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Shayamoya Game Lodge
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Pongola Game Reserve
Shayamoya Game Lodge 
This exclusive private game lodge has a majestic setting up on a ridge in pristine African wilderness.
A truly unique lodge in Northern KwaZulu-Natal where you are welcomed like an old friend. Privately owned and managed by the Blevin family who have lived in the area for many years, Shayamoya exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Tiger fishing is the lodge's speciality. The lake is the only water in South Africa that is home to the combative tiger fish, but if fishing is not your bag, there are plenty of other activities at Shayamoya.
The tastefully appointed chalets are built in harmony with the environment and Shayamoya's enthusiastic team of staff will go out of their way to make your stay one of the best you will ever experience.
Absorb the stunning view, as you sit on the wide wooden deck at Shayamoya's central lodge, the Heart of the property. Below and beyond, for as far as the eye can see, stretch the purple hued Lebombo Mountains, the curves of the Pongola River as it enters the Pongolapoort Lake (also known as Jozini) and the unspoilt bushveld of the Phongolo Nature Reserve and the Kingdom of Swaziland.
Accommodation at Shayamoya:
There are 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 the 2 honeymoon suites where the views are endless. The thatched chalets are built of local wood and stone and blend well 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.
Shayamoya has one chalet that is wheelchair friendly with access ramps.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation, dinner and breakfast
Rates Exclude:
Lodge transfers, personal bar and telephone account, laundry service, curios, gratuities, optional activities
Extra information
Optional Activities:
Game Drives
An open landcruiser comfortably seating 10 people is used for these events.
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 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.
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.
Guests are welcome to take an unguided walk on our property - The Idube Trail and for the fitter person, The Honeyguide Trail.
Birding
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.
Tiger Fishing -
Shayamoya's specialty!
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 which is hired out either per full day taking out lunch packs orper 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. A variety of fishing rods and reels are also available forhire.
Bush Weddings
Shayamoyahosts lovely bush-style weddings from 40to 110 guests. The Ceremony is conducted 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. Each wedding is tailor made.
And best of all, the wedding couple get their first anniversary night free at Shayamoya!
Conferences
The lodge is an excellent corporate venue catering for small conferences and tailor made company teambuildings.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.
Climate
There really is not a bad time to visit, as the climate is subtropical with a tendency to become hot and humid in the high summer from October to February. The best time to visit Zululand is from March to June when we experience what we term our "champagne weather" the days are warm yet dry with low humidity and no wind.
Temperatures in Summer are on average 35°C.
Winters are very mild from min 10°C and averaging at 22°C.
Malaria
The area is listed as a low risk malaria area and unless you are travelling to high risk areas such as KrugerPark or the coastal areas such as Kosi Bay, it is not imperative that you take prophylactics. Shayamoya has a favourable setting up on the ridge where it catches the breeze and thus not a good breeding place for mosquitoes. The malaria risk has been improved in many areas due to constant treatment and spraying of rural houses.
What to pack
During summer, light weight comfortable clothing is recommended. If you are going on safari, make sure you pack a warm jacket for the evenings, as it can get quite chilly on the back of an open vehicle when the sun sets, even in the summer months. Comfortable walking shoes are also advisable. The idea at game reserves is to relax and enjoy your time under the African sky, and listen to the calls of the wild all around you! Dinner dress is therefore casual and comfortable. Don't forget to bring along your camera. A pair of binoculars will also come in handy on game drives and for spotting game from your lodge.
