What a view! Traditional Cache
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A stunning view (best seen at sunset! in the of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa
The view in front of you now is the best view of the Kosi Bay estuary and the traditional Tsonga fish traps.
To the left you can just make out the ocean, this is where the Kosi Bay Mouth is - I recommend a visit! - the sand is soft, the water is warm and the snorkelling in the actual estuary is amazing. From the beach you can walk right up to the Mozambique border post, it is that close.
If you look to the right you can follow the estuary as it passes through the lakes that Kosi Bay is so well known for.
The fishtraps are passed on from father to son and no additional traps can be created since the declaration of Kosi Bay as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fishtraps are the perfect example of sustainable fishing as the way in which they are built allows (the smart) fish to escape before becoming trapped in the fishing kraal (the enclosed round bits of each trap).
My visit to the fishtraps was with a local fisherman called Elmon, he told me his father used to be chief and so he is lucky enough to own more than one fishtrap. He even let me climb in and spear a fish to take for dinner, it was hard to catch but the taste was worth it!
Because I was staying in their community camp, Elmons brother actually cooked the fish for me in a traditional way over a fire with palm leaves.
The fishtraps are made of only the materials that occur naturally in Kosi Bay. The upright stakes are made of palm fronds and reeds and the rope used to weave the frond and reeds together is also made from the palm stems. Elmon showed me how twisting them makes the fibres separate and become bendy like string.
The view is what struck me the most though, I got here at sunset and the colours reflecting on the water were beautiful. Photo's just did not do it justice, but I wanted to share the view so a geocache seemed like the perfect idea!
Access to the viewpoint is by either 4x4 or walking and permits need to be purchased when entering through the Kosi Bay Mouth Gate - I don't know how much they are as I just had mine added to my bill, but I don't think they are very much.
The container is small and contains only a log book, so you will need to bring along a pencil.
I did not see any animals / snakes / scorpions when I was placing the cache but it is South Africa so they are always a possibility - please be careful when walking in the grass.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vs bayl V jnf gnyyre sbe n orggre ivrj...
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