Shayamoya - Lodge Accommodation
Accommodation in Pongola, Zululand - Kwazulu Natal
Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge - A truly unique lodge in Northern KwaZulu Natal where the view from the spectacular setting is particularly breathtaking as you gaze out onto Lake Jozini, the Lebombo Mountains and the Pongola Game Reserves.
Privately owned and managed by the Blevin family who have lived in the area for many years, Shayamoya exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere. .
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Accommodation
Shayamoya Lodge offers 8 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. Enjoy private moments in your own Kingdom of the 2 honeymoon suites where the views is endless. The thatched chalets are built of local wood and stone and blend deliciously into their wild surrounding. 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.
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Meals
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. For special occasssions and by advanced notice, Shayamoya's flexibility allows us to spoil guests with breakfasts served on the River bank or bush dinners enjoyed under the star-studded sky, lit only by candles. 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.
Rates
| Dinner Bed and Breakfast: Standard Chalet (p/p/p/n) | R970-00 |
| Dinner Bed and Breakfast: Premium Chalet (p/p/p/n) | R1150-00 |
| Dinner Bed and Breakfast: Single Supplement | R275-00 |
| Lunch: (p/p) | R65-00 |
Please contact us for our activities pricing guide.
Local Facilities and Attractions
TIGER FISHING: The Pongolapoort Lake (also known as Jozini) is situated in the North Eastern KwaZulu Natal,
bordering Southern Swaziland. It 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, and a fly-fishing boat hired out at R900 per full day taking out lunch packs or
R600 per half day returning to the lodge for brunch. This includes one of our talented and enthusiastic guides who skippers the boat
and shows you the know-how and hot spots on the Pongolapoort Lake. Also for hire are a variety of fishing rods and reels at a daily
charge of R75. Fishing tackle is to be replaced if lost or damaged. We support CAR! The lake covers +/- 16 000 hectares, with a river
stretch of approximately 5 km. It is set against the backdrop of the Lebombo Mountain range, giving the eastern shores deep basaltic
drop offs ideal for tiger fish. The 'Poort' or Gorge, is a 7km stretch leading to the dam wall, with crystal clear waters of
60 meters deep and overhanging cycads. The western shores are mainly mud flats with the odd underwater islands ideal for
breeding baitfish including two species of Tilapia, catfish, carp, mudfish and a large variety of smaller fish.
The Phongolo River feeds the lake and this stretch is made up of both of the above conditions, with old
submerged trees making up most of the tiger fish hideouts. The Northern tip stretches into
Swaziland itself however we are not permitted to fish here. The other area fishing is prohibited,
is from the railway bridge upstream which is a breeding sanctuary area. Fishing takes place from boats as
the shoreline is crowded with semi-submerged trees and not to mention the large population of hippos and crocodiles on the water.
GAME DRIVES:
An open landcruiser comfortably seating 10 people is used for these occasions. The morning game drive departs between 6am and 7am
seasonally. The afternoon game drive departs between 3pm and 4pm.The drives are 3hrs of fantastic bush experience where
our rangers enlighten you on all aspects of nature including the history of the area. Game drives take place on the Phongolo
Nature Reserve, the neighboring National Reserve, which is the first Reserve to be proclaimed in Africa by Paul Kruger in 1894. The Reserve has an
excellent population of wild life from white rhino, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, giraffe, nyala, kudu, impala, waterbuck,
tsetsebe antelope, steenbuck, mountain reedbuck, common reedbuck, red duiker, grey duiker, suni antelope,
black backed jackal, wild dog, cerval cat, bushpig, banded mongoose, legavaan, terrapin, hippo, crocodile and
the rare siting of the leopard which roam the slopes of the Lebombo Mountains. R275 p/p per drive unless included in the package.
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 and therefore enjoyable for all fitness levels.
We need 24hrs notice to conduct these walks on the Pongola Game Reserve. R275 p/p No children u/16yrs.
