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Pakamisa Private Game Reserve

52-3 Nongoma Road, Pongola 3170 South Africa
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Traveller (224)
Dining (24)
Room & Suite (21)

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About

#1 of 6 lodges in Pongola
Location
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Value
Discover the taste of Paradise at this perfect Hide-away! If you are looking for something a little less formal but nonetheless exclusive, then this lodge is for you! Views are inescapable from almost anywhere on the property, not least from your private veranda. The eight suites are huge, lightly Mediterranean in style, with elegant furniture and superb bathrooms. There is so much to do here - archery, clay-target shooting, bushwalking, game drives and riding – of course! At Pakamisa, the superior game-viewing vehicle is a horse! And these divine creatures, trained by the owner Isabella herself, are bred to be more than merely mode of transport. Exciting game viewing is offered on horseback for all riding abilities. To work off the calories, bushwalks and mountain bike trails await. For the more laid-back options, be gobbled up by the beautiful library or enjoy the impressive collection of rare African artifacts and paintings in the enormous, high-ceilinged entrance hall. Otherwise pull up a basket chair, drink in hand, and lap up the lovely big pool and sprawling views beyond. Meals are an occasion; enjoy mouth-watering breakfasts to delicious alfresco lunches on the panoramic veranda of the award-winning El Prado restaurant. Contemporary and international cuisine is beautifully presented, enhancing a traditional dining experience in the elegant dining room or “Out of Africa” style under the stars. The restaurant has an exceptional wine list and offers game specialties.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Horseback riding
Babysitting
Books, DVDs, music for children
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Room service
Safe
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, German

Location

52-3 Nongoma Road, Pongola 3170 South Africa
Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Getting there
King Shaka Intl Airport
243.2 km
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238Reviews1Q+A20Room tips
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Sigrid-Johannes61 wrote a review Yesterday
1 contribution
We had a wonderful stay at Pakamisa! Owners and staff are always friendly and always ready to more than asked, without being always seen or nagging. The food is delicious as well as very good quality. Thanks so much to Isabella and her team. Hope to see you soon again!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ev T wrote a review Mar 2023
Durban, South Africa3 contributions
We have been twice to this beautiful remote getaway. Both times have been for a birding weekend, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The birding guide is extremely knowledgeable, interesting and charming. The service is exceptional, food fantastic, and the staff are all very friendly.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 07 Mar 2023
Dear Ev & Eric, Thank you for being loyal guests and returning to Pakamisa lodge! Thank you for taking your time to write your experience at our little paradise. We look forward in welcoming you another time at Pakamisa. Regards from isabella and the Pakamisa team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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AnnemarievdVV wrote a review Jan 2023
The Hague, The Netherlands16 contributions1 helpful vote
With a family of 10, we stayed at Pakamisa for 3 nights. Isabella and her team arranged an unforgettable stay for young and old alike. The highlight was of course the horse riding through the beautiful nature. The horses are in very good condition and the guidance is very professional and attentive. Very special to encounter zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and ostriches while on a horse! The other activities like bush walks and archery were also fun to do. It was good to linger by the pool, on the beautiful terrace or in the private spacious cottages. The decor is a bit dated, but everything clean and tidy. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were very tasty! And children were also taken into account, a special request was easily arranged! Many thanks, Paradise Pakamisa!
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 07 Mar 2023
Dear Annemarie and to your family! Thank you for choosing Pakamisa lodge for your holidays. We appreciate that you are taking time to write your experiences at our little paradise in the African bush. It was a pleasure to show you and your family our nature & wildlife from the back of a trustful horse. Thank you from Isabella & the Pakamisa team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Ian wrote a review Jun 2022
Yateley, United Kingdom1 contribution
This is a fantastic lodge offering superb rooms with excellent food, wine and wonderful, friendly service. The added bonus of horse riding amongst the wild animals on horses that are all obviously well cared for makes this a unique experience. Highly recommended and hope to return!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: All rooms are excellent
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 01 Jul 2022
Thank you so much for your kind message and comments about your stay at Pakamisa Lodge. It was a pleasure to have you as guests, finally - after long time trying to travel into our beautiful South Africa. Looking forward to welcoming you back at Pakamisa. Regards from Pakamisa Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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ETIENNE VAN R wrote a review May 2022
George, South Africa188 contributions51 helpful votes
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We were on a birding and photography guided weekend at Pakamisa. It was an exceptional experience! The service was focused and personal. No special request was an inconvenience! The main guide, Chamu, is exceptional. The decor is dated. But, true hospitality at a value for money price!
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Try to go in September. Best time for game AND cooler weather
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 09 Jun 2022
Many thanks for your kind words. We appreciate you taking your time and comment on your stay. The Pakamisa Team appreciates your visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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leandi2022 wrote a review May 2022
1 contribution
This two night stay with Isabella and team was just what we needed! The lodge and surroundings forces you to rest and forget. Especially enjoyed the library, the views, the food, gamedrive, horse-ride, and the friendly and helpful staff!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 09 Jun 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words, we appreciate your time to write about your experience. The entire Pakamisa Team thanks for your visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Mark C wrote a review Mar 2022
Folsom, California7 contributions3 helpful votes
I had the wonderful pleasure of staying at Pakamisa in March 2022. I found it online when I was searching for horse riding opportunities while traveling through South Africa. I emailed Pakamisa directly the day before I would be in the area to inquire about availability and to confirm that I could ride (weather permitting). Isabella the proprietor promptly responded letting me know there was availability and gave me the details for riding (weight limits, rides per day, etc.). Isabella greeted me at reception and showed me to my spacious room with a million dollar view. I was able to rest for a couple hours before the afternoon ride. There are two young girls that took me down to the stables where we rounded up the horses and saddled up for the ride. While I am no riding expert, I do have some experience from my younger days. They will cater to the experience level of the guest. The girls were very helpful and knowledgeable and we had a great ride seeing many animals including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, ostrich's and many more! Riding horseback allows you to get fairly close to the animals and provides a whole new perspective. I went on 3 rides total and loved every second of it. The rides lasted approximately an hour and a half. Isabella, the proprietor of Pakamisa joined us on two of the rides. She is a very accomplished rider and has extensive knowledge of horses. I also noticed that she is a perfectionist in every sense of the word, which I was so happy to see. I would be remiss if I did not mention the food at Pakamisa. I was in South Africa for a month and ate at many fine establishments but none could compare to the 5 star meals prepared for me here. Pakamisa was a real high light of my SA trip. I hope to return one day!
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Date of stay: March 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 09 Jun 2022
Many thanks for your detailed report and we appreciate a lot that you took your valuable time to write down your experience. The entire Pakamisa team is grateful for your comments and we will try to keep our service levels as they are. Thank you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Ev T wrote a review Mar 2022
Durban, South Africa3 contributions
We had a wonderful 3 night stay at Pakamisa, which is a hidden gem. The accommodation and panoramic views are sensational. Isabella and her staff are such a dedicated team, and when we left we felt like we had made new friends. The bush walks, game drives and birding was great, and I would recommend Pakamisa to anyone who needs some quiet in a home away from home. Added to this was the incredible gourmet food. We will definitely be back for a longer stay.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Location
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Room Tip: All the rooms are very large with verandahs giving an exceptional panoramic view
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 20 Mar 2022
Thank you so much for your time to write about your experience at Pakamisa Lodge. We enjoyed your visit and hope to welcome you back soon! Regards, Isabella
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Simon B wrote a review Dec 2021
South Africa41 contributions7 helpful votes
Had a brilliant stay with Isabella and her dedicated team. The most beautiful landscape for riding the beautiful well schooled trail horses (Arabs and Boerperds) with all the tack in superb condition. And the food was splendid - easily right up there with the best that SA has to offer! Rooms very spacious and comfortable with stunning view of the Pongola rover valley Cant wait to return
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 20 Mar 2022
Thank you for your kind words about your stay with us at Pakamisa. We hope to be able to welcome you back one day. Regards, Isabella & Pakamisa Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Rob Maclean wrote a review Apr 2021
Johannesburg179 contributions4 helpful votes
We just had an excellent stay here. Wonderful service, stunning views, enjoyable horse rides/ bush walks and in particular truly delicious food from a talented chef and team. Can't recommend highly enough
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Date of stay: April 2021
Location
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Isabella Stepski, Owner at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Responded 09 Jun 2022
Thank you for your kind words, we are happy you enjoyed your stay with us and had great holidays!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
R 4,886 - R 5,018 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalZululandPongola
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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PAKAMISA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - Lodge Reviews & Price Comparison (Pongola, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
What are some of the property amenities at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Pakamisa Private Game Reserve have airport transportation?
Yes, Pakamisa Private Game Reserve offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and German.