Pongola Accommodation / Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge Pongola Accommodation / Game Lodge in Pongola Game Reserve

Absorb the stunning view, as you sit on the wide wooden deck at Shayamoya’s central lodge. Panoramic images embrace the purple hued Lebombo Mountains, the curves of the Pongola River as it enters the Lake Jozini and the unspoilt bushveld of the Pongolo Game Reserves. Owned and managed by the Blevin family, together with their staff, Shayamoya exudes a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

It is an ideal venue for the whole family offering a variety of activities. One of the special activities is the challenging sport of tiger fishing as this is the only water in SA home to these ferocios fighting game fish. On offer also are game drives, boat cruises, elephanting and rhino tracking.

Shayamoya has a prime location in breaking the trip when travelling from Kruger Park or Johannesburg, through to the Natal resorts such as Hluhluwe, St.Lucia, and the Southern Mozambique scuba diving resorts.

ACCOMMODATION

Standard Chalets
There are eight standard chalets, which are appointed with stylish elegance. You can relax on your private deck and observe the curious behaviour of the scarlet-breasted sunbird or have a visit from our resident Spotted Eagle Owl, Nandi. Getting even closer to nature, enjoy the experience of taking a steamy outdoor shower under the stars. Each chalet is beautifully finished with attention to detail, such as the custom made basins and brass taps in the bathrooms.

Honeymoon Suites
Enjoy private moments in your own Kingdom of the honeymoon suite where the view is endless. The thatched chalet is built of local wood and stone and blends deliciously into their wild surrounding.

FAMILY SUITE
One of the chalets is extremely spacious and geared towards families accommodating an extra-length king size bed, a bunk bed and a pull out couch.

Well-manicured pathways link the chalets with the central lodge. While strolling from the chalets, you may come across duiker, zebra and guinea fowl that roam around the lodge.

LODGE FACILITIES

Guests gather in the central lodge where they join in the camaraderie and share their happy experiences. Shayamoya offers a fully licensed bar to make your stay pleasantly bubbly. Refresh with a dip in the swimming pool or cool off under the shade of the gazebo.

RESTAURANT

The Bundu Pot restaurant treats you to sumptuous meals of South African flavourings. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, inviting new and interesting friendships. Traditional braais are held outdoors around the crackling fire and the feeling of true Africa reaches every soul. Many of our vegetables, herbs and fruit are home grown at our sister farm, Tamboti Ridge, whose diary also supply us with fresh milk, butter, yoghurt and feta cheese.

Let us know if you are planning a special celebration as the property lends itself to a few special spots where memories are made.

WINE CELLAR

Constructed under the deck of the central lodge, is the earthy wine cellar offering an interesting selecting of wines. The cellar is a wonderful setting for romantic dinners so if you are planning something special, let us know to reserve this spot for you.

BUSH WEDDINGS

We have hosted lovely bush-style weddings from 40 guests to 80 guests. Pastor Schalk conducts the ceremonies on the wide wooden deck of the central lodge with the bridal party embraced by the stunning view. Weddings are very personalised and the bridal party can either be very involved in the arrangements or Shayamoya management can take on the responsibilities of the flower arrangements, music, décor etc. There is no set price as each wedding is tailor made.

CONFERENCES

The lodge is an excellent corporate venue catering for small conferences and tailor made company teambuildings. The lodge becomes exclusively your during that period allowing for maximum productivity and privacy. Some of the fun activities include fishing competitions, bird identifying competitions, wine tastings and theme evenings. The restaurant in the central lodge is used as the meeting area, seating 25 delegates in a U shape formation. Shayamoya is equipped with an overhead projector, screen, white board, flip chart and marker pens. There is no extra charge for the equipment.

ACTIVITIES

The Pongola Nature Reserve incorporates contrasting eco-systems, an abundance of wildlife and extraordinary bird watching.

Tiger Fishing:
Lake Jozini (also known as Pongolapoort ) is the southern most extremity of the infamous Tiger Fish population (Hyrocynus Vittatus) due to our hot Summer temperatures and moderate Winter climate, and it is the only waters in South Africa home to the tiger fish. Shayamoya is fully equipped with 2 x 16ft ski boats for hire. One of our talented and enthusiastic guides skippers the boat and shows you the know-how and hot spots on the Lake.

Game Drives:
An open landcruiser comfortably seating 10 people is used for these events. The drives are 3 hours of fantastic bush experience where our rangers enlighten you on all aspects of nature including the history of the area. Game drives take place either on the Phongolo Nature Reserve (rhino) or the Shayamoya Reserve (buffalo). The Reserves has an excellent population of wild life including wildebeest, zebra, warthog, giraffe, nyala, kudu, the rare siting of the leopard which roam the slopes of the Lebombo Mountains and much more.

Boat Cruises:
Morning and sundowner boat cruises up the Pongola River and into the Lake are wonderful for bird watching (especially the huge variety of waterbirds), sighting hippo and crocodile and game can be seen at the water's edge making an interesting perspective.

Rhino Tracking:
Many guests enjoy stretching their legs where they encounter animals and especially the 'prehistoric looking' rhino on foot. The trails are not strenuous (enjoyable for all fitness levels). Notice is required.

Spa
There is a lovely Spa only 4kms away offering a peaceful bushveld pampering. Bookings are taken direct with the Spa.

Houseboats

For an extra special experience why not try our luxury houseboats? SeeShayamanzi Houseboats.

ACCREDITATIONS (as claimed by the establishment)