Elephant Coast Accommodation / Hluhluwe Game & Safari Lodges

Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge, near Hluhluwe in Zululand, on the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Hluhluwe, Elephant Coast

Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa

Introduction

Accommodation

Activities

Rates Information

Contact

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Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge in Hluhluwe, Elephant Coast/Zululand, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

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. Guests gather in the central lodge where they join in the camaraderie and share their happy experiences. Shayamoya offers a fully licensed bar to make your stay pleasantly bubbly. 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 occasions 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. Refresh with a dip in the swimming pool or cool off under the shade of the gazebo. The lodge operates on electricity and there is a back-up generator for the odd occasions when we have lightning storm and the electricity supply in the area is cut. The curio shop is small but contains Shayamoya and African memorabilia.

CONFERENCES The lodge is an excellent corporate venue catering for small conferences and tailor made company teambuildings. The lodge becomes exclusively your during that period allowing for maximum productivity and privacy. 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. Please refer to the itineraries for a suggested conference itinerary.
	Wine Cellar Constructed under the deck of the central lodge, is the earthy wine cellar offering an interesting selecting of wines. The cellar is a wonderful setting for romantic dinners so if you are planning something special, let us know to reserve this spot for you.
For the kids: We love having children share the bush experience but realize they need more to stay entertained. Puzzles, building blocks, paints and colouring in sets etc. are available on request from Reception. The kitchen makes play dough for your children to get creative. There is also a sandpit and climbing area. There is a DVD player in the boma so feel free to ask at Reception should your child like to watch a movie. Only a small selection of movies are available, alternatively you are welcome to provide your own DVDs. The Lodge does not have a Play Station, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please understand there is a strict volume level so as not to disturb the guests who have come to visit us for the peace and tranquility of the bush. Should there be a sports event showing that the adults would like to watch, this would take preference.

Accommodation

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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 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. Shayamoya has one chalet that is wheelchair friendly with ramps as access.

Activities

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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 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 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 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.

Boat cruises:

The boat cruise takes place up the Pongola River and into the Lake. The boat is flat bottomed with 12 seats and has a canvas cover overhead. The boat cruise is wonderful for bird watching (especially the huge variety of waterbirds), sighting of hippo, crocodile and where game can be seen at the water's edge making an interesting perspective. The morning cruise departs at 7am and returns at 10.00am. The sundowner cruise is particularly popular and departs at around 3pm and returns at 6pm.

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. 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.

Elephant Monitoring

A morning or afternoon activity where we introduce you to the challenges of managing the elephant population on Pongola Game Reserve of which the first family was re-introduced after translocation from Kruger Park in 1997. Join the Space for Elephants field guide who is very knowledgeable having monitored these magnificent animals daily with the purpose of gathering information for research purposes and to further the "Space for Elephants" Initiative. Although on most occasions you do get good sitings of the bulls and/or herd, this is not guaranteed. This is a special activity, which requires booking by prior arrangement. Departure times are between 2pm and 3pm with the Shayamoya Combi.

All proceeds go towards the 'Space for Elephants Foundation', a non-profit conservation trust with a mission to restore ancient elephant migratory routes by linking existing wildlife 'islands' in Zululand with one another, to the benefit of local communities and wildlife.

Swaziland

Swaziland is a tiny country with spectacular scenery and a huge heart! Rich in heritage and culture, the Swazi’s are friendly, welcoming people proud of their unique legacy.

The old and established Culture and Traditions continue to live on and to witness some of the following occasions, contact Swazi Trails on 00 268 416280 or Email: info@swaziltrails.co.za , website www.swazitrails.co.sz

The spectacular Reed Dance every August
The Scared Incwala Cermenony each December ( in which the King actively participates)
The energetic Sibhaca Dancers

Swazi Trails would also be your answer for White Water Rafting on the Great Usutu River, Mountain Biking & Guided Trails, Adventure Caving & Abseiling, Horse Riding, Canoeing & Quad Biking, as well as general tourist tours.

Arts and Crafts Culture

Dumazulu Cultural Village - 110km - Authentic Zulu Village, Tours depart @ 08:15, 11:00 and 15h15
Ilala Weavers - Hluhluwe 100km - A wonderful gallery and warehouse with the largest collection of traditional Zulu baskets and Zulu beadwork. Craft Village, Savannah Restaurant & Khaki Klub Clothing on same premises.
Ingwavuma Women's Centre - Nestled in the Lebombo Mountains, these 100 women trained in sisal production, 180 embroiders and 14 beaders sell their arts and crafts. Traditional Zulu cuisine and dances. Tel: 035 - 591 0133 to notify them of your arrival
Vincent's Pottery - 17km - Tableware, carved lamps, bathroom basins, fountains etc

Golfing: 30km

The Pongola Golf Club has a lovely country style 9 hole golf course, situated amongst Tamboti tree , sugar cane fields and irrigation dams.
Bring your own golf clubs as there are none for hire.

Location:

Shayamoya GPS Co-ordinates :
* 27° 22’ 530 South 31° 48’ 406 East

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 :