southern point of Bhanga Nek bay
Caution:
• Although there have been no serious incidents for some time, please be aware that there are crocodiles, hippo and the occasional shark in the lakes.
• Please use a torch after dark and wear shoes. Snakes are often active after dark as are hippos.
• Malaria is endemic and there have been no known cases for a number of years, but if you become ill after your visit, please inform your doctor of this possibility
• Beware of stonefish inside Kosi Mouth as they can be deadly.
• Please respect the local people and their culture and do not interfere with fish traps or graves.
Some things to bear in mind on your visit to Bhanga Nek
Access by 4x4 vehicle. Take a spade and a strong plank to put under the jack in case your vehicle sinks into the sand.
Visitors to Bhanga Nek require an entry permit, obtainable from the Kosi Bay KZN Wildlife Office at the 3rd lake or Manzengwenya. The cost is in the region of R40 per vehicle, R40 per adult & R20 per child FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STAY, not per day. Beach access does not require a permit.
There is no entry gate at Bhanga Nek where permits need to be produced, so if you arrive after the KZN office has closed, please go there the next day to obtain your permits. KZN-Wildlife officials do permit spot-checks on the sand road from time to time.
Take your own drinking water.
Protect yourself against mozquitos and malaria in the summer months as Bhanga Nek is in a low-risk malaria area but it is said there has not been a known case of malaria for the last 10 years. If you develop flu-like symptoms on your return home, see your doctor immediately and tell him you recently visited a malaria area.
Beware of hippos and crocodiles near the lake shore at all times and do not disturb the wildlife
There are no crocs and hippos in the sea
No littering
Firearms must be stored safely and not discharged
No fireworks allowed
From 22h00 all noise must be kept to a minimum
Keep your braai fire under control
Seeing that we had to cater for our own drinking water, I had to come up with a plan to keep a household of four(4) people happy. Luckily a person advertised two 55L Grey water tanks on Facebook at a bargain price for R500 (Both). No time was wasted, and we bought them before she could press enter for advertising on other websites.
Planning was done, and i decided to fit one permanently inside the load bin...
No wait, this was the towing vehicle and the trailer: Right.. Back to the water system: The other tank I put on top of the roof rack with a hose ant tap to fill the inner tank when empty.
Electricity:
The trailer was fitted with a 98AMP deep cycle battery, which should've been enough for three(3) days at the most. So, i started shopping for Solar options. Eventually I got a 120W Panel from a China Mall in City Depp JHB at a cost of R850.00 (Cheap hey?).
The panel was the fitted under the roof rack for better storage.
The controller unit I bought from the best 4x4 accessory outlet in the world called 4X4Direct.co.za
I also opted for a 1500w inverter, seeing that the nearest shop is a distance of 28km away. This was for the ice machine which was the biggest worry I had for keeping my throat cool.
Another modification done the vehicle was to finalize on the suspension, and again Darrell from Mikem Suspension exceeded my expectations. The bakkie was now fully kitted with Bilstein Shocks and Mikem Leaf Springs.
There was actually a few modifications done to the vehicle and the trailer to comply with the surroundings, but won't go too much into that as this is actually a Trip Report.
To be continued...
During October 2017 we got our act together and decided to embark on a journey unknown to both of us. This was after I stumbled upon a website called OUTDOOR LEGENDS Camping & Caravan & Fishing and Bush lodges, 2018. I browsed the website, and was looking for a camping site close to the beach, and not too far from Pretoria, Montana.
With the relevant correspondence with a lady called Jenny Koen from Extreme Nature Tours, she got back to me with good news on a stand available which will suit our needs. She said they've got a stand open at Victor’s Camp which was +-1.2km from the beach. This sounded good, and we reserved the spot for one weeks camping.
One week later she contacted me again, and informed me that there was a cancellation at Joel's Camp, which was +-500m from the main beach. Obviously we then opted for that, and secured our booking with a 50% deposit of only R1365.00.
Right... the booking was done. Then i did a bit of homework on the area, and what to expect. All the necessary factors like Crime, Water, Electricity, Fishing, Permits etc. was to be clarified.
Directions
Directions to Joel’s Camp at Bhanga Nek
If you need help on the sand road after eManguzi, ask the local people or call Jenny 082-857 3363.
If traveling from the Gauteng area southwards on the N2, take the JOZINI turnoff left about 50km south of Pongola, at -27.542936, 31.979042
Up over the mountain to Jozini town, at the SODWANA sign, take the left fork which will take you over the dam wall and onto the road towards KwaNgwanase (eManguzi).
