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).
On board Shayamanzi Houseboat, soak up the stunning scenery of the Lebombo Mountains and Pongola Game Reserve. Enjoy the calm serenity of the water or the thrill of Tiger fishing!
Shayamanzi I:
is a 25 meter by 8 meter, double pontoon houseboat. She has 4 crew and 2 tender boats. There are 6 cabins, each sleeping 2 passengers, which are en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. The cabins are large and airy with large sliding window doors as your boundary to the water.
For bigger groups up to 16 passengers, sleeper couches on the top deck are used to accommodate an extra 4 people who then share an ablution facility.
Shayamanzi II:
is a 30 meter by 8.6 meter, double pontoon houseboat. She is a dream cruiser with 3 levels, 6 crew and 3 tender boats. There are 6 cabins, each sleeping 2 passengers, which are en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. The cabins are large and airy with large sliding window doors as your boundary to the water. There are another four spacious en-suite cabins downstairs with two generous sized viewing windows. These cabins have a lounge area, which is convertible for additional bedding for family accommodation. All the cabins on the Shayamanzi II are air-conditioned.
Cruising:
Cruising in style at 5 knots, Shayamanzi passengers enjoy different anchorages each evening. The boat is fully serviced with a world-class crew who will ensure you delicious meals, a safe cruise, great fishing, game viewing and bird watching of more than 350 species.
Shayamanzi is registered by SAMSA (South African Marine Authority) to carry 100 passengers and thus ideal for group day cruises or weddings.
Facilities:
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.
The cabins are fitted with adjustable fans, window gauze above the glass doors and mosquito netting.
Activities:
By hiring both the boats, there is accommodation for 32 passengers in twin cabins or by utilising the top decks, a maximum of 40 passengers can be accommodated. A bridge will be erected when on anchorage so that guests can mingle between the 2 boats.
Double pontoon tender boats accompany the houseboat on her cruise. These are used by the passengers to explore the Lake's secret coves for fishing or game viewing purposes and are skippered by the Shayamanzi crew.
The area is a birder's paradise hosting over 350 species of bush birds, raptors and water birds. Set against the Lebombo Mountains, the Lake becomes a breeding zone for cormorants, herons, ducks, storks and many more. Between May and November there is a fantastic hive of activity not to be missed.
Other land activities can be enjoyed whereby we link up with the surrounding lodge's and their game drives, elephant monitoring, rhino walks and half day cultural outings into rural Zululand.
Tiger Fishing
Lake Jozini is the only water in South Africa where you find the ferocious fighting Tiger Fish, an African game fish, which sends you thrills as it jumps out the water, throwing his head from side to side trying to get off your line. Tackle and rods are available for hire.
The Lake is surrounded by the Pongola Game Reserve and Phongolo Nature Reserve, which provide spectacular game viewing from the water's edge. The Reserves are teaming with a large variety of wildlife which can be viewed from the Shayamanzi decks or the tender boats. |
