TRUE ZULULAND HOSPITALITY

 

Pongola Country Lodge is ideally situated in the heart of Pongola town, a place renowned for its sugar cane industry. This beautiful valley offers a rewarding variety of culture, history, wilderness and wildlife.

Initially Pongola Country Lodge offered the only accommodation for travellers and businesspeople. The town has expanded dramatically in recent years and we remain the only hotel that offers 3-star value for 5-star hospitality.

Extensive renovations on the Lodge commenced in 1998 and we grew from 36 to 57 individually decorated rooms by 2010. Further developments took place and by 2015 we had 67 well-appointed rooms and top-class conference facilities. 

Our staff complement grew from 20 to 60, employing from the local community as well as affording hospitality students experience through a carefully selected government program.

LOOK AT US NOW

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail ensuring you of a comfortable and memorable stay. Our restaurant offers robust country style cooking, with an impressive a la carte menu. You can relax in our stylish lounges or next to the pool set in tranquil gardens.

Our team is available to assist with special events, whether it be corporate, weddings, birthdays or parties to celebrate an occasion. 

Our receptionists will eagerly help you to plan excursions in the area.

Join us and listen to the drum beat of true Zululand hospitality.

Alternate number and WhatsApp 082 324 0250

Website: www.pongolacountrylodge.co.za

MY MANYONI

 

It’s so cool to have that special place you like going to. The place that doesn’t disappoint.

You look forward to going there, being there and it’s always sad to leave.

Rhino RiverLodge in Manyoni Private Game Reserve is that place for me. We have been a couple of times as it’s conveniently just down the road (from Pongola) and also a quick and easy three hours on the N2 north from Durban.

We stay in the Homestead, which is separate from the main lodge, but still close enough to enjoy the frills of the lodge. We decided to feed ourselves during the day and dine in style in the evenings.

On our first night we were treated to a candle-light dinner in the riverbed. A boma style fire kept us warm and we ate well. Bush braais can be tricky but the chef cooked to perfection.

Hala was our ranger and he ticked all the boxes for great game sightings.

We captured four out of the big five – the elusive leopard slipped through our fingers.

In the spotlight we found two male lions - an adult male escorted by an older gent who is teaching him a few tricks. We were pleased to see that they hunted well the next day, with wildebeest on the menu. We encountered a lioness and her three cubs who were clearly on the hunt and listened to the zebra frantically barking as they got closer. We didn’t see if they were successful. Not sure I have the stomach for that.

And on the way back for brekkie, almost close to touch, was a male cheetah.

The rhino were on show – without horns but with babies. A herd of elephant also put on a grand display.

Game was abundant – loads of impala, nyala, kudu, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. The bird life was plentiful and we came across a crowned eagle who had bagged a young monkey.

Manyoni's Conservation Initiatives have several active projects which are well worth supporting. They are especially vigilant in protecting rhino.

Covid has turned tourism on its head, but it has given local tourists the opportunity to enjoy destinations that have budget challenges. So have a look around for good deals. Zululand winters are fabulous.

GOING BUNDU BASHING

Dressing for the occasion

The entrance to Pakamisa basking in the soft winter Zululand Sun

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), has no major predators, making it safe to go on bush walks. Their food is so delicious and this a welcome alternative to game drives to walk off those extra calories. And if you want to get back in the saddle there is a stable of horses to choose from. Isabella, the owner, will carefully select a horse to suit your riding ability.

But, back to Shanks Pony*, we had a wonderful afternoon with Chamu, Pakamisa’s charming guide. We set out in the late afternoon, in the soft glow of the Zululand winter sun. Mind you, day-time temperatures in this part of the world range between 25 - 30 degrees centigrade, which can hardly be called ‘winter’.

We learnt so much on our easy-going hour and a half walk, so stay with me and I will share snippets with you as we go along.

First thing ….. be prepared, and dress appropriately.

