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Elephant
Coast Accommodation
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Elephant
Coast - Zululand - KwaZulu-Natal
- South Africa
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Pakamisa
- the name in Zulu means "to lift up" and we assure our guests that their
spirits will soar in this African Shangri-La. We offer discerning visitors
luxury, comfort and security with top class European cuisine amidst pristine
African wilderness.
The basic
philosophy of the management and staff at Pakamisa is to provide much more
than accommodation and meals. We offer round-the-clock service and are
always happy to organise custom-made holidays to suit your individual preferences;
from Tiger fishing in the nearby Jozini Dam to a champagne picnic in the
African bush - we strive to fulfil the holiday dreams of all..
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PAKAMISA
PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - in which the Pakamisa Lodge is situated, comprises
a pristine malaria free wilderness area of some 2500 hectares.
Access
to the reserve is restricted, enabling guests at Pakamisa to enjoy the
exclusive experience of natural African bushveld with its unparalleled
abundance of wildlife and exotic vegetation. Guests can expect to see giraffe,
zebra, waterbuck, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, warthog, kudu, nyala,
impala, bushbuck, common and mountain reedbuck, grey and red duiker, klipspringer,
baboon, vervet monkeys, caracal, genet as well as many smaller mammals,
predators and reptiles. The birdlife, too, is prolific and varied. |
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Superbly
located on the high plateau of the Pakamisa Mountain, Pakamisa Lodge
affords breathtaking views over the evergreen valley and plains of the
Pongola River and the surrounding mountains.
Far away
from any stress or hectic pace, our guests appreciate and enjoy the exclusive,
intimate atmosphere, especially as accommodation is limited to a maximum
of 16 guests. The unique Italo-Spanish architecture and style of the Pakamisa
Lodge blends the finest of European and African ambience.
The
impressive Main House, with an eclectic mix of African and European art
and antiques, offers the finest atmosphere for either quiet relaxation
or socializing with friends and other guests. |
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Meet new
friends around the grand fireplace in the spacious Living Room.
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Choose
a good book from the extensive Hotel Library that contains many treasures
to delight the most discerning bibliophile in a variety of languages.
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Sip a
cocktail in the cosy Hunter's Bar with its intimate atmosphere
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Relax
and enjoy wonderful music on the sweeping terrace with its panoramic views
of spectacular Africa.
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Our pool
terrace, also with spectacular views, offers guests an oasis of tranquility
where light snacks and exotic drinks can be enjoyed after a refreshing
swim in the large Rock Pool.
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The
elegant El Prado restaurant with its reputation for pleasing the most fastidious
gourmet strives for perfection in hospitality, entertainment and fine dining:
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From a
sumptuous breakfast up to a light lunch
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Afternoon
tea and sundowners
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Romantic
alfresco dining on the covered veranda
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Gala Diner
with concert entertainment
All in
a stylish but comfortable atmosphere. The cuisine, as well as the wines
and liquors from our cellar, are of the highest international standards.
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Or
a perfect day can be rounded off around a crackling campfire under the
stars enjoying the natural nocturne of the African night.
The
basic philosophy of the management and staff at Pakamisa is to provide
much more than accommodation and meals. We offer round-the-clock service
and are always happy to organise custom-made holidays to suit your individual
preferences; from Tiger fishing in the nearby Jozini Dam to a champagne
picnic in the African bush - we strive to fulfil the holiday dreams of
all.
To
put it simply, our motto remains: "The satisfied guest is king". |
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eight spacious, tastefully-decorated suites offer the highest standards
for comfort and complete relaxation.
Each
suite, comprising a bedroom, lounge, deluxe-bathroom (bath, shower, two
basins and separate toilet), wardrobe and own veranda, is fully equipped
with in-room electronic safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee facilities.
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Each
suite has been individually styled after an African animal, a theme picked
up in valuable paintings and local artifacts.
The
solid brick buildings and ceilings up to eight metres high create a pleasant
indoor climate found only in the legendary tropical hotels of bygone days.
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Whether
you choose an activity based holiday or simply wish to relax, the variety
of sporting, social and cultural activities at Pakamisa offers each
guest the freedom to select his or her favourite, personal holiday itinerary.
PAKAMISA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
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in which the Pakamisa Lodge is situated, comprises a pristine malaria free
wilderness area of some 2500 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted,
enabling guests at Pakamisa to enjoy the exclusive experience of natural
African bushveld. The total area is doubled when the mountainous features
such as valleys and ravines are taken into account. Access to the reserve
is restricted, enabling guests at Pakamisa to enjoy the exclusive
experience of natural African bushveld with its unparalleled abundance
of wildlife and exotic vegetation. Guests can expect to see leopard, giraffe,
zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, warthog, bushpig, kudu, nyala, impala,
bushbuck, common reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, grey and red duiker, steenbuck,
klipspringer, baboon as well as many smaller mammals, predators and reptiles.
