Pongola Nature Reserve | Game Drives & Guided Walks | Pongola

Introduction to Pongola Game Reserve:
Few exclusive yet affordable private getaways combine the scenic variety of bushveld, mountains, major water bodies and a range of leisure activities that make the best of all the natural features. This combination, an abundance of space and the results of a “light footprint” development philosophy are key ingredients of the special experience offered by Pongola Game Reserve, Pongola Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu Natal.

The reserve extends over part of the original area that, in 1894, was declared the Pongola Game Reserve by Paul Kruger, President of the old Transvaal Republic. The original reserve has since been re-proclaimed, in part, as the Phongolo Nature Reserve, which is the present Pongola Game Reserve’s immediate neighbour.
The business is owned and managed by the Landman family whose ancestors arrived in the Cape in 1744.
The Pongola River, broad and perennial, meanders through the centre of the reserve before entering the man-made 13 276-hectare lake. It provides a leisure environment unique for a South African bushveld destination. Safari cruises, canoe adventures, birding and tiger fishing are among the main activities.
The area is home to many typical plains game species, four of the Big Five (excluding lion), Hippopotamus and crocodile. It is also a birding “hotspot”. Over 350 species have so far been recorded here. One can also enjoy the experience of tracking rhino on foot.
Please take your time and enjoy your visit to our website and please feel free to make a booking enquiry if you are interested in visiting the Pongola Game Reserve.
The reserve is 450km from Johannesburg and 350km from Durban.

Game Drives:
Mvubu River Lodge/ Inyati Lodge/ Sondaba Bush Lodge/ Mhlozi Bush Lodge
R350.00 per person.
Nkwazi Lake Lodge/ Nkwazi self-catering/ Mpalane Fishing Lodge
R480.00 per person
Game Drives are in open vehicles with sightings of White Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Kudu, Nyala, Warthog, Impala and many other species. Appropriate attire necessary.
Game drives last approximately 3 hours

Boat Cruises:
Mvubu River Lodge/ Inyati Lodge/ Sondaba Bush Lodge/ Mhlozi Bush Lodge
R350.00 per person.
Nkwazi Lake Lodge/ Nkwazi self-catering/ Mpalane Fishing Lodge
R350.00 per person
Combine game viewing & bird watching from the tranquillity of the water.
Boat cruises last approximately 3 hours

Rhino Tracking:
Mvubu River Lodge/ Inyati Lodge/ Sondaba Bush Lodge/ Mhlozi Bush Lodge
R480.00 per person
Nkwazi Lake Lodge/ Nkwazi self-catering/ Mpalane Fishing Lodge
R600.00 per person
Join one of our guides while following the spoor of these prehistoric giants. Feel the excitement of viewing them from a concealed spot in the bush.
Appropriate attire necessary.
Maximum of 6 people.
Rhino tracking last approximately 3 hours

Guided Walks:
Mvubu River Lodge/ Inyati Lodge/ Sondaba Bush Lodge/ Mhlozi Bush Lodge
R350.00 per person.
Nkwazi Lake Lodge/ Nkwazi self-catering/ Mpalane Fishing Lodge
R480.00 per person
Learn more about nature, the environment and conservation by joining one of our guides on a nature walk. Appropriate attire necessary.
Maximum of 6 people.
Guided walks last approximately 3 hours.

Fishing Boat Hire:
Tiger Fishing:
Fishing in the 13,276ha Pongolapoort Dam for Africa’s fresh water predator… the Tiger Fish. This is a must for visitors.
Fishing Charters:
Fishing Charters with a professional guide available on request.
Subject to availability.

2018 Prices:
Fishing Boat Hire – (With Skipper and 1 Tank of Fuel / Boat / Day)
Full Day – (06h00 – 18h00)
Half Day – (06h00 – 11h30 OR 12h30 – 18h00)
Times are subject to seasonal changes.
Note: Our boats do not fish past the KZN campsite.
Rod Hire – R125 /rod/day – Any lost or damaged tackle will be charged for.

