Explore Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, South Africa (UNESCO site)

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Kosi Bayis a series of four interlinked lakes in the Maputuland area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The lakes form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The closest town is Manguzi, some 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away from it. Kosi Bay estuary is only 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the Mozambique border. It is possible to walk from the estuary to Ponta do Ouro in only an hour or so. It is one of the quietest beaches in South Africa.The Kosi River Mouth is known as "the aquarium" because of the clarity of the water and the abundance of fish species. Bird species in the area include the Palm-nut Vulture, Pel's Fishing Owl, White-backed Night-heron, and kingfishers. Duiker, hippopotamus, crocodiles and Bull sharks are also present, and loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The Bay is noted for its aggressive Bull shark population. The sharks are locally known as Zambesi. The Kosi Palm has the largest leaf of any plant in the plant kingdom. Endemic species include the Kosi cycad, Kosi Fern and cycads. It is one of very few places on Earth where 5 different species of Mangrove trees are found in one area. Kosi Bay is particularly famous for the traditional fish traps built to trap fish moving in and out of the estuary with the tide.

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