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Shayamanzi Houseboats offer guests accommodation onboard a boat on the waters of Pongolapoort Dam, commonly referred to as Lake Jozini. With daily departures, the two houseboats are each equipped with a dining area, bar and hot tub. Certain cabins on Shayamanzi Houseboats have large glass sliding doors which provide viewing opportunities of the Lebombo Mountains and the wildlife of the Pongola Game Reserve, while the interior cabins feature porthole windows. Guests can enjoy drinks at sunset on the viewing deck or participate in activities such as tiger fishing, mountain biking and bird watching. King Shaka International Airport is 310 km away whilst Swaziland and Mozambique can be reached within a 2-hour drive. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is 82 km away from Shayamanzi Houseboats.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.2)

Free private parking available on-site


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Availability

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Room type
Number of guests
 
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.5
Facilities
8.3
Cleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.6
Value for money
8.1
Location
9.2
High score for Jozini
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See what guests loved the most:

  • Claire
    South Africa South Africa
    What a special stay! The views were just amazing and the staff warm and friendly. My son caught lots of Tiger Fish and he can’t wait to come back.
  • Marissa
    South Africa South Africa
    Everything was exceptional , 5 star service all round Food was delicious. Will definitely be doing this again 😀
  • Snedlamini
    South Africa South Africa
    The crew was excellent! They went over and beyond to help make our cruise memorable! Thanks for the cake on my birthday, that was a lovely touch. My dietary restrictions were accommodated. Excellent communication from the reservations team on the...

Managed by Shayamanzi Houseboat (Pty) Ltd

Company review score: 9.5Based on 16 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

The Shayamanzi Houseboat was all built from ground up, lakeside at Jozini Dam

Property information

Experience the first Houseboats in South Africa – the only ones of their kind. Onboard Shayamanzi Houseboat, soak up the stunning scenery of the Lebombo Mountains and superb wildlife of the Pongola Game Reserve on the shores of Lake Jozini (also known as Pongolapoort Dam). Enjoy the calm serenity of the open Lake Jozini waters, the thrill of Tiger Fishing or the fascinating pleasure of Game and Bird Viewing in the heart of the Zululand bushveld! Shayamanzi is about taking time out to appreciate Africa’s special wonders. Shayamanzi ll accommodates up to 20 Guests in six Deluxe, En-Suite Cabins and four Pontoon, En-Suite Cabins. The Deluxe Cabins offer large sliding glass doors as your window across the water. Each Deluxe Cabin can be made up with either two Single Beds or one King Bed. The Lower Deck Pontoon Cabins have three port hole viewing windows that look out across the Lake just above water level. These Cabins have a small seating area, which is ideal for additional bedding for a third Guest. The Pontoon Cabins are perfect for families with young children. Cabins are air-conditioned in the evenings. Comfortable Viewing Lounge, Fine Dining, Jacuzzi Bubbles, Fun, Sun!

Neighbourhood information

The Game Reserves surrounding Lake Jozini host many animal species which can be seen in herds from Shayamanzi’s decks: White and Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodile, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Nyala, Bushbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Common Reedbuck, Red Duiker, Grey Duiker, Waterbuck, Steenbuck, Suni Antelope, Black Backed Jackal, Hyena, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Cerval Cat, Warthog, Bushpig, Banded Mongoose, Legavaan, Terrapin and the occasional sighting of Leopard which roam the slopes of the Lebombo Mountain Range. The muddy plains and reed banks provide excellent breeding grounds for the waterbirds which can be seen in thousands – Whistling Duck, Yellowbilled Storks, Spurwing and Egyptian Geese, Commorants, various Herons, Kingfishers, and several Fish Eagles. Along the entire Western bank is the magnificent Lebombo Mountain Range. One of the evening anchorages may be a night in the Gorge. Here the Mountains rise either side of you, covered in indigenous cycads and ferns and where the glo-flies make a spectacular show along the shoreline. Other overnight anchorages are in the River and at Mosquito Bay; both great fishing areas and very well positioned for game

Languages spoken

English,Zulu

Property surroundings

Facilities of Shayamanzi Houseboats
Great facilities! Review score, 8.3

Most popular facilities
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Additional toilet
  • Bath or shower
  • Shared toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Spa bath
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
View
  • River view
  • Mountain view
  • Lake view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Sun terrace
  • Terrace
Kitchen
  • Cleaning products
  • Tumble dryer
Room Amenities
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Cooking class
    Additional charge
  • Themed dinner nights
    Additional charge
  • Bike tours
    Additional charge
  • Movie nights
  • Game drives
  • Evening entertainment
  • Cycling
  • Karaoke
  • Fishing
    Additional charge
  • Hot tub
Living Area
  • Seating Area
Media & Technology
  • Satellite channels
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Bar
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Wake-up service
  • Business centre
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
Reception services
  • Invoice provided
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
General
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Soundproofing
  • Carpeted
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
Wellness
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Languages spoken
  • English
  • Zulu

House rules

Shayamanzi Houseboats takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

From 13:30 to 14:00

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out

From 09:30 to 10:00

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 13 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction

There is no age requirement for check-in

Mastercard Visa Cash is not accepted Shayamanzi Houseboats accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.


Pets

Pets are not allowed.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Shayamanzi Houseboats in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.

FAQs about Shayamanzi Houseboats

  • Check-in at Shayamanzi Houseboats is from 13:30, and check-out is until 10:00.

  • Shayamanzi Houseboats is 4.3 miles from the centre of Jozini. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Yes, there is a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Shayamanzi Houseboats on this page.

  • Shayamanzi Houseboats offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
    • Cycling
    • Fishing
    • Karaoke
    • Evening entertainment
    • Themed dinner nights
    • Movie nights
    • Cooking class
    • Game drives
    • Bike tours

  • The prices at Shayamanzi Houseboats may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Yes, Shayamanzi Houseboats is popular with guests booking family stays.