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).

On board Shayamanzi Houseboats, 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! 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. 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. She has three floors with 10 en-suite, spacious, air-conditioned cabins. Shayamanzi II is fully serviced by 6 attentive crew. She is accompanied by 3 tender boats for tiger fishing and game viewing where even the built-in cooler boxes are air-conditioned to keep those beers icy cold! The 12 seater Jacuzzi alone is sure to be a huge draw card!

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.

ACCOMMODATION
As you lie in your oak panelled cabin, the stars reflecting on the water and the moonlight shining through the fluttering, drifting curtains, you wonder what could be more romantic. The hippos snorting in the nearby bay remind you that you are surrounded by nature at its best.

Shayamanzi I: There are 6 cabins, each sleeping 2 passengers, which are en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. The cabins are large and airy with large sliding window doors as your boundary to the water. 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.

Shayamanzi II: There are 6 cabins, each sleeping 2 passengers, which are en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. The cabins are large and airy with large sliding window doors as your boundary to the water. There are another four spacious en-suite cabins downstairs with two generous sized viewing windows. These cabins have a lounge area, which is convertible for additional bedding for family accommodation. All the cabins on the Shayamanzi II are air-conditioned. For bigger groups there are sleeper couches on the top deck used to accommodate an extra 4 people who then share an ablution facility.

The water system is top class resulting in a hot pressurized shower. There are plug points in the rooms so the ladies have the luxury of blow-drying their hair after stepping out the shower or Jacuzzi. The cabins are fitted with adjustable fans, window gauze above the glass doors and mosquito netting.

By hiring both the boats, there is accommodation for 32 passengers in twin cabins or by utilising the top decks, a maximum of 40 passengers can be accommodated. A bridge will be erected when on anchorage so that guests can mingle between the 2 boats.

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.

RATES
Inclusive of accommodation, two to three tender boats, diesel & fuel. Fully serviced. For bookings over a weekend, both Friday and Saturday night must be booked. A minimum 2-night stay is required for all reservations.

VALID 01 JULY 2009 - 31 JULY 2010
Shayamanzi I
Entire boat for 1 – 12 passengers: R15,000 per night
Meals (Including breakfast, lunch, teas, snacks and dinner) R375 per person per night

Shayamanzi II
Entire boat for 1 – 20 passengers: R25,000 per night
Meals (Including breakfast, lunch, teas, snacks and dinner) R375 per person per night 

Extra guests on top deck sharing an ablution facility on Shayamanzi I & II (up to 4 people): R750 per person per night
Meals (includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner): R375 per person per night

 
PER PERSON BOOKINGS
Bookings within 6 weeks of cruise date:
R1,695 per person per night inclusive of fully serviced accommodation, use of skippered tender boats, fuel, meals (Including breakfast, lunch, teas, snacks and dinner) and transfers from Shayamoya Game Lodge.
Minimum stay 2 nights for 2 persons sharing
Optional lunch on day of arrival either at Shayamoya or onboard Shayamanzi R55.00 p/p

Bookings outside 6 weeks of cruise date:
R3,575 per person per night inclusive of fully serviced accommodation, use of skippered tender boats, fuel, meals (Including breakfast, lunch, teas, snacks and dinner) and transfers from Shayamoya Game Lodge.
Minimum stay 2 nights for 2 persons
Optional lunch on day of arrival either at Shayamoya or onboard Shayamanzi R55.00 p/p

 
Transfer Rates
(This fee includes the transfer from Shayamoya Game Lodge to and from the jetty to Shayamanzi and also includes the entrance fee to the game reserve.)

R135 per person for 1 – 6 passengers
R105 per person for 7 – 12 passengers
R95 per person for 13 + passengers