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 soak up the stunning scenery of the Lebombo Mountains and Pongola Game Reserve. Enjoy calm serenity on the water or the thrill of Tiger fishing!

Shayamanzi I  is a 24 meter, double pontoon, luxurious houseboat launched 18th October 2002. Shayamanzi II is an impressive dream cruiser recently launched on the 6th September 2007. She is 30m long and 8.6m wide. Cruising in style, Shayamanzi passengers enjoy different anchorages each evening. The boat is fully serviced with a friendly crew who will ensure you delicious meals, a safe cruise, great fishing, game viewing and bird watching.  Shayamanzi is all about taking time out to appreciate Africa's special wonders.
The whining reel breaks the silence as your fishing rod bends to the limit. Then the spectacular colours of a tail walking ‘tiger’ light up the water surface, and experience that neither the novice nor avid angler will forget.

ACTIVITIES
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. Double pontoon tender boats for passengers to explore the Lake's secret coves for fishing or game viewing accompany the Shayamanzi’s. Tackle and  rods are available for hire. Should you like to reserve live bait (tilapia) for your fishing excursions, this is an extra cost and needs to be booked by prior arrangement.

The Lake is surrounded by the Pongola Game Reserve and Phongolo Nature Reserve, which provides spectacular game viewing from the water's edge. The Reserves are teaming with a large variety of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, white & black rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, an abundance of antelope such as kudu, nyala, impala, duiker, tsetsebe, suni and many more.

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 and rhino walks.

FACILITIES
The top deck is comfortably furnished with a lounge, dinning area, bar and sundeck. The Captain also has his bridge in the centre on the top deck.

The welcoming wet bar, jacuzzi with a heating system, passenger cabins, crew cabins and kitchen are situated on the lower deck (or decks in the case of Shayamanzi II).
Shayamanzi I :           6 Luxury passenger cabins. 8 Seater Jacuzzi
Shayamanzi II :       She has 3 floors with 10 en-suite, air-conditioned cabins. 12 Seater jacuzzi

There is also DSTV, surround sound music system and games for entertainment. There is a small selection of cd rom music on the boat and you are welcome to bring your own as well.

Shayamanzi makes for a unique executive conference and wedding venue where all the relevant details are supplied or can be arranged.

THE CREW
The charming and experienced skippers take you on your journey of Lake Jozini.

The Chefs prepare the sumptuous meals. Wholesome breakfasts, light lunches and delicious 3-course dinners or braais are served on the upper deck, not to mention the bottomless tea and coffee accompanied with freshly baked biscuits.
Deckhands ensure your cabins are clean, your meals are served, and they will also take you on fishing or game viewing trips.

ACCOMMODATION
As you lie in your oak panelled cabin, the stars reflecting on the water and the moonlight shining through the flattering, drifting curtains, you wonder what could be more romantic. The hippos snorting in the nearby bay remind you that you are surrounded by nature at its best.

All the cabins are en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. They have mosquito netting, plug points and fans on the Shayamanzi I or air-conditioners on Shayamanzi II.
The 6 luxury passenger cabins are 3,6m x 3,5m and airy with large sliding window doors as your boundary to the water.
The 4 luxury pontoon cabins on Shayamanzi II’s lowest deck, are also spacious and bright with a generous sized window. These also have a lounge area, which is convertible into extra beds.

For bigger groups, sleeper couches on the top deck are used to accommodate an extra 4 people who then share an ablution facility.
And for even larger groups, by hiring both the boats, you are able to accommodate a maximum of up to 40 passengers.

You may hire the entire houseboats exclusively or book a cabin.
There is a minimum of a 2 night stay.
Should you choose a weekend date, both Friday and Saturday must be booked.
Due to safety, it is not recommended for children under 6 years.

WHERE TO BOARD?
Passengers embark from the Shayamoya jetty, in which case you leave your vehicles in the safe parking area at the Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge. You are transferred through the Phongolo Nature Reserve to the water's edge, where the Shayamanzi staff will meet you and escort you onto the Houseboat.