Discovering the Wonders of Lake Jozini on a Houseboat Adventure

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a vast lake and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature? If so, I have the perfect suggestion for you – a houseboat adventure on Lake Jozini. This extraordinary experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape the cares of everyday life and embrace the beauty of South Africa’s wildlife.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of water lapping against the hull of your houseboat. As the sun rises over the horizon, you step outside onto the deck and breathe in the crisp, fresh air. From the comfort of your floating home, you have a front-row seat to the incredible sights and sounds of the lake.

Houseboats are the ideal way to explore Lake Jozini. These floating sanctuaries provide all the comforts of home while allowing you to embark on a journey of discovery. You have the freedom to cruise along the lake’s vast expanse or drop anchor and sit back as the wonders of nature unfold before your eyes.

When it comes to wildlife, Lake Jozini is teeming with diverse species. From the majestic elephants roaming the shores to the playful hippos and crocodiles inhabiting the water, there are countless opportunities to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. With their keen eyes and extensive knowledge, the expert guides on board will ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Setting foot on land, you may encounter other animals, such as giraffes, zebras, and various bird species. Exploring the surrounding game reserves opens up a world of adventure, as you witness the harmony and intricacies of the African ecosystem.

Aside from the wildlife, Lake Jozini itself is a sight to behold. Its calm waters stretch out as far as the eye can see, forming a serene backdrop against the dramatic landscape. Whether you’re gazing at the mountains in the distance or marveling at the vibrant sunsets, every moment on the houseboat is a feast for the senses.

As the day draws to a close, you can retreat to the cozy interior of the houseboat. Share stories and laughter with your fellow adventurers as you enjoy a delicious meal prepared in your fully-equipped kitchen. Be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the boat, knowing that the next day will bring even more wonders.

So, if you’re seeking a unique and immersive experience, consider embarking on a houseboat adventure on Lake Jozini. Let the beauty of nature surround you as you create memories that will last a lifetime.

When I’m out on Lake Jozini, everything seems peaceful and serene. But that tranquility quickly fades away the moment I attach a sardine to my fishing line. Deep beneath the surface, there are all sorts of sharp-toothed creatures just waiting for a chance to play.

When I arrived at Lake Jozini with my friend Teagan, we were excited to go fishing. The lake, also known as the Pongolapoort Dam, seemed calm on the surface, but we knew there were all kinds of fish waiting below.

Before reaching Lake Jozini, we had already experienced many different bodies of water. We took refreshing dips in two forest baths, swam in an infinity pool, explored a river, visited some lakes, and even ventured into an estuary. The trees surrounding us resembled coral, and the birds looked like fish, although Teagan amusingly mistook a trumpeter hornbill for a flying banana!

As I ventured through the wild, encountering crocodiles, hippos, snakes, and even a moray eel, my companion had the audacity to compare me to an aging man. She attempted to justify her claim by pointing out how natural I looked holding a fishing rod and gazing at the water, all while she indulged in the pages of The Old Man and the Sea.

Yet, I reassured myself that I still had plenty of life left in me as we found solace in our cabins aboard the houseboat Shayamanzi. My vitality was reinvigorated after indulging in the serene practice of forest bathing at Kosi Bay. Perhaps it was not the aged Cuban and his relentless struggle with the colossal marlin that she saw in me, but rather the creator of the fisherman himself, ‘Papa’ Hemingway. I carefully examined the similarities. Just like the renowned and fiercely masculine writer, I:

(a) Being the only person on board, I had the incredible fortune of catching a tigerfish; these fish are known for putting up a remarkable fight, rivaling even the most illustrious fighters in the Gulf Stream.
(b) It’s not uncommon for us to indulge in a bit of heavy drinking while out on the water.
(c) We have a rule of thumb – no adjectives allowed.

If you love fishing, Lake Jozini is the place to be! The best time for fishing is from September to March when the big tiger fish are plentiful. You’ll be thrilled to see them during breeding season in October.

Recently, I found myself caught in the familiar grip of an overactive imagination. It’s common for novelists like me, and maybe even journalists too. But this time, I had a new worry on my mind. I couldn’t help but wonder who would be joining us on the houseboat.

Two nights can feel like an eternity when you’re surrounded by strangers on a boat. With six cabins and potentially twelve people, the thought was a bit unsettling. As each guest stepped onto the boat from the wobbly small dinghy, I couldn’t help but size them up: Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, and even Miss Scarlett. It felt like a scene straight out of a murder mystery, with a coat hanger in the Jacuzzi. One thing was for sure: it was going to be an interesting and suspenseful experience.

When it comes to avoiding stress, you have a couple of options. You can try to be a different kind of person and handle it on your own, or you can gather a group of friends and face it together. Personally, I found a different solution that worked out really well for me.

Instead of dealing with stress on my own, I decided to step aboard the Shayamanzi. Let me tell you, it was a great decision. Not only did I get to escape from the pressures of everyday life, but I also had the opportunity to bond with a group of amazing people.

During our time on the Shayamanzi, we spent our days indulging in delicious food and sharing stories about our adventures in Africa. The camaraderie we developed was truly special, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends to experience this journey with.

And let me tell you, the accommodations on the Shayamanzi are top-notch. I had a spacious cabin all to myself, complete with a comfortable bed and a few extra surprises. From the Bar-Ones on the pillow to the fishing hooks and tiger fish embedded into the resin toilet seat, everything was thoughtfully done to add a touch of charm and adventure.

But the real highlight was the view. From my sliding doors, I had an incredible vantage point to witness the beauty of the land. And it wasn’t just any land – it was Lake Jozini, home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants. It was truly a surreal experience to watch these majestic creatures glide by as I relaxed in the comfort of my cabin.

I love this place! It’s like a wild adventure waiting to happen every single day. I mean, where else can you wave at hippos while feeling grateful that all the rhinos you come across still have their majestic horns? It’s truly something special.

But you know what? The real magic happens in the kitchen. That’s where you’ll find Michael, the chef extraordinaire. This guy has stories for days, and he’s always down to chat with you. It’s like he’s a taxi driver with nowhere else to be. So go ahead, pull up a seat and listen to his tales. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

When you’re in the mood for some fishing, Adam’s got your back. He’s your go-to fishing buddy, always ready to take you out on the water. And while you’re out there, he’ll point out all the different birds you hear. But here’s the thing, if you happen to fall off the boat (which, I mean, I hope doesn’t happen), make sure you stay still when the crocodile comes around. Trust me, it’ll be better for you that way.

Now, let’s say you’re itching to go swimming, but you know you can’t because, well, there are some pretty massive crocodiles lurking around. Fear not! Just grab yourself a nice, chilled glass of Chardonnay and take a dip in the Jacuzzi. It’s the perfect solution. And if you’re lucky, Teagan might even join you. She’s the kind of person who would rather hang out with you than snap photos or send drones to spy on you from outer space. How cool is that?

When it comes to Lake Jozini, the safest water to immerse yourself in is the jacuzzi. It’s like a warm, bubbly oasis where you can relax and enjoy the view. Picture this: you’re sitting in the jacuzzi, watching Adam get the fishing rods ready. It reminds you of Ernest Hemingway and his adventures in bullfighting and fishing. It’s amazing how these thoughts can take you on a journey of contemplation. From there, you start thinking about the differences between men and women, and even about the moon. It’s intriguing to wonder if water really has a feminine essence, a giver and withholder of great favors. And if water acts wild or wicked, is it because it can’t help it? These are the kind of thoughts that arise when you’re in a peaceful place like Lake Jozini. So, next time you visit, make sure to take some time to relax in the jacuzzi and let your mind wander.

So, I remember this one time when I was out with my friend Adam. He took us on a little boat trip to go fishing in a few different spots. Let me tell you, fishing is all about patience. You’ve got to know how to cast your line without hurting your fingers and then just wait. The fish we were going after, the tigerfish, is quite the strong and agile opponent. It’s got some seriously sharp teeth. The idea of the game is to catch the fish and let it go, but deep down, you just know that this fish won’t play by the rules if you lose.

Adam and I never get tired of battling the “striped water dog” – that’s what Papa used to call it. Let me tell you about the time we had an epic fight with one. It felt like hours, but in reality, it was only about half an hour. Just like Papa said it