A truly unique lodge in Northern KwaZulu Natal where you are welcomed like an old friend. Privately owned and managed by the Blevin family who have lived in the area for many years, Shayamoya exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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. Our enthusiastic team of staff will go out of their way to make your stay one of the best you will ever experience.

Absorb the stunning view, as you sit on the wide wooden deck at Shayamoya's central lodge, the Heart of the property. Below and beyond, for as far as the eye can see, stretch the purple hued Lebombo Mountains, the curves of the Pongola River as it enters the Pongolapoort Lake (also known as Jozini) and the unspoilt bushveld of the Phongolo Nature Reserve and the Kingdom of Swaziland.

ACCOMMODATION
There are 8 standard chalets, which are appointed with stylish elegance. You can relax on your private deck and observe the curious behaviour of the scarlet-breasted sunbird or have a visit from our resident Spotted Eagle Owl, Nandi. Getting even closer to nature, enjoy the experience of taking a steamy outdoor shower under the stars. Each chalet is beautifully finished with attention to detail, such as the custom made basins and brass taps in the bathrooms. Enjoy private moments in your own Kingdom of the 2 honeymoon suites where the views is endless. The thatched chalets are built of local wood and stone and blend deliciously into their wild surrounding. Well-manicured pathways link the chalets with the central lodge. While strolling from the chalets, you may come across duiker, zebra and guinea fowl that roam around the lodge. Shayamoya has one chalet that is wheelchair friendly with ramps as access.

FACILITIES
Guests gather in the central lodge where they join in the camaraderie and share their happy experiences. Shayamoya offers a fully licensed bar to make your stay pleasantly bubbly. The Bundu Pot restaurant treats you to sumptuous meals of South African flavourings. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, inviting new and interesting friendships. Traditional braais are held outdoors around the crackling fire and the feeling of true Africa reaches every soul. Shayamoya's flexibility allows us to spoil guests with breakfasts served on the River bank or bush dinners enjoyed under the star-studded sky, lit only by candles. Many of our vegetables, herbs and fruit are home grown at our sister farm, Tamboti Ridge, whose diary also supply us with fresh milk, butter, yoghurt and feta cheese. Refresh with a dip in the swimming pool or cool off under the shade of the gazebo. The self-catering facility is an open-thatched log and reed kitchen next to the boma and private from other lodge guests. The lodge operates on electricity and there is a back-up generator for the odd occasions when we have lightning storm and the electricity supply in the area is cut. The curio shop is small but contains Shayamoya and African memorabilia.

BUSH WEDDINGS
We have hosted lovely bush-style weddings from 40 guests to 110 guests. Pastor Schalk conducts the ceremonies on the wide wooden deck of the central lodge with the bridal party embraced by the stunning view. Weddings are very personalised and the bridal party can either be very involved in the arrangements or Shayamoya management can take on the responsibilities of the flower arrangements, music, décor etc. There is no set price as each wedding is tailor made. And best of all, the wedding couple get their first anniversary night free at Shayamoya!

CONFERENCES
The lodge is an excellent corporate venue catering for small conferences and tailor made company teambuildings. The lodge becomes exclusively your during that period allowing for maximum productivity and privacy. Some of the fun activities include fishing competitions, bird identifying competitions, wine tastings and theme evenings. The restaurant in the central lodge is used as the meeting area, seating 25 delegates in a U shape formation. Shayamoya is equipped with an overhead projector, screen, white board, flip chart and marker pens. There is no extra charge for the equipment.

WINE CELLAR
Constructed under the deck of the central lodge, is the earthy wine cellar offering an interesting selecting of wines. Te cellar is a wonderful setting for romantic dinners so if you are planning something special, let us know to reserve this spot for you.

ACTIVITIES
The Pongola Nature Reserve incorporates contrasting eco-systems, an abundance of wildlife and extraordinary bird watching.

TIGER FISHING
Shayamoya's specialty! The Pongolapoort Lake (also known as Jozini) is situated in the North Eastern KwaZulu Natal, bordering Southern Swaziland. It is the southern most extremity of the infamous Tiger Fish population (Hyrocynus Vittatus) due to our hot Summer temperatures and moderate Winter climate, and it is the only waters in South Africa home to the tiger fish. Shayamoya is fully equipped with 2 x 16ft ski boats, and a fly-fishing boat (rental costs apply). 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. Fishing tackle is to be replaced if lost or damaged.

GAME DRIVES
An open land cruiser comfortably seating 10 people is used for these events. The morning game drive departs between 6am and 7am seasonally. The afternoon game drive departs between 3pm and 4pm.The drives are 3hrs of fantastic bush experience where our rangers enlighten you on all aspects of nature including the history of the area. Game drives take place on the Phongolo Nature Reserve, the neighbouring National Reserve, which is the first Reserve to be proclaimed in Africa by Paul Kruger in 1894. 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 sighting of the leopard which roam the slopes of the Lebombo Mountains.

BOAT CRUISES
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.

RHINO TRACKING
Many guests enjoy stretching their legs where they encounter animals and especially the 'prehistoric looking' rhino on foot. The trails are not strenuous and therefore enjoyable for all fitness levels. Guests are welcome to take an unguided walk on our property - The Idube Trail and for the fitter person, The Honeyguide Trail.

BIRDING
The area is an extremely rich and rewarding birding destination, boasting around 400 species of birds. Shayamoya has a wide variety of exciting birding habitats on offer most of which is typical Zululand Thornveld.

ELEPHANT MONITORING
A morning or afternoon activity where we introduce you to the challenges of managing the elephant population on Pongola Game Reserve of which the first family was re-introduced after translocation from Kruger Park in 1997. Join the Space for Elephants field guide who is very knowledgeable having monitored these magnificent animals daily with the purpose of gathering information for research purposes and to further the "Space for Elephants" Initiative. Although on most occasions you do get good sightings of the bulls and/or herd, this is not guaranteed. This is a special activity, which requires booking by prior arrangement. Departure times are between 2pm and 3pm with the Shayamoya Combi. All proceeds go towards the 'Space for Elephants Foundation', a non-profit conservation trust with a mission to restore ancient elephant migratory routes by linking existing wildlife 'islands' in Zululand with one another, to the benefit of local communities and wildlife.

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. Weather dependent.


RATES
Inclusive of dinner as well as breakfast. Lunch is available at an additional cost.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008 - 31 OCTOBER 2009
Standard Chalet Per Person Per Night Sharing: R970
Standard Chalet Per Person Per Night Single: R1,320

Premium Chalet Per Person Per Night Sharing: R1,150
Premium Chalet Per Person Per Night Single: R1,500

Children under 12 pay 50% of the above rates. Children under 2 stay for free.