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.
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. Also for hire are a
variety of fishing rods and reels at a daily charge of R60. Fishing tackle
is to be replaced if lost or damaged. We support CAR!
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.
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 water birds), 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.
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 water birds, hippos and crocodiles and
is recommended for the fit. Bookings by prior arrangement are essential.
THINGS TO DO IN THE SURROUNDING AREA - DAY TRIP
Shayamoya is well positioned in close proximity to the many excellent reserves
and resorts well known in KwaZulu Natal. You can use Shayamoya as your base
and explore the diversity of the area.
SWAZILAND
The Kingdom offers well-guarded cultural values, spectacular scenery, wildlife,
arts and crafts and casinos, golfing and health spa at the Royal Swazi Sun
- a full day's outing
Mkhaya Game Reserve -100km or Hlane Game Reserve -155km
Curios - Swazi candle factory, Ngwenya glass factory, basket weavers, wood
carvers, boutiques etc.
ARTS AND CRAFTS AND CULTURE
Dumazulu Cultural Village- 110km
Ilala Weavers - Hluhluwe 100km
Ingwavuma Women's Centre -
Vincent's Pottery - 17km Tableware, carved lamps, bathroom basins, fountains
etc
HISTORY
With spectacular views overlooking a 500m drop into Swaziland from the Lebombo
Mountains, the first know inhabitants of the area took residence in the Border
Cave some 200 000 years ago. There is an interpretive centre sharing the
story of prehistoric life at the cave. For a small guiding fee, you can walk
to the cave (09h00 - 16h00), however it is preferable to discover the history
and geology of the area with Digs Pascoe, our local historian. Please give
ample notice should you like to enjoy his guiding experience.
GEOLOGY
Gem Stone Trail -30km
The area around Pongolapoort consists of ancient Karoo basalts. The outflow
of these basalts covered most of South Africa, and heralded the break-up of
Gondwanaland approximately 180 million years ago. The rapidly cooling basalts
trapped gas bubbles, and percolating fluids carrying minerals in solution,
led to the growth of amethyst crystals in cavities and openings in the rock.
A mineral hike in the Lebombo Mountains provides you with an excellent opportunity
to collect your own amethyst crystals. It is a long trail suggested for the
fairly fit person, rated Grade 3. The trail ends at a gemstone mine.
THE FLYING DOCTOR
Scenic Flights - Pick up from the Ranch airstrip
It all started 30 years ago with Reverend Wesley Hunt selling his collection
of used postage stamps, to buy the first Flying Doctor's aeroplane in 1975.
Today this non-profit organisation assist in getting medicine, doctors and
other
Max 3 passengers in a Cessna
Tel: 035 - 595 1024 or 082 801 3934, email: zumat@webmail.co.za
GOLFING
The Pongola Golf Club has a lovely country style 9 hole golf course, situated
amongst Tamboti tree, sugar cane fields and irrigation dams.
Bring your own golf clubs, as there is non-for hire.
GAME RESERVES:
Mkuze Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Ithala Game Reserve
Tembe Elephant Park
Ndumu Game Reserve