Turn RIGHT at the T-junction at the brown signboard TEMBE / NDUMO / KOSI BAY COASTAL FOREST
-27.099334, 32.158819
The next landmark is the first roundabout at the R22 junction – go straight to KwaNgwanase (eManguzi) at -27.083263, 32.553916
KwaNgwanase (eManguzi) is 22km from here. eManguzi has a well stocked Total garage and other shops.
I strongly suggest that you fill your vehicle with fuel before leaving eManguzi.
If you plan to get permits before proceeding to Bhanga Nek, proceed northwards on the road which leads to the Mozambique border.
About 5km from the Total Garage, heading north, take the RIGHT turn at the brown sign with rhino picture “Kosi Bay Camp” and follow the most used track.
GPS co-ordinates of the camp are: -26.954679, 32.824228
From the KZN camp, backtrack to eManguzi, and turn LEFT at the police emblem sign on the outskirts of town (as though you’re heading back towards Jozini), onto the D1843 at
-26.994421, 32.743150
If you do not plan to get permits before proceeding to Bhanga Nek, after you have fuelled up, backtrack on the road you came into town on and turn LEFT onto the D1843 at
-26.994421, 32.743150 (The signs are quite small, so keep a good lookout.)
Whether you went to get permits or not, from here follow the same road after +- 1.3km after turning onto the D1843, turn LEFT at the fork with the signs Ukuthula Adventure, Victor’s Camp, Kosi Forest Lodge & Kosi Bay Hippo Lodge, onto the sand road at
-27.004541, 32.747503 START TO MEASURE DISTANCE FROM THIS POINT
9.8km further, take the LEFT fork at the signs Ukuthula Adventure, Victor’s Camp, Kosi Forest Lodge & Kosi Bay Hippo Lodge
At -27.079749, 32.779453
A short distance later, cross the metal bridge over the Siyadla river, go up the reinforced road beyond the bridge, then take the LEFT at the nearby fork. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT take the ‘Bay Camp’ and ’Camp 4’ road (this will take you southwards, the complete wrong direction)
From after the bridge you should travel in a North-north Easterly direction. At places there are a few sand tacks in more-or-less the same direction – it’s usually best to follow the most-recently-used one, and basically all roads from here lead to Bhanga Nek.
+-50m further go RIGHT at
-27.080860, 32.788467
Next is RIGHT at
-27.075858, 32.798670
Then at RIGHT at Manzimnyama sign at
-27.055371, 32.827061
Then LEFT at -27.053893, 32.828490
Next sign to note is “God Knows Tuck Shop”. The Tuck Shop will be on the right-hand side of the road – cold beer, etc and cooldrinks available here!! Also sugar, salt etc at -27.041098, 32.841764
Next take LEFT at the fork with KOSI KAY sign at -27.022426, 32.851165
Now you’ll start seeing the camp signs, pass SIZAKALA (George & Betty) go RIGHT at
-27.012451, 32.852637
Then pass UKUTHULA ADVENTURE, Vic’s camp, go LEFT at
-27.012310, 32.852993
A few meters further ON THE LEFT is the entrance to Joel’s Camp (Ngubane’s Camp, Isinkwe) (Joel’s surname is Ngubane and an Isinkwe is a Bushbaby!!).
THIS IS THE CAMP
General:
• The last 6km to the Kosi Bay KZN Wildlife Office and Camp is on very soft sand, best suited to 4x4 vehicle
KZN Wildlife office hours: Weekdays: 7:00 to 16:00 Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays: 7:00 to 15:00
• Recreational day visitors currently pay R40 per adult, R20 per child and R40 per vehicle to enter the Reserve at the Kosi Mouth entrance. Permits can be bought on the day of your visit or one day in advance. This also applies to permits for Black Rock & Lala Nek which can also be bought from the KZN-Wildlife office at Manzengwenya.
• Visitors to Bhanga Nek require an entry permit obtainable from the Kosi Bay KZN Wildlife Office at the 3rd lake. The current cost is R40 per vehicle, R40 per adult & R20 per child FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STAY, not per day. There is no entry gate at Bhanga Nek, so if you arrive after the KZN office has closed, please go there the next day to buy your permits.
