The Pongola Game Reserve is one of the oldest established wildlife ranching operations in KwaZulu-Natal of which the owner, Mr. Karel Landman, was recently presented the prestigious 2022 National Wildlife Rancher of the Year Award, as well as the Best Utilisation of Products and Ecotourism Awards by Wildlife Ranching South Africa.
Situated in Northern Zululand, this property overlooks the Lebombo Mountains and borders the adjoining Pongolapoort Dam (a.k.a. Lake Jozini), and includes a variety of habitats from hills, mixed bushveld, riverine bush and floodplains along the shores of the Dam.
The reserve boasts a wide variety of game species; from Elephant, White and Black Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo and a range of plains game species, including the beautiful Nyala and Kudu. All these species occur naturally in our area, and no species have been introduced that did not historically occur here.
A great attraction is Tiger fishing on the Dam. The Pongolapoort Dam is the southern most limit of the natural distribution of the Tiger Fish, and offers fantastic fishing for these ferocious predatory fish.
The reserve is also a fantastic birding destination, and is one of the founding members of the Zululand Important Birding and Biodiversity Area (IBA); including raptors, vultures, inland and aquatic species.
The reserve offers a number of different accommodation options (both fully catered and self-catering), such as:
Situated within the Pongola Game Reserve South in Northern Zululand; 350 km north of Durban, 450 km south east of Johannesburg and 270km south of the Kruger National Park.
Nkwazi is set on a hillside overlooking the Pongola River as it lazily meanders towards the Pongolapoort Dam and is the perfect place to combine the excitement of Tiger fishing and game viewing with the tranquillity of the bush and panoramic views. The reserve caters for the discerning nature lover offering game drives, boat cruises, guided walks and rhino tracking.
The lodge accommodates 30 guests in 11 twin en-suite thatched chalets, and 2 family chalets consisting of a living area, 2 bedrooms with twin beds and en suite bathrooms. All chalets have air conditioning, mini bar fridges and tea & coffee facilities. Cuisine is typically South African with a variety of venison dishes prepared and presented in the boma or open plan dining area overlooking the river. We do have a fully licenced bar at Nkwazi, called the Thirsty Tiger.
Situated within the Pongola Game Reserve in Northern Zululand; 350 km north of Durban, 450 km south east of Johannesburg, and 270km south of the Kruger National Park. Mvubu is set on a hillside overlooking the Pongola River as it lazily meanders towards the Pongolapoort Dam. We cater for the discerning nature lover offering game drives, boat cruises, guided walks and rhino tracking.
Accommodation: 11 twin and 2 double en-suite thatched Chalets, all with air-conditioning. Chalets 1 to 8 as well as 10 & 11 have a river view. Chalet 9 has a bush view. Chalet 1 & 3 are smaller chalets with a Victorian style bath, hand shower and a queen-sized bed. All chalets have a veranda, mini bar fridge. Kettle with cups on each veranda for making your own tea/coffee. Chalets 12 & 13 overlook a private court yard, and along with Chalets 10 & 11 share a communal fully equipped self-catering kitchen, lounge area with DSTV, small swimming pool and fire pit. Cool off on those hot Zululand days in the lodge’s main swimming pool.
Situated within the Pongola Game Reserve in Northern Zululand; 350 km north of Durban, 450 km south east of Johannesburg, and 270km south of the Kruger National Park. Mvubu is set on a hillside overlooking the Pongola River as it lazily meanders towards the Pongolapoort Dam. We cater for the discerning nature lover offering game drives, boat cruises, guided walks and rhino tracking.
Accommodation: 4 twin chalets each with en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. Chalet numbers 10 & 11 have a river view. These chalets have a veranda, mini bar fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Chalets 12 & 13 overlook a private court yard, and along with Chalets 10 & 11 share a communal fully equipped open plan kitchen with a lounge with DSTV, a patio and dining area, as well as a boma and barbeque facilities. Ideal for those small groups who would like a bit of privacy.
Inyati is an ideal location for an intimate, private getaway. Situated within the Pongola Game Reserve in Northern Zululand; 350km north of Durban and 450km south east of Johannesburg, the lodge is set on a hillside overlooking the Pongola River and the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains.
Accommodation is in 4 en-suite thatched chalets (2 twins, 1 triple & 1 double), all with air conditioning. Each chalet has a veranda overlooking the river where crocodile, hippo and water birds can be viewed. Cool off on those hot Zululand days in the lodge’s private swimming pool. The fully equipped kitchen is open plan with a lounge equipped with DSTV, a patio and dining area, as well as a boma and barbeque facilities. Other accommodation options are available and information can be supplied on request.
