Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge

Published Mar 31, 2017

Share

I would happily revisit four star Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge,

overlooking massive Jozini Dam and a couple of kilometres from the Swaziland

border, for the excellent company of manager Lindy Blevin, close encounters

with Nandi and lekker grub, comfy accommodation and great hospitality at  reasonable rates.

The “great hospitality” is what makes this place special. Operated by the

Blevin family, together with their really friendly staff, Shayamoya exudes a

welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where you feel included in an extended family.

As the name suggests the wind blows on this

hilltop location- not gales, but cooling breezes thankfully, as this is one of

South Africa’s hotspots. The spectacular views that hit you the moment you walk

through the doors of the central lodge are of the Pongola River as it enters Jozini

Dam, the Pongola Game Reserve and the Lebombo mountains.

That’s if you are not staying in the rustic

self-catering, private bush camp in the valley below, which has a stunning

setting under the big Tamboti and Weeping Boerbean trees- sunny in winter and

shady in summer. A small watering hole encourages the animals to drink close by

and buffalo may come cruising inquisitively by (there is an electric fence for

guests’ protection). There are five two man tents on concrete platforms and

solar and gas, so the ladies can have a hot shower and the beers stay cold.

Up at the open plan lodge there is a bar,

lounge, Bundu Pot restaurant and a wide wooden deck which is pretty busy with

lunchtime guests- travelers who have sussed out that Shayamoya is a great

pitstop on the way to or from Kruger or Swaziland, or Joburg and the coast.

Under the deck is the earthy wine cellar, ideal for romantic dinners.

Paths leads off in various directions,

through spectacular indigenous gardens with over 60 species of aloes (Lindy’s

Related Topics: