Shayamanzi Houseboats \ Accommodation in Jozini

Northern KwaZulu Natal has many natural and splendid beauties, but little can compare with the superb wildlife to be seen on the shores of Lake Jozini (also known as Pongolapoort Lake). Soak up the stunning scenery of the Lebombo Mountains and Pongola Game Reserve on board a Shayamanzi Houseboat.

Enjoy calm serenity on the water or the thrill of Tiger fishing! Lake Jozini is the only water in South Africa where you find the ferocious fighting Tiger Fish, an African game fish, which jumps out the water, throwing his head from side to side trying to get off your line. Experience the first Luxurious Houseboats in South Africa - the only ones of their kind.

THE SETTING

The cruise begins in the Northern area of the Lake where the Pongola River enters the lake which covers 15 000 ha. The lake is surrounded by Game Reserves, which are teaming with a large variety of wildlife and herds of elephant are a common sighting from the Shayamanzi decks.

The magnificent Lebombo Mountain range rises up along the Eastern bank. In the Gorge, the Mountains tower over you, covered by beautiful indigenous forest and where the glo-flies make a spectacular show along the shoreline.

ABOUT THE BOATS

As you lie in your oak panelled cabin, the stars reflecting on the water and the moonlight shining through the fluttering, drifting curtains, you wonder what could be more romantic. The hippos snorting in the nearby bay remind you that you are surrounded by nature at its best.

All the cabins are en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. They have mosquito netting, plug points and fans. The water system is top class resulting in a hot pressurized shower. There are plug points in the rooms so the ladies have the luxury of blow-drying their hair after stepping out the shower or jacuzzi. For bigger groups, sleeper couches on the top deck are used to accommodate an extra 4 people who then share an ablution facility. And for even larger groups, by hiring both the boats, you are able to accommodate a maximum of 36 passengers.

Shayamanzi I:
Shayamanzi I is 25 meters by 8 meters; with 6 spacious en-suite cabins with shower, basin and toilet. An extra 4 people can sleep on the top deck sharing an ablution facility. Total of 16 people.

Shayamanzi II:
Shayamanzi II is 30 meters by 8,5 meters; with 6 spacious en-suite cabins and 4 luxury pontoon cabins with a lounge area which is convertible into extra beds for children. Fitted with air-conditioning, it sleeps a total of 24 people with an extra 4 people on the top deck.

Facilities

Cruising in style, Shayamanzi passengers enjoy different anchorages each evening. The boats are fully serviced with a friendly crew who will ensure you delicious meals, a safe cruise, great fishing, game viewing and bird watching of more than 300 species. Double pontoon tender boats accompany the houseboats to explore the Lake's secret coves and are skippered by the Shayamanzi crew.

The top deck is comfortably furnished with a lounge, dinning area, bar and sundeck. The fully stocked wet bar, large Jacuzzi, cabins and kitchen are situated on the lower deck. DSTV is available at the bar so that our sports fans can watch international games on the boat. A DVD Home Theatre System provides a wide range of music, and various board games are available.

CONFERENCES

Shayamanzi makes for a unique executive conference venue where all the relevant details are supplied or can be arranged. There is cell phone signal everywhere ensuring access to the office at all times. There are blinds on the dining room side to reduce the glare during presentations. To run equipment, electrical power is provided by a 30KVA water-cooled generator, two inverters or shore power when anchored in the river.

BOOKINGS

Bookings are made per charter, for groups from 12 to 40 passengers (by hiring both boats) and per person for smaller groups from 2 to 6. There is a minimum of a two night stay. You begin your experience at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge, where you leave your vehicles in the safe parking area. You are then transferred to a jetty on the Northern shores of the Pongola River, where you embark.

Our Game Lodge

Also See our Fishing and Game Lodge: Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge.

Related / Useful Links

• Accommodation in South Africa
• Jozini Accommodation
• Jozini Hotels
• Jozini Weddings
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation