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). Experience the first Houseboat in South Africa - the only one of her kind. Shayamanzi is all about taking time out to appreciate Africa's special wonders.

On board Shayamanzi Houseboat, 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!

The whining reel breaks the silence as your fishing rod bends to the limit. Then the spectacular colours of a tail walking 'tiger' light up the water surface, and experience that neither the novice nor avid angler will forget.

Shayamanzi I: is a 25 meter by 8 meter, double pontoon houseboat launched by Dr. Narend Singh (Kwa-Zulu Natal Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs) on the 18th October 2002. She has 4 crew and 2 tender boats.

Shayamanzi II: is a 30 meter by 8.6 meter, double pontoon houseboat to be launched in September 2007. She is a dream cruiser with 3 levels, 6 crew and 3 tender boats.

Cruising in style at 5 knots, Shayamanzi passengers enjoy different anchorages each evening. The boat is fully serviced with a world-class crew who will ensure you delicious meals, a safe cruise, great fishing, game viewing and bird watching of more than 350 species.

Shayamanzi is registered by SAMSA (South African Marine Authority) to carry 100 passengers and thus ideal for group day cruises or weddings. Safety equipment is regularly checked and safety procedures are explained by the Captain on arrival. 

There are 6 cabins, which are en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. The cabins are 3,6m x 3,5m and airy with large sliding window doors as your boundary to the water. There are mosquito nets above the beds however we seldom hear a mosquito buzz. For bigger groups up to 16 passengers, sleeper couches on the top deck are used to accommodate an extra 4 people who then share an ablution facility.

Rates include:
Accommodation, two to three Tender boats, Diesel & Fuel, full board, fully serviced.

Rates exclude:
Lunch on arrival, Tackle & rod hire, live bait, drinks, optional activities, gratuities, transfers

Minimum stay of 2 nights.

Game Viewing from waters edge: The Lake is surrounded by the Pongola Game Reserve 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 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 when there is a fantastic hive of activity not to be missed.

Your crew: Bramson is the charming and experienced skipper who will take you on your journey of Lake Jozini. Having had 10 years experience on Lake Kariba, he is an expert fishermen and will teach any newcomer the art of tiger fishing. He also makes a delicious blended cocktail! Bramson, has his bridge in the front of the top deck.

Your chef: Michael, is the smile behind the sumptuous meals. Michael begins the day with an early cold breakfast, a late wholesome hot breakfast, light lunch and delicious 3-course dinners. On alternate evenings, braais are served on the upper deck. You are welcome to help yourself to teas and coffees and homemade biscuits and freshly backed cakes during the day.

Sipho ensure your cabins are clean, your meals are served, and Nguni will take you on fishing or game viewing trips. The welcoming wet bar, 8 seater jacuzzi, 6 passenger cabins, crew cabins and kitchen are situated on the lower deck. The top deck is comfortably furnished with a lounge, dinning area, bar and sundeck. There is also a public toilet and shower on the top deck.

A DVD Home Theatre System provides a wide variety of music to choose from and even a humourous evening for those keen on karaoke. The wet bar has a separate surround sound music system so that those relaxing in the heated Jacuzzi may choose their own rhythms.