South Africa Nature Reserves : Shayamanzi House Boat : Pongolo River

At last, no need to go over-border! Houseboat cruises combine with tiger fishing on Lake Jozini and game viewing at Pongola Game Reserve, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The houseboats, Shayamanzi I and II, provide a unique adventure safari exploring the shores of this beautiful lake which is also known as Pongolapoort Dam.

Lake Jozini is unique in South Africa for stocking a fierce fighting African game fish. Tiger Fishing on Lake Jozini is a popular sport and tackle and rods can be hired on board the Shayamanzi Houseboats. The crew take guests on a stunning cruise, visiting secret coves and the best fishing and game viewing spots along the shore of Pongola Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal.

Bird watchers will have their hands full in keeping up with spotting more than 350 species of bush birds, raptors and water birds. Between May and November Lake Jozini becomes a breeding zone for herons, cormorants, storks and ducks to mention a few.

The Northern KwaZulu-Natal Lebombo Mountains make a dramatic backdrop for the lake and game reserve. African wildlife can be seen from the decks of Shayamanzi including a wide variety of antelope species like Zebra, Kudu and Steenbuck.

Other African wildlife that can be spottet at this KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve in South Africa includes Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Hippo, Giraffe, Hyena, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Black Backed Jackal and occasionally a Leopard on the mountain slopes.

The western bank of the Lebombo Mountains in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is covered in indigenous cycads and ferns. Glow flies congregate here along the shore giving a spectacular show. Guests can also go on open 4x4 land cruiser game drives, guided Rhino walks or get involved in Elephant monitoring, in conjunction with game lodges in the area.

Climate in this area in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa:

Good weather is experienced all year round as the climate is subtropical, tending to becoming hot and humid in the high summer from October - February. The best time for visiting Zululand in South Africa is from March - June, the time of 'champagne weather' when the days are warm and dry with low humidity and no wind.

Temperatures in summer have an average of 35 degrees Celsius (96 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are very mild with a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) and averaging 22 degrees C (72 degrees Fahrenheit) maximum.

Low-risk Malaria area:

Lake Jozini, the Pongola River and Pongola Game Reserve in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are listed as a low-risk malaria areas. Guests will be fine unless travelling to high-risk areas like Kruger National Park or the coastal areas such as Kosi Bay. The malaria risk has been declined in many areas due to constant treatment and spraying of rural houses.

Directions to Shayamanzi Houseboats, Lake Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa:

Guests should allow ample travel time in order to get to Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge in time for 2pm. From here, guests are transferred through Pongola Nature Reserve to the waterside, to be met by Shayamanzi crew and a tender boat. Lunch can be enjoyed at the lodge or onboard the houseboat. Alternately, guests can stay overnight at the lodge for the next day’s departure.

Air Travel:

The closest airport to Shayamanzi House Boat on Lake Jozini in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is Richards Bay. Scheduled flights to this airport operate from Johannesburg. Alternately there are 3 airstrips nearby suitable for Microlites and Cesnas:

Ranch airstrip

Length: 350 meters, GPS co-ordinates: 27:22.530 S, 31:48.406 E

Pongola airstrip

Length: 1200 meters, GPS co-ordinates: 27:21.500 S, 31:36.500 E

Mkuze airstrip

Length: 1500 metersm GPS co-ordinates: 27:38.500 S, 32:03.000 E

Road travel:

Transfers through a third party can be arranged from Richards Bay to Shayamoya Lodge. There is also another independent operator offering shuttle transport from Pretoria to Shayamanzi House Boat, Lake Jozini And Pongola River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Directions from Johannesburg:

The best route to take is the N12 via Witbank, pass through the Middleburg toll gate, and take the R35 off - ramp towards Bethal. From Bethal, travel to Ermelo, to Piet Retief, to Pongola. From Pongola, travel for 27km (17 miles), turn left off the N2 highway towards Golela / Swaziland border post. After travelling 2km (just over a mile) up a hill, turn left at the Shayamoya rocky / aloe entrance gate and follow the 1km dirt road to reception. It is clearly signposted from the N2 highway.

Directions from Durban:

Travel north on the N2 highway, 40km (25 miles) past the town of Mkuze, turn right towards Golela / Swaziland border post. Continue for 2km (just over a mile) and you will find the Shayamoya rocky / aloe entrance on your left and follow the 1km (just under a mile) dirt road to reception. It is clearly signposted from the N2 highway.

Directions from Swaziland:

Travel south, exiting at the Golela border post, continue along this road towards the N2 highway. After 8km (5 miles) you will find the Shayamoya entrance on your right.

Distances:

8km (5 miles) Golela

27km 17 miles) Pongola

40km (25 miles) Mkuze

180km (112 miles) Richards Bay

100km (62 miles) Hluhluwe

360km (224 miles) Durban

460km (286 miles) Johannesburg

270km (168 miles) Crocodile Bridge (Kruger National Park)