The bird life, too, is prolific and varied. |
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GAME DRIVE - Accompanied
by an experienced game ranger, guests may traverse the entire reserve in
an open safari vehicle. Your guide will explain the often-fascinating life
cycles of everything from insects, plants and trees to the behaviour patterns
of the mammals and birds, giving you a chance to experience at first hand
the magic of the African wild.
GUIDED WALKS - Rejuvenate
your spirit on long walks through the unspoiled bushveld. The numerous
Bush walks are the best way to work up an appetite, these range from stalking
trips with camera and binoculars to a comfortable stroll to a shaded picnic
spot, where you will be surprised by a creative prepared Bush meal. Since
none of the larger and more dangerous mammals roam the Private Game Reserve
and access is restricted, you can look out for your own little corner of
paradise. |
| BIRDWATCHING - More
than 200 species have been recorded in the Pakamisa Game Reserve with many
more occasional visitors and seasonal migrants. From soaring eagles overhead
to the vivid sunbirds flitting through the shrubs, the area offers birdwatchers
constant excitement.
HORSES - Horse lovers
will be impressed by our Pakamisa Arabian Stud.
The Arabian horses, originally
born and bred in Andalusia, Spain, by Isabella von Stepski, renowned internationally
as an Arabian expert. Isabella transported her entire stud from Spain to
this special corner of Africa where these noble horses are thriving well.
The first generation of the African-born Arabians are already galloping
across the endless pastures. All horses are worked under saddle and the
proud breeder is only to happy to arrange riding excursions with the entire
herd for guests with equestrian interest.
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Horse-back safaris,
through the Game Reserve provide guests with a unique and unforgettable
experience. An elegant but comfortable lounge and veranda at the Pakamisa
Stables invite riders and their friends to enjoy pre-ride drinks and snacks
as well as a delicious dinner in a very special setting at the end of a
day in the saddle.
GOLF - We are happy
to arrange transport to the small but challenging nine-hole golf course
in Pongola, a 40-minute drive from Pakamisa. Visitors are assured of a
warm welcome on this well-maintained course. |
| SIGHT SEEING TOURS -
SOME OF THE MANY OPTIONS :
Cultural tours to the nearby
centers of the proud and colourful history of the Zulu people, including
conducted tours of the famous battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer
wars.
St. Lucia World Heritage
Site - wildlife observation and boat cruise through this vast coastal wetland.
Visits to local traditional
Zulu villages, Zulu dancing and traditional Zulu arts and crafts.
FISHING - Expeditions
to the nearby Jozini Dam (approximately one hour's drive) can be arranged
for anglers seeking the legendary, hard-fighting Tiger fish and other freshwater
species. The Jozini Dam, one of the largest in the region, is in a beautiful
setting and an abundance of wildlife visits its shores. Our team will drive
you there and back and organise everything you need for a memorable day's
fishing. |
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SHOOTING - Pakamisa
Game Reserve boasts its own shooting range in a fascinating mountain location
(far removed from the hotel itself to avoid noise disturbance). Here a
modern clay target parcours is available for enthusiastic clay target shooters.
CULINARY SPECIALITIES
- The national dishes and drinks of specific countries are featured in
turn.
SMALL-TALK AT THE POOLSIDE
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The Rock Pool, sundecks and pool bar await your visit.
IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE
- In winter weather, no better place than the roaring log fires in the
magnificent Trophy Hall in the Main House.
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
- End your day under the brilliant star-lit African sky, surrounded by
the incomparable symphony of wilderness' night music. |
| Holidays are the most precious
time of your year. Whatever your preference and mood dictates, just let
us know !
Pakamisa is situated
not far from the Indian Ocean (50 km as the crow flies), about 15 km south
west of the little town Pongola. Please have a look at the map below. This
corner of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, the mountainous region at the border
to the Kingdom of Swaziland, is scarcely populated and is counted amongst
the most scenic regions of South Africa. The close proximity of the coast
results in a moderate and temperate climate. Because there are no centers
of industry or high density population, there is neither pollution nor
social or political conflict.
Travelling Information
The easiest way to Pakamisa
is via air-shuttle from Johannesburg directly to Pongola Airport (flight
time approx. one hour). On landing at Pongola, we collect you directly
at the airstrip. The car transfer to the lodge (approx. 30 minutes) winds
through the picturesque Pongola River valley and the evergreen sugarcane
plantations.
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The alternative traveling
option is to go by car or minibus on the N 2 highway; coming from:
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the north from Johannesburg
over Witbank, Ermelo, Piet Retief (450 km)
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the south from Durban (380 km)
or from Richards Bay (250 km)
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In Pongola you take the R66
(towards Magudu, Ulundi) - travel on this tarred road for 7 km (passing
over the Pongola river) untill you see our brown Pakamisa sign on your
left
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here turn RIGHT onto Dirtroad
for 7,5 km
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here turn LEFT towards the mountain
for further 600 m to our entrance gate of the reserve.
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3 more kilometers of very steep
road up the Pakamisa mountain to the Lodge
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Rates
available on request:
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