Durban - The whining reel breaks the silence as my fishing rod bends to the limit. Then the spectacular colours of a tiger fish light up the water’s surface.
The rich oranges and reds of an African sunset reflect on the water of the Jozini Dam as I sip a sundowner to the grunting of the nearby hippos and the haunting call of a fish eagle.
As the tiny skip makes its way across the lake, I discover secret coves of lush green. Cycads cling to the sides of the magnificent gorge where the Lebombo Mountains drop into the lake.
This is Maputaland, one of the most beautiful parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, and this experience can be yours if you win this week’s competition.
A popular attraction in Maputaland is the Jozini Dam, a magnificent expanse of water that covers about 17 000 hectares when the rains have been good. Built in the early 1970s across the Pongola River Gorge for the local farming community, it has become a wildlife wonderland.
A sojourn on one of two luxury houseboats which cruise the peaceful waters is a truly exhilarating experience. These are the first two houseboats in South Africa and were built on the shores of the beautiful lake. Both share the same name as the company that owns them, Shayamanzi, which translates as “hit the water”.
Shayamanzi I is a 24m double pontoon with six en-suite oak-panelled cabins and only a large sliding window door as your boundary to the water.
Shayamanzi II is 30m long and 8.6m wide, with six oak-panelled en-suite cabins and four luxury pontoon cabins. These have lounge areas which can be converted with extra beds to cater for additional guests. Sleeper couches on the top deck can accommodate an extra four people.
You can hire either one or both houseboats for larger groups or book as a couple or family to join cruises on set departure dates. It’s ideal for corporate getaways, birthday parties, family get-togethers, hens and bulls parties and more.
The best time to take time out to experience Lake Jozini is either during the idyllic cruising season between May and August or in the prime tiger fishing season between September and April.
Home to 27 different species of fish including the tiger fish, tilapia (kurper), barbel, yellowfish and carp, Jozini is one of the most popular fishing destinations in South Africa.
However, fishing is not the only activity. The lake is surrounded by the Pongola Game Reserve and the Shayamanzi houseboats offer spectacular game viewing from the water’s edge. Watch elephants frolic in the water, herds of buffalo wallowing in the shallows and majestic giraffe crouching down for a drink. Sail past lazy crocodiles basking in the sun.
This whole new take on the traditional “safari” experience also promises sightings of hippos, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, an abundance of antelope such as kudu, nyala, impala, duiker, tsetsebe and suni, and rarer predators including hyena, cheetah, wild dog, serval cats and even leopard, which roam free in the Lebombo mountains.
Lake Jozini is also a birder’s paradise with over 350 species of birds. It is a breeding zone for cormorants, herons, ducks and storks between May and November, when there is a hive of activity.
You’ll be welcomed on board at Jozini Tiger Lodge by the friendly crew who are a fount of knowledge about the game, birds and flora of the region.
The whole trip is overseen by the charming Captain Bramson, who gained his 10 years of experience at the ultimate house boating destination in Africa, Lake Kariba. He’s not only an expert fisherman, but a game watching guru.
Then there’s the ever cheerful Chef Michael, who serves up wholesome breakfasts, light lunches and delicious three-course dinners or braais on the lower deck.
Night-time entertainment can include anything from laid-back evenings with romantic music to games and karaoke – the choice is yours!
l For more information go to www.shayamanzi.co.za or call Elsabe Jordaan at Shayamanzi Houseboats on 034 413 2299 during office hours or e-mail her on [email protected] to enquire about the rates.
Sunday Tribune