Jozini, Elephant Coast
Jozini, a small town in North Eastern KwaZulu Natal on the main route to Mozambique, is synonymous with the dam of the same name - the Jozini or Pongolapoort Dam.
This huge dam, on the Pongola River, provides a rather dramatic doorway into Maputaland and the river supports a massive population of fish, hippos and crocodiles as well as the people who live in the area. The Jozini Dam lies in between the majestic Ubombo and Lebombo mountains on the Elephant Coast and covers over 16 000 ha.
The dam was originally designed to irrigate over 80 000 ha of farm land supporting products such as sugarcane, rice, coffee and various sub-tropical fruits. Many have compared it to Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe and it is fast becoming the mecca of many wild game seekers as farmers convert vast tracts of land around the dam back to their virgin bush in the bid to realise a dream to return this area to its former wild life kingdom.
Lake Jozini, as the dam is now called, has become very popular as a Tiger fishing destination and because the dam borders with the Pongola Nature Reserve and Game Reserve, you can view wildlife from your boat and glow-flies light up the early evening shoreline, transforming the water into an incandescent array of fairy lights.
The main attraction in this area is the return of the elephant. But there are vast numbers of other game to be viewed, including: buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, kudu, bushbuck, duiker, steenbok, hyena, cheetah, wild dog, cerval cat, warthog and even the occasional sighting of leopard, which roam the Lebombo mountains.
The dam’s muddy plains and reed banks are home to a vast array of birdlife, over 350 different species, including the whistling duck, yellow billed storks, Egyptian geese, herons, kingfishers and several fish eagles.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
The lake at Jozini is really even more beautiful than we could have imagined. We went onto the water and saw zebras, an elephant and kudus from the boat. It was so peaceful and lovely. The mountains are all around and were my favourite part of the landscape.
Letta (Roodepoort)
Verified review
Wow, what an awesome lake - never seen anthing like it accept Lake Zambezi .... would love to know the actual size of this magnificent lake ?? Anyone know??
Lyn and Hennie Swartz (Durban Kwa zulu natal)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa
Tiger lodge is situated along the banks of the picturesque Jozini Dam in the heart of the Kingdom of the Zulu. Tiger Lodge is an exciting holiday...
Nkonkoni Tiger Fishing Camp
Nkonkoni Tiger Fishing Camp, located in Jozini within the Pongola Game Reserve is a fabulous place for a getaway. Accommodation is offered in sel...
Ghost Mountain Inn
At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze lies the privately owned 4 Star Ghost Mountain Inn. This intimate and beautiful hotel is the...
Umziki Chalets
Umziki Chalets offers comfortable accommodation for those looking to explore the Jozini Dam or those looking for a stop over along their travels....
Shayamanzi Houseboats
Shayamanzi Houseboats offers full board accommodation as well as tiger fishing (in season), a Jacuzzi, two activities per day (fishing, game view...
Impecto Guest House
Impecto Guest House is comprised of two different room types which can sleep two persons in each. Each room has a bathroom, air-conditioning, a s...
Things to do in the area
Ndumo and Tembe Reserve 4x4 Trails
In the north-east corner of the balmy South African province of KwaZulu-Natal are the gorgeous Ndumo Game Reserve and the Tembe Elephant National...
Lala Nek Beach
For the ultimate in a wild South African getaway, experience the raw, untouched appeal of the Elephant Coast when you stay in KwaZulu-Natal. This...
Noteworthy attractions
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is situated on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal and surrounds the Kosi Bay lake system. The system con...
Lake Sibaya
Lake Sibaya is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa with a surface area of 77 km² and an average depth of 13 m. The lake was previously c...
Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999. It is considered South Afric...
Mapelane Nature Reserve
Mapelane Nature Reserve is the southernmost reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Mapelane Nature Reserve is situated on the south ba...
Ndumo Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve (adjacent to the Tembe Elephant Park) is a small but impressive game reserve. Proclaimed in 1924 Ndumo Game Reserve is one of ...
Sodwana Bay National Park
The small Sodwana Bay National Park consists of a narrow coastal strip of forest covered sand dunes. Sodwana Bay National Park was proclaimed in ...
Tembe Elephant National Park
The largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 300km² park on the South Africa /...
Enseleni Nature Reserve
The Enseleni Nature Reserve is a small reserve of 293 hectares lying just inland from the town of Richards Bay, almost midway between Empangeni a...
Maputaland Marine Reserve
The Maputaland Marine Reserve lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known as one of the 'jewels' of South Africa's coastline and a UNESCO de...
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