Utshwayelo Lodge takes its name from the fish kraal celebrating the traditions and culture of the Tonga people – a community partnership project of skills sharing and a life of purpose.
The Tonga tribe ruled by the Tembe family have lived in this area for over 250 years. Since the days of King Shaka they have lived side by side with the Zulu nation. The border between Mozambique and RSA split the tribe and today the Tonga people live on both sides of the border. The area falls under King Mabuthu Israel Tembe and chief Ncelapi Tembe.
The camp was started by the local community in 1992 using grants from lotto and KZN Tourism. The Lodge is currently run and managed by Ken Whitfield and Enock Tembe in association with Chief Tembe and the community elected committee. The Whitfield Trust has a long term management lease and has done major renovations to the Lodge. The Lodge and all improvements are owned by the community. The lodge provides an income to the community in the form of rental, profit share and job opportunities. Local reeds, grass mats and other handmade articles are used for building materials.
Utshwayelo Lodge and Camp is the most North Eastern accommodation in South Africa. It is situated at Kosi Bay Mouth Reserve and Estuary entrance gate, 2,5 km from the beach. It offers en suite chalets and camp sites and is easily accessible by motor car. It is 5km from the KosiBay/Mozambique border post
Snorkel in the channel at the mouth of the estuary, with its kaleidoscope of over 200 species of tropical fish, surf angling from unspoiled beaches, boating on the magnificent lakes, fly-fishing from the rocks and banks, or putting your 4x4 to the test are a few of the amazing activities which can keep you busy.
Do the turtle walk and watch big Leather Back and Loggerhead Turtles lumbar out of the ocean to lay eggs on the beach, and little ones scampering back into the sea – take a guided hike or walk kilometres of pristine bush and beaches and turquoise waters – or just read a book under magnificent ancient Umdoni trees.
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