Guests are welcome to take an unguided walk on our property : * The Idube Trail * and for the fitter person,
The Honeyguide Trail BIRD WATCHING The area is an extremely rich and rewarding birding destination, boasting around 400
species of birds. Shayamoya has a wide variety of exciting birding habitats on offer most of which is typical Zululand Thornveld.
SWAZILAND: A suggested day outing of 400km return trip would be: * Visit the Swazi Candles in Malkerns where unique candles are handcradfted by local craftsmen in the workshop. Stop at the Sambane Coffee Shoppe situated at the factory. * Visit the Mantenga Craft Market or the Ezulwini Craft Market * Malandela’s Centre is a complex which hosts The Gone Rural showhouse and shop, Boabab Batik, House on Fire which is fantasy architecture, amazing sculptures and split levels, a funky fun performance area and art gallery and lunch can be enjoyed at the Farm House Restaurant or English Pub. * For a bit of exercise,
visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for a horse trail (R110 p/p/p/hour) or a Guided Mountain Bike Trail (R95 p/p/p/hour).
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Directions
Shayamoya GPS Co-ordinates : * 27° 22’ 530 South 31° 48’ 406 East
Please note: There are road works between Piet Retief and
Pongola probably until sometime in 2010. This delays you a lot so either just be patient at the stops, or bring your passports along,
and go via Swaziland on a new tar road, through the Mahamba Border Post. As you are about to leave the town of Piet Retief, turn left
after the Toyota Car Dealership where there is a small green sign ‘MAHAMBA’. Travel straight along this road for 30km and you will reach
the border post. You will pass through the towns of Nhlangano, via Hluti onto Lavumisa/Golela, the Southern Border Post. The border posts
are efficient and the staff have a friendly attitude. Once through the border, travel for 8km and you will see Shayamoya entrance on your
right, at the top of the hill.
When travelling from Johannesburg :
There are a couple of different routes. * Exiting JHB on the N17 from
the South, head to Bethal. * Or exiting from the N12 via Witbank, pass through the Middleburg toll gate, take the R35 off- ramp towards
Bethal. * From Bethal, travel to Ermelo, to Piet Retief, and onto Pongola. * From Pongola, travel for 27km, turn left off the N2 highway
towards Golela/Swaziland border post. * After travelling 2km 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.
When travelling from Pretoria :
* Take the N4 towards Witbank,
pass through the Middleburg toll gate, take the R35 off- ramp towards Bethal. * From Bethal, travel to Ermelo, to Piet Retief, to Pongola.
* From Pongola, travel for 27km, turn left off the N2 highway towards Golela/Swaziland border post. * After travelling 2km 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.
Alternatively :
* A longer but quieter and most scenic would be taking the N12 or N4 past Middleburg until the 2 Highways join, exit on the
R33 to Carolina. * There are a few left and right turns as you head onto Amsterdam and then Piet Retief, just follow the R33 signs.
* From Piet Retief follow the directions as above. * Watch out for the traffic cops just outside the little towns!
When traveling South from Kruger Park, Crocodile Bridge :
* The quickest route is through Swaziland using the Mananga, border post. * Continue
south towards Big Bend, to Lavumisa border post. * From here, travel for only 8 km into KwaZulu Natal, turn right at the
Shayamoya entrance up on the hill. When travelling North from Durban : * On the N2 highway, 40km past the town of Mkuze,
turn right towards Golela/Swaziland border post. * Continue for 2km and you will find the Shayamoya rocky/aloe entrance
on your left.
When travelling South through Swaziland :
* Exiting at the Golela border post, continue along this road towards the
N2 highway. * After 8km you will find the Shayamoya entrance on your right.
T.V. With MNET and DSTV + Card
En-Suite Bathrooms
Fridge 
Microwave Oven
Ceiling Fan
Golf Nearby
Game and Mountain Views
Secure Parking Available
Tea / Coffee Facilities
Security
Braai Facilities
Bed Linen Supplied
No Smoking Available
Handicap Equipped