Here are some guidelines for a comfortable bush-walk:

• Wear protection from the African sun – don’t be fooled by our ‘winter’. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Cover your legs and arms, to protect you from thorns.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes, and long socks – preferably not white ones. We still have ticks this time of the year. You can spray on insect repellent to be doubly sure.
• Wear colours that blend with the environment – beige, khaki (of course), dark green and brown.
• Cameras, binocs and water – this goes without saying!
• Layer your clothing for cooler evenings, make sure it’s easy to carry.
• Always listen to your ranger, trust his instincts and obey his rules.
• Stay alert and expect the unexpected. The thrill of a bush walk!
• Relish every moment, observe and learn.
• Silence is golden – this is not the time for idle chit chat – listen to the magical sounds of the bush!

Next time I will share some of our bundu bashing moments……

*Shanks Pony is an old Scottish expression – meaning using your two legs!

WELL GROOMED LADY AT PAKAMISA

Crisp Zululand mornings are the perfect time for a horse ride. 

Our winters are refreshingly mild and after a cosy night in their pristine stables, the horses are ready to face the day. 

If you are not an accomplished rider, fear not, the Pakamisa horses are well schooled and happy to take you on a gentle ride.

Isabella Stepski, owner of Pakamisa, is a renowned international Arabian horse expert, who has been breeding fine horses for over 30 years. Her horses were originally born and bred in Andalusia, Spain, of purebred Spanish Bloodlines, tracing back to the famous mares of the State owned stud “Yeguada Militar”. In 1996 she transported her entire stud to this scenic, mountainous region just outside Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. Her horses are raised surrounded by giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and many other antelopes.

The Pakamisa Arabian Stud, located within the 2,500 hectare private game reserve, is home to a selection of Arabian and part-bred horses, specifically chosen to suit the Pakamisa environment.

Makhosi Dlamini 

Over the past 20 years Isabella has trained local staff in horsemanship and is proud to have had people like Makhosi Dlamini on her team. Makhosi joined Pakamisa as a groom. She then became the back-up rider for the horse trails. After Makhosi had her second child she returned to Pakamisa and took the opportunity of working in the kitchen as there was a vacancy available. With Isabella’s excellent training skills guests can be confident that they are in good hands, whether it is in the kitchen, on horseback or in the bush.

WEB: www.pakamisa.co.za

Contact: res@pakamisa.co.za

KIDS ON SAFARI 
@ PAKAMISA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is in a malaria free area. There are no major predators making this an ideal location for kids on safari.

The reserve is approximately a 4 ½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg and slightly shorter to Durban.  From Durban there are plenty of interesting places to stop off on the way, the petrol stations have clean bathrooms where you can freshen up and get a light snack.

Families must remember that whilst on safari you must be constantly aware of safety precautions and even though the reserve has no predators, all animals are unpredictable. Never get out of the vehicle unless the ranger is close by and aware of your intentions. Keep children close to you on walks and in the vehicle and please remain sitting at all times.

Initially children are excited about going on safari, but the reality may include driving on dirt roads looking for animals. In order to meet your children’s expectations, explain that patience is part of the adventure. 



Bring along some colouring-in books, cameras and a check list for animals to occupy them should they become bored.

A real bonus is allowing them to have their own camera or video recorder 

(it doesn’t have to be an expensive piece of equipment). 

This will encourage them to focus on what is happening around them.

Safaris involve waking up early in the morning to avoid the heat. 
This can result in grumpy kids! Let them have a good rest, 
a swim and some down time between activities. 
If they fall asleep in the vehicle, let them snooze away. 
You can always wake them up when something exciting is around the corner.

Pakamisa is an exclusive lodge and they are happy to 
tailor make your itinerary to suit you and your family, 
taking your needs and those of other guests into consideration. 
The kitchen is happy to cater for the younger members.

The South African Immigration Law requires that all children under 18 must carry an unabridged (long form) birth certificate along with their passports. Make sure you apply for this in good time. These certificates show details of both parents: names, ID numbers, birth place and date.

This law has been introduced to combat child trafficking and is in force at all ports of entry.

For more information click on this link: http://www.dha.gov.za/files/Brochures/Immigrationleaflet.pdf

Contact details:

e-mail: res@pakamisa.co.za

Telephone: +27 (0) 83 229 1811

Web: www.pakamisa.co.za