Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge

Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge

Golela Road, Pongola, Pongola 3170 South Africa
Jozini Dam wall as an excursion
Traveller (260)
Room & Suite (91)
The dining lounge area.
Dining (14)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
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Avg. R 2,317 /night, 2/17 - 2/18
R 2,593
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R 2,437
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R 2,280
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About

#2 of 6 lodges in Pongola
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Experience how the breeze cools you as it blows gently off the great lake up the ridge or join us for one of our speciality Tiger Fishing excursions where the thrill of fighting one of these rare ferocious game fish is simply invigorating. A truly unique bush lodge in Northern KwaZulu Natal where the view from the spectacular setting is particularly breath-taking as you gaze out onto Lake Jozini, the Lebombo Mountains and the Pongola Game Reserves. Privately managed by the Blevin family who have lived in the area for many years, Shayamoya exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Darts
Babysitting
Massage
Secured parking
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Kids' meals
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Fishing
Table tennis
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Room features
Desk
Safe
Bottled water
Refrigerator
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Lake View
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Golela Road, Pongola, Pongola 3170 South Africa
Getting there
Zulu Inyala Airport
73.3 km•
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King Shaka Intl Airport
260.5 km•
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Traveller rating
  • 184
  • 74
  • 17
  • 6
  • 5
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
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Detailed Reviews
mevans579319 wrote a review Dec 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Shayamoya Lodge is surprisingly lovely.
The initial slightly rough driveway leads you to a beautiful wooden lodge with pool and several gorgeous Rondavels.
The staff were great and always helpful.
Restaurant and food were very good.
The Rondavals have no aircon but all buildings are set on a ridge and catch any wind which helps cool everything down. It was high 30’s when we visited last month but we slept ok. Love the outdoor shower and four poster bed with mosquito nets which are recommended September to May as location is low risk for Malaria.
Pool was clean and not too cold.
The view from all buildings is fabulous especially at sunrise and probably the most spectacular we saw in three weeks touring from Cape Town to Jo’burg.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
rsmith180699 wrote a review Feb 2022
Newcastle and Gateshead, United Kingdom
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in a standard room, although judging by the high spec of everything in it , there would be little need to upgrade. The room itself was certainly spacious enough, erected in the African rondavel style, with a decked viewing platform outside it overlooked the spectacular Phongola river/lake and the Lembomba mountain range. Utterly breathtaking. so much so, that my partner shed a tear on first arriving ! The rooms were spotless, with nice little touches like the kettle always being refilled by housekeeping. Beautiful large bathroom with quality fittings and and wonderful outside shower made our stay feel even more unique. The bar and restaurant have the same fantastic view over the lake and mountains, with a good selection of wines, beers and spirits. The service throughout our stay was excellent, friendly and attentive with nothing being too much trouble. After travelling from Kruger we took advantage of the laundry service at Shayamoya and it was incredibly fast.....and cheap ! Special mention goes to Miriam who was delightful and virtually omnl present during our visit even performing the massage my partner booked (apparently the best she's had)!. We booked a river cruise and the guide., "Lucky" , took us out at 8am, he was extremely knowledgeable, passionate and great fun. His passion for the environment is obvious and infectious, we saw a great deal and I highly recommend it. One last mention should go to the gardening team, the grounds are like a botanical gardens, stunning! So if you are planning to be in the Pongola area then I would heartily recommend Shayamoya.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Response from Lindy Blevin, General Manager at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
Responded 28 Feb 2022
Dear Richard Thank you for your lovely review. It fills our souls to hear our efforts are so appreciated. We all love our Shayamoya which we call home. Kind regards Lindy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anniepirie30 wrote a review Dec 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge is an amazing and relaxing natural environment for nature lovers. The Lodges have a stunning view of Jozini dam, the staff are welcoming with gorgeous smiles and offer superb assistance and service.
Make every effort to go Tiger Fishing under the guidance of Maxwell - an outstanding gentleman - you will not be disappointed in your adventure!
The restaurant meals are especially delicious - I would highly recommend the vension potjie dish - when you savour the taste - it is like fairies dancing on your taste buds!!
A beautiful and relaxing environment and well worth a visit.
We shall definitely be back :)
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
mtakal662737 wrote a review Jan 2022
Sandton, South Africa
2.0 of 5 bubbles
The chalets were dirty. Bath mats (which we found when we checked in) and toilets were dirty as well. In one chalet the toilet had a really bad smell. We found jeyes fluid which had been provided, I suppose for the smell. I demanded that the chalets we’d booked be cleaned again.

We were not given an entrance code for the gate prior to our arrival. There was no guard at the gate and the area has no cellphone signal so we couldn’t call the lodge. We had to drive past the gate for just over a km to get signal. Only then were we given the entrance code.
The car used for the game drive was filthy and very old. Thankfully I’d brought a wet towel to wipe the seats. There was no sanitiser provided. The staff at the lodge and all guests we came across weren’t wearing masks. My family and I were the only ones wearing them. Cold breakfast and the coffee station were self service. Again, no hand sanitiser provided. Clearly COVID is not considered an issue.

When I requested room service, I was told I had to collect the food myself from the restaurant because they were short-staffed. I had no choice but to do so.

The lodge is not well maintained, The grass is overgrown. There’s a lot I hated about the place. Also, contrary to what was advertised, there was no Wi-Fi in the chalets. At least not in the two we’d booked. I have pictures and videos to prove all the above.

On the positive- we enjoyed the game drive despite being transported in a dirty, run down vehicle. We liked the scenic views and saw a lot of animals. The food was really good.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2022
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Response from Lindy Blevin, General Manager at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
Responded 29 Nov 2023
Dear Guest Thank you for your review which clearly was when we were trying to recover from the drastic effects our business and staff encountered from the lock down. My apologies if our services were not up to the normal Shayamoya standard at the time. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the views, the game drive and our delicious wholesome food. Regards Lindy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Pamela Jane A wrote a review Aug 2024
Etten-Leur, The Netherlands
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed one night at this property in transit to eSwantini. The lodges give you a real African feeling; atmospheric, wide views, lovely outdoor shower and a balcony. The lodges are not spacious, but for one night totally fine. The accommodation is remote though there is nothing else nearby. Food is available at the accommodation. In our case, there was a braai. If you don't like meat, the offer is limited and pricey. There is a nice swimming pool and the lodges are in a kind of garden. Furthermore, we used the massage that was well priced: 600 rand for 60 minutes. Breakfast you have in the central building which is very nice and has a wonderful view.
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: July 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Giuliana wrote a review Aug 2023
Paderno Dugnano, Italia
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Wonderful place surrounded by nature, convenient as a pit stop before crossing Eswatini towards Kruger (the lodge is in fact 10 minutes from the border).
Very helpful staff: we were leaving early in the morning and they prepared breakfast for us the night before to keep in the fridge so we could eat it during the trip.
Excellent lunch and dinner, I recommend lunch in the lodge because it has a spectacular view, especially of Lake Jozini.
We did the excursion with Maxwell on the lake and it was magical: it was just us with the guide looking for rhinos on the lake shore, hippos and crocuses.
Very nice characterful room. The only negative note was the lack of a shower: in fact there was only a bathtub without a shower attached inside (you could only bathe lying down).
The Boma dinner area is beautiful.

Overall, however, I can only recommend it as a stop!
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Google
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Macchina necessaria Parcheggio interno disponibile Chiamare/messaggiare via WA reception appena...
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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graham E wrote a review Nov 2023
Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The most wonderful lodge, coupled with friendly, knowledgeable and attentive staff! Fabulous fishing and awesome game drives await you!
Fully catered, they provide a wide variety of meals and have a well stocked bar. Rooms are elegantly appointed with comfortable beds.
With views to die for, this lodge is ideally placed for the traveller, wishing to explore KZN. It is close to the Eswatini border, ensuring a ‘1st in the queue’ position to cross if needed.

For travellers routing to Mozambique, this is the ideal stop-over before the stunning onward drive over the Jozini Dam.

Well done Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge! We’ll be back!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Perfect stop-over for leaving/entering Eswatini and as a halfway house for the Mozambique...
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.
Response from Lindy Blevin, General Manager at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
Responded 28 Nov 2023
Dear Guest Thank you for your informative review. Shayamoya is indeed well located to explore the Northern KZN game reserves and to break the long journey from Kruger Park through (or around) Swaziland as we are only 8km from the Golela border post on the Southern end. Travelling time to the Kosi Bay/Mozambique border post is around 2.5 hours so this also helps with breaking the trip from Johannesburg/Pretoria to the beach resorts. Shayamoya is not just a stop over though. As you mentioned, there is the safari boat cruise on Lake Jozini, or tiger fishing and game drives we offer. We also outsource the guided rhino tracking and horse back safaris - advance notice is required for these activities. Fun for the whole family! We look forward to your next visit. Regards Lindy
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Peter W wrote a review Nov 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Shayamoya is a very well run establishment, and have used that game lodge for many years. Its a very statistically placed lodge when it comes to travelling from Durban airport going north to Swaziland and beyond to the Kruger park.
Accommodation is well designed to have that African bush atmosphere feeling. The view from the chalet we had is magnificent and overlook the Jozini lake. The whole area is connected with game reserves joining each other, and daily excursions can be done, like open gamedrives in the adjoining reserves, as well tiger fishing trips, on the lake itself or book the famous Shayamanzi house boat.

There is a wide range of food types on the menu, and a very good selection of drinks.
The staff is very friendly and you get a feeling of being part of a family.
As said, i have used this lodge for absolutely years, and recommend it as a place to chill or as a stop over en-route to Swaziland and Kruger National park, as its right on the half way disstance from King Shaka airport and the Kruger park

Peter
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
Response from Lindy Blevin, General Manager at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
Responded 06 Dec 2023
Dear Peter Thank you for your review and your kind compliments. Shayamoya is very dear to our hearts and love seeing guests return over the years, and become part of the family. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Kind regards Lindy
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jgroen539944 wrote a review Feb 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fantastic view on the dam, outside shower very nice, Chalet comfortable and clean, enormous bed. Breakfast and dinner of very high quality. Staff were all very friendly and helpful.
Game viewing boat trip on the dam (am) highly recommended, saw lots of animals and birds.
On the down side: Traffic noise can be a bit disturbing and the swimming pool was not usable, dirty and green
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Response from Lindy Blevin, General Manager at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
Responded 30 May 2024
Dear Guest Thank you for your feedback which is always very valuable to us. The pool has been a challenge to manage on some occasions with extreme load shedding which meant our pump wasn't able to operate sufficiently but certainly it is not the norm. We look forward to your return visit. Kind regards Lindy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Meg wrote a review Jan 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The view is absolutely breathtaking, and the hospitality is next-level. And the food was delicious! Management was always readily available (and Kim an absolute delight!) and the staff were all so friendly and eager to help. The facilities were impeccable. I love how each room has a great deal of privacy, rather than clustered close together. This is the place to go if you need a quiet weekend away, an unforgettable honeymoon, and everything in-between! Can't wait to return!
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Date of stay: January 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
Response from Lindy Blevin, General Manager at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
Responded 30 May 2024
Dear Guest Thank you so much for your kind review. It is so lovely to hear our guests so excited about our lovely Shayamoya and all her delightful contributions that make her unique. We look forward to seeing you soon. Kind regards Lindy
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…
Sahara-mom asked a question Nov 2020
Johannesburg, South Africa1 contribution
How is the fishing end December or is it no so great?
Hayley K asked a question Nov 2017
6 contributions8 helpful votes
What is the fishing and water like in Feb?
Answer from Lindy B
Pongola, South Africa4 contributions
Hi Hayley, sorry for delay in my reply. I prefer March or April when the water has had time to filter some more after the rains (which hopefully we will have lots of). It is tough fishing in discoloured water. Hope that helps. Regards Lindy
Magersfontein asked a question Jun 2015
Kimberley, South Africa64 contributions42 helpful votes
What is the Tiger fishing like for the month of October. We would like to take my 11 son tiger fishing
Answer from LindyBlevin
Pongola, South Africa
Hi there! October is a brilliant month! The tiger fish come on the bight about mid August as the water warms up after Winter, September is also a brilliant month but a little unpredictable with regards to cold fronts, so October is great, but expect rain showers in the late afternoon. Email Nomvula in Reservations to book your dates. Hope to see you then. Kind regards Lindy
Magersfontein asked a question Jun 2015
Kimberley, South Africa64 contributions42 helpful votes
I would like to know if you did any TIger fishing and if so what was the catch like
Answer from LindyBlevin
Pongola, South Africa
Hi again. The record tiger fish is 8.3kg so the big ones are out there but to be realistic, we are catching from around 300g to 3kg frequently. Regards Lindy at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge Lake Jozini
Roving24200053370 wrote a tip Nov 2023
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Beautiful indegenious gardens - July / August best flowering time. Try the game potjie and lamb chops. "
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Petajanestorm wrote a tip Nov 2023
Riga, Latvia3 contributions1 helpful vote
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Can be hot so take your costume for a swim in the pool "
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Roam26560471161 wrote a tip Nov 2023
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book early."
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Douette L wrote a tip Nov 2023
Empangeni, South Africa5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"There are many useful things like insect repellent etc in the drawers in the rooms. "
Read full review
George F wrote a tip Nov 2023
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Just book because it’s not a huge place . "
Read full review
…
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PRICE RANGE
R 2,151 - R 2,593 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalZululandPongola
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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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SHAYAMOYA TIGER FISHING & GAME LODGE - UPDATED 2025 Reviews & Price Comparison (Pongola, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.
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