• Driving on the beach, pets, jet skis, quad bikes, motor bikes, boats using sails, hang gliders and microlights are not allowed
• Gate times to the Kosi Mouth area are 05h00 to 19h00 Oct – Mar, and 06h00 to 18h00 April – Sept
• Legal vehicle access is by the main Kosi gate and Kosi Mouth gate only
• Camping or sleeping overnight is allowed only at recognized camps
• Collection or purchase of firewood, rocks, plants or animals, shells or fish is not allowed
• Fires may be set only in designated places
• Firearms must be kept locked away and not discharged
• Wild animals must not be fed or interfered with in any way
• From 22h00 all noise must be kept to a minimum
• All litter and pollutants must be put in refuse bins or taken away
• Catapults, airguns, insect electrocutors and stone throwing are not allowed
• Recreational visitors only may fish. Ghillies may not fish or collect bait
Fishing
• A valid fishing licence is required for fishing in the lakes and in the ocean, obtainable at Post Offices SA.
• Published fishing size and bag limits apply. Details available at the office
• Cast nets, gill nets, drag nets and spear guns are not allowed anywhere in the Kosi lakes and estuary
• Cracker shrimps may be bought at lakes 1 & 2 or pumped at lakes 1 & 2 if you have a licence
• It is illegal to bring living bait into the reserve or to collect swimming prawns
• Fishing is not allowed in the sanctuaries (just inside Kosi Mouth and to 200m south of the mouth in the estuary
• Fishing into the ocean is not allowed south of the signboard at the southern point of Bhanga Nek bay
Caution:
• Although there have been no serious incidents for some time, please be aware that there are crocodiles, hippo and the occasional shark in the lakes.
• Please use a torch after dark and wear shoes. Snakes are often active after dark as are hippos.
• Malaria is endemic and there have been no known cases for a number of years, but if you become ill after your visit, please inform your doctor of this possibility
• Beware of stonefish inside Kosi Mouth as they can be deadly.
• Please respect the local people and their culture and do not interfere with fish traps or graves.
Some things to bear in mind on your visit to Bhanga Nek
Access by 4x4 vehicle. Take a spade and a strong plank to put under the jack in case your vehicle sinks into the sand.
Visitors to Bhanga Nek require an entry permit, obtainable from the Kosi Bay KZN Wildlife Office at the 3rd lake or Manzengwenya. The cost is in the region of R40 per vehicle, R40 per adult & R20 per child FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STAY, not per day. Beach access does not require a permit.
There is no entry gate at Bhanga Nek where permits need to be produced, so if you arrive after the KZN office has closed, please go there the next day to obtain your permits. KZN-Wildlife officials do permit spot-checks on the sand road from time to time.
Take your own drinking water.
Protect yourself against mozquitos and malaria in the summer months as Bhanga Nek is in a low-risk malaria area but it is said there has not been a known case of malaria for the last 10 years. If you develop flu-like symptoms on your return home, see your doctor immediately and tell him you recently visited a malaria area.
Beware of hippos and crocodiles near the lake shore at all times and do not disturb the wildlife
There are no crocs and hippos in the sea
No littering
Firearms must be stored safely and not discharged
No fireworks allowed
From 22h00 all noise must be kept to a minimum
Keep your braai fire under control
Seeing that we had to cater for our own drinking water, I had to come up with a plan to keep a household of four(4) people happy. Luckily a person advertised two 55L Grey water tanks on Facebook at a bargain price for R500 (Both). No time was wasted, and we bought them before she could press enter for advertising on other websites.
Planning was done, and i decided to fit one permanently inside the load bin...
No wait, this was the towing vehicle and the trailer: Right.. Back to the water system: The other tank I put on top of the roof rack with a hose ant tap to fill the inner tank when empty.
Electricity:
The trailer was fitted with a 98AMP deep cycle battery, which should've been enough for three(3) days at the most. So, i started shopping for Solar options. Eventually I got a 120W Panel from a China Mall in City Depp JHB at a cost of R850.00 (Cheap hey?).
The panel was the fitted under the roof rack for better storage.
The controller unit I bought from the best 4x4 accessory outlet in the world called 4X4Direct.co.za
I also opted for a 1500w inverter, seeing that the nearest shop is a distance of 28km away. This was for the ice machine which was the biggest worry I had for keeping my throat cool.
Another modification done the vehicle was to finalize on the suspension, and again Darrell from Mikem Suspension exceeded my expectations. The bakkie was now fully kitted with Bilstein Shocks and Mikem Leaf Springs.
There was actually a few modifications done to the vehicle and the trailer to comply with the surroundings, but won't go too much into that as this is actually a Trip Report.
To be continued...