Shayamanzi Houseboat

An over-nighting safari with a difference! The only luxurious Houseboats of their kind in South Africa. 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 while her sister, Shayamanzi II is an impressive 30m dream cruiser. Cruising in style, Shayamanzi passengers enjoy different anchorages each evening. The boats are fully serviced with a friendly crew who will ensure you delicious meals, a safe cruise, great fishing, game viewing and bird watching of more than 350 species. Shayamanzi is all about taking time out to appreciate Africa's special wonders.

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. Tender boats are used to explore the Lake's secret coves for fishing or game viewing.Tackle and rods are available for hire. The Lake is surrounded by the Pongola Game Reserves 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.

The top deck is comfortably furnished with a lounge, dinning area, bar and sundeck and the Captain's bridge. There is DSTV, surround sound music system and games for entertainment. The welcoming wet bar, jacuzzi with a heating system, passenger cabins, crew cabins and kitchen are situated on the lower deck .

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

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, 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.

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.

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.