Luxury lodge opens in northern KwaZulu-Natal

The carefully designed accommodation emphasises the natural environment, comprises 60 thatched, spacious double bedrooms strategically designed along the Lebombo range with exceptional and varied catering options.

Pongola Nature Reserve

The Lodge is built on the Jozini dam, in Maputoland, northern KZN and nestles in the world-acclaimed Pongola Nature Reserve. Covered in acacia bush, home to a variety of wildlife, which includes white rhino, kudu, impala, nyala, wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, elephant and giraffe. The reserve's various habitats support an estimated 25 five indigenous fish species, mammals, reptiles and amphibia. Rare or endangered animals inhabiting the Pongola Nature Reserve include the honey badger and wild dog. The water is home to hippos and crocodile and this particular area is a world-class birdwatching destination.

Tailor-made weddings

Jozini Tiger Lodge is made for all occasions according to GM Darryl Grisdale, from individuals, to couples, families, groups, business conferencing, angling parties, as well as tailor-made weddings. The lodge also features a standalone restaurant, a bar, and an extensive menu designed by an award-winning chef. There is a boma for dinner in addition to the restaurant, and the conference facilities accommodate up to 160 delegates. Team-building activities are endless and there are several additional and creative programmes that the experienced lodge staff can help put into place.

Wellness centre

A wellness centre offering various relaxation treatments, a luxurious private lounge, as well as panoramic views overlooking the river, means that the emphasis is purely on the peace and natural beauty of the African bush. Activities that can be paid for include sunset boat cruises, cruise and game drives, and boat hire. Wildlife habitats include a one-hour drive to Umfolozi, Mhuze, Ndumo Game reserves and Sodwana Bay, as well Ponogola Reserve on the eastern shore. All are is home to four of the Big 5.

Tiger Fishing tournament

An Angler's paradise, the Tiger Fishing tournament in October attracts anglers from all over the world. The Pongolapoort area, also known as Jozini Lake, has a huge variety of species over and above the tiger fish, as the lake lies in a subtropical area, is a natural habitat to many fish species and provides the perfect environment for the natural proliferation of tiger fish. Apart from fishing, in recent years elephants and buffalo have been reintroduced and naturalised into the surrounding areas of the lake, and often hippos can be spotted.