Kingfisher 1 & 2 (5 Man Boat):
Half day rate – R1210
Full day rate – R1930

Double Deck Pontoon Boat – Osprey:
Our three Osprey boats have portable chemical toilets and gas braai facilities on board. They have two 50hp 4 stroke motors and lots of space.
Maximum 11 guests on these boats.

Osprey 1:
R1570 – Half day – 8 people
R2420 – Full day – 8 people
R50/p – More than 8 People -Half day
R100/p – More than 8 People – Full day

Osprey 2 & 3:
R1930 – Half day – 8 people
R2780 – Full day – 8 people
R50/p – More than 8 People – Half Day
R100/p – More than 8 People – Full Day

Fish Eagle Safari Boat:
Enjoy a Breakfast, Lunch or Sundowner cruise while viewing the game grazing along the shores of the lake or simply relax while our friendly crew look after you.

This 21 metre luxury day cruise boat with sun deck, bar, kitchen, braai and toilets is ideal for a relaxed trip on the Pongolapoort Dam. Departing from the Mvubu jetty, the Fish Eagle can carry up to 50 people in comfort and safety.
The Fish Eagle is also available for special functions by arrangement.
Linking the Dubula and Mpalane sections of the Pongola Game Reserve is the Mvubu ferry. Carrying up to 4 vehicles at a time, this novel route across the Pongola river opens up an exciting drive through the Reserve.
Valid from 01 January 2018 – 31 December 2018

In-House:
Brunch / Lunch Cruise: R 275-00 p/p
Sundowner Cruise: R 220-00 p/p

Day Visitors:
Brunch / Lunch Cruise: R 295-00 p/p
Sundowner Cruise: R 240-00 p/p

Exclusive Use:
Brunch / Lunch Cruise: R 5 500-00
Sundowner Cruise: R 4 400-00

Credit Cards Accepted – VISA & Master Cards only.
Children over 12 years welcome.
* Please Note: Prices subject to change without notice.
Sundowner cruise includes snacks.
Day cruise includes lunch and snacks.
Minimum of 25 people per cruise.

Lodges:
Fully-catered Accommodation:
Mvubu River Lodge:
This African Colonial style lodge caters for the discerning nature lover, and its unique position on a ridge overlooking the Pongola River commands panoramic views of the reserve. It is the ideal place in which to relax and enjoy regular sightings of Hippopotamus, Crocodile and the many species of general game that are found in the reserve.

Nkwazi Lake Lodge:
The lodge accommodates 30 guests in 11 en suite thatched chalets and 2 family chalets consisting of a living area, 2 bedrooms with twin beds and en suite bathrooms. All chalets are tastefully furnished and have air conditioning, mini bar fridges, tea and coffee facilities and private verandas.

Self-catering Accommodation:
Sondaba Bush Lodge:
Sondaba Bush Camp accommodates 12 people in 6 A-framed thatched huts which are reached along raised boardwalks. Reed lined en suite showers and toilets add to the rustic atmosphere.

Inyati Lodge:
Inyati lodge is a small, exclusive lodge which accommodates up to 6 people in 3 thatched en suite chalets (1 with a double bed). Each chalet has air conditioning, an overhead fan and a covered veranda where one can enjoy views of the reserve, river and waterhole.

Mpalane Fishing Lodge:
Set on a plain overlooking the Pongola River as it enters the Pongolapoort Dam, this self-catered lodge is situated 9km from the Pongola Game Reserve Leeukop Gate along a gravel road and can be reached by most sedan vehicles.

Mhlozi Bush Lodge:
Mhlozi is the name of a small stream bordering the camp, which is situated in the low-lying bushveld of the reserve. This 16 bed self-catered camp accommodates guests in 4 rondavels and 3 chalets all with ceiling fans and en suite bathrooms.