Durban - It was a big surprise to get hooked on fishing again after a break of over 20 years.
A trip to Shayamanzi Houseboats in northern KwaZulu-Natal brought back many happy memories and restored our interest in the sport.
As we boarded the boat on Jozini Dam, a fish eagle gave a welcoming cry as if anticipating competition from 10 excited passengers, most of whom were eager to try their luck at landing a tiger fish.
After a champagne welcome, it was a case of angling or basking in a Jacuzzi as the boat chugged to a remote inlet where numerous wild animals grazed on the new grass surrounding the dam and hippo kept an eye on new arrivals.
The lake is surrounded by the Pongola Game Reserve and we and the other guests enjoyed an excellent view of a variety of buck, giraffe and warthog.
We did not get to see the elephants frolicking in the water on this trip but spotted buffalo wallowing in the shallows and crocodile basking on the banks of the dam.
Captain Anthony Mzileni and his crew were in charge of the situation from the moment we climbed on board. Cook Mitce Phiri, in limited space, produced some delicious cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, keeping the wolves from the six cabin doors!
Assistants Bheki Mthembu and Vela Mngomezulu had performed these duties many times and were quick to ensure that rods were baited and tackle prepared, giving all who were interested some great opportunities to bring those fish in.
On request, they took us out on either of the two small motor boats bobbing along behind us.
Lake Jozini is home to 27 different species of fish, including tiger fish, barbel, yellowfish and carp, making it one of the most popular fishing destinations in South Africa. It’s also a birder’s paradise where at least 350 species of bush birds, raptors and water birds can be seen from the deck. We didn’t keep count but spotted many. It’s a breeding zone for flamingos (my favourite), cormorants, herons, ducks and storks between May and November when there is a hive of activity.
On the western side of the Lebombo mountain range, Jozini Dam covers 17 000 hectares, the third-largest stretch of water in South Africa. With the current drought its levels were down considerably but this did nothing to hamper our time spent there. Sadly, I cannot say the same for the local population.
The two houseboats were built on the shores of the lake. They share the name of the company that owns them. Shayamanzi 1, meaning “hit the water”, was our home for the two-day adventure.
It’s a 24-metre, double pontoon with six comfortable, en-suite oak-panelled cabins with an excellent viewing situation from large sliding doors, which we had open for the entire trip. It was wonderful waking up to all that the mountains and the water had to offer.
An interesting little feature were the transparent fish-hook toilet seats – it sounds painful, but I didn’t hear of anyone’s rear being affected!
Shayamanzi II is 30m long and 8.6m wide, and was also occupied with a large men’s only group accommodated in six oak-panelled, en-suite cabins and four luxury pontoon cabins. These have lounge areas which can be converted with extra beds to cater for additional guests.
Many an hour was spent reading the provided books and magazines, socialising with our travelling companions or game viewing from the top deck.
You can hire either one or both houseboats for larger groups or book as a couple or family to join cruises on set departure dates. They cater for corporate getaways, birthday parties, families, hens and bulls parties as well as those who love to experience a holiday with a difference.
Rates from R2 650 which include fully-serviced accommodation, skippered tender boats, fuel, diesel, three meals plus teas, coffees, snacks, rods and tackle use and transfer from lodge to houseboat.
l www.shayamanzi.co.za or call Elsabe Jordaan at Shayamanzi Houseboats on 034 413 2299 during office hours or e-mail her on [email protected].
Saturday Star