The whining reel broke the silence as my fishing rod bent to the limit. Then the spectacular colours of a tail walking “tiger” lit up the water surface – it’s an experience that neither the novice nor avid angler would forget.
Lake Jozini is the only water in SA where you find the ferocious fighting Tiger fish. On board the exclusive Shayamanzi houseboats, the only ones of their kind in South Africa, you can either enjoy the thrill of Tiger fishing or soak up the stunning scenery of the Lebombo Mountains and bushveld.
Northern KwaZulu-Natal has many splendid natural beauties, but little can compare with the superb wildlife to be seen on the shores of the vast Lake Jozini (also known as Pongolapoort Lake).
The lake is surrounded by the Pongola Game Reserve, Phongolo Nature Reserve and private game farms, which pretty much guarantees spectacular game viewing while relaxing on the deck, cocktail in hand. The area is a birder’s paradise hosting over 350 species of bush birds, raptors and water birds. The lake is a breeding zone for cormorants, herons, ducks, storks and many more.
The Blevin family and Kohrs brothers, raised in the magnificent Maputaland area and having enjoyed the pristine scenery, saw the opportunity for the first houseboats in SA and launched Shayamanzi 1 in September 2002. She sports six double cabins, a lounge/dining area, Jacuzzi and decks for relaxing in the Zululand sun.
We were on Shayamanzi 2, launched in September 2007. Cruising in style at up to 9 knots, we enjoyed different anchorages each evening. During the day we were skippered in the stable double pontoon tenders to explore the lake’s secret coves for fishing and game viewing.
Lying in the oak-panelled cabin at night, the stars reflecting on the water and the moonlight shining through the fluttering curtains, I wondered what could be more romantic? The hippos snorting in the nearby bay reminded me we were surrounded by nature.
Captain Bramson is at the helm and not only is he an efficient skipper, but also a friendly, interesting character for whom nothing was too much trouble. Shayamanzi two has 10 cabins, all en-suite with mosquito netting, plug points and fans, a lounge/dining area, Jacuzzi and open decks. Excellent cuisine is served from Zakhele’s kitchen and on occasion, Allan Ndlovu treated us to music on his keyboard. There is also DStv and a music cum karaoke setup.
The Shayamanzi houseboats also link up with the surrounding lodge’s and their game drives, elephant monitoring, rhino walks and half day cultural outings into rural Zululand.
It’s a fair drive, 360km from Durban, but well worth it.
High season rates are R1 925 at weekends and R1 650 on weekdays per person per night, including all meals and snacks, use of the skippered tender boats and transfers from Shayamoya Game Lodge. Rod fees are R105 a day. For reservations call 034 413 2299, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.shayamanzi.co.za - Sunday Tribune