Whatshot
The King's Bay - There is only one
The King's Bay - There is only one
Date: 2015-12-11
Many moons ago, when my boys were very small we took them to The King's Bay for the first time. It was a revelation to see them unfazed by the water, they jumped in almost immediately. Free from fear, oblivious to any signs of hesitation. They seemed at home in The King's Bay.
In years to come we have been returning regularly. Bringing friends and family from all over the world, everyone had to agree, The King's Bay is a beautiful worldly phenomena, unlike any seen anywhere in the world.
Inock Tembe is the chief of this valley. Together with his clan he runs a successful campsite right at the Parks Board gate. When you come here, do not expect luxuries, unless you are the type of happy camper with all the bells and whistles attached to your camping trailer. Here you will get the basics; running water, a fully kitted kitchen, bathrooms with showers and toilets. Light from a single bulb is a bonus but it does run out when the generator is switched off.
However the `campsite is not why you come here. You come here for The King's Bay, the sheer beauty and splendour of this natural beauty is truly very hard to define, but believe me, once you see it, you will feel it so deep in your very core your diaphragm will have trouble exhaling. Here you'll be lost in some ofthe most beautifulscenery available to man kind, right on your very doorstep.
The King's Bay is truly fascinating as it houses ancient fish kraals called Utshwayelo. These fish kraals are found in the Kosi Estuary not far from the mouth. They have been in existence for hundreds of years and are a source of sustenance for the Tembe Tribal people of the area. This method of trapping however only continues to be practised in the Kosi estuary.Its common to see locals walking around with big fish wrapped in banana leaf on their heads, which they are more then willing to sell to you for a good price.
Coming back to Kosi Mouth is like coming home. People remember us and they are authentically happy to see us. We call The King's Bay our happy place, if you have not been there make sure you commit and go. 4x4 only.