Shayamoya 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 activities at Shayamoya.

The tastefully appointed chalets are built in harmony with the environment.

Our 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
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
The Pongola Nature Reserve incorporates contrasting eco-systems, an abundance of wildlife and extraordinary bird watching.

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.

A fly fishing experience with professional guides!

The aim of these trips are to equip fly-fishers with skills and knowledge required to successfully catch Tigerfish on fly.
Wayne Sinclair and Francois Botha from SAGF have over 40 years of tigerfishing experience between them and Francois has a REFFIS SA accreditation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CANOE UP THE PONGOLA RIVER

This is usually a 3/4hr outing in Canadian style canoes with a refreshment break on the sandbanks of the Pongola River. It is a more adventurous way of seeing the waterbirds, hippos and crocodiles and is recommended for the fit. Bookings by prior arrangement are essential. Weather dependent.