DescriptionShayamoya is a true gem offering genuine hospitality, unique settings with stunning panoramic views across the Pongolapoort Lake, Lebombo Mountains, and the Phongolo Nature Reserve. ACCOMMODATIONStandard ChaletsThere 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. Honeymoon Suites 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.
RESTAURANTThe Bundu Pot restaurant treats you to sumptuous meals of South African flavourings. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, inviting new and interesting friendships. Traditional braais are held outdoors around the crackling fire and the feeling of true Africa reaches every soul. Shayamoya's flexibility allows us to spoil guests with breakfasts served on the River bank or bush dinners enjoyed under the star-studded sky, lit only by candles. Many of our vegetables, herbs and fruit are home grown at our sister farm, Tamboti Ridge, whose diary also supply us with fresh milk, butter, yoghurt and feta cheese.WINE CELLARConstructed under the deck of the central lodge, is the earthy wine cellar offering an interesting selecting of wines. The cellar is a wonderful setting for romantic dinners so if you are planning something special, let us know to reserve this spot for you.AttractionsThe Pongola Nature Reserve incorporates contrasting eco-systems, an abundance of wildlife and extraordinary bird watching.Tiger Fishing: 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 can be hired. One of our talented and enthusiastic guides skippers the boat and shows you the know-how and hot spots on the Pongolapoort Lake. Game Drives: An open landcruiser comfortably seating 10 people is used for these events. 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 Reserve has an excellent population of wild life including white rhino, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, giraffe, nyala, kudu, the rare siting of the leopard which roam the slopes of the Lebombo Mountains and more. Boat Cruises: Morning and subdowner boat cruises up the Pongola River and into the Lake. Wonderful for bird watching (especially the huge variety of waterbirds), sightings of hippo and crocodile and game can be seen at the water's edge making an interesting perspective. 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. 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 (enjoyable for all fitness levels). DirectionsShayamoya is easily accessible, only 2km off the N2 highway. When travelling South from Johannesburg, the best route to take is the N12 via Witbank, pass through the Middleburg toll gate, take the R35 off- ramp towards Bethal. From Bethal, travel to Ermelo, to Piet Retief, to Pongola. From Pongola, travel for 27km, turn left off the N2 highway towards Golela/Swaziland border post. After travelling 2km up a hill, turn left at the Shayamoya rocky/aloe entrance gate and follow the 1km dirt road to reception. It is clearly signposted from the N2 highway. When travelling from Pretoria, take the N4 towards Witbank and follow the directions above. When travelling from the Southern side of Johannesburg, the alternate route to take would be the N17, past through the town of Leandra and join the route at Bethal onwards to Shayamoya. When travelling North from Durban on the N2 highway, 40km past the town of Mkuze, turn left towards Golela/Swaziland border post. Continue for 2km and you will find the Shayamoya rocky/aloe entrance on your left. When travelling South through Swaziland, exiting at the Golela border post, continue along this road towards the N2 highway. After 8km you will find the Shayamoya entrance on your right. Distances: 8km Golela 27km Pongola 40km Mkuze 180km Richards Bay 100km Hluhluwe 360 km Durban 460km JHB 270km Crocodile Bridge (Kruger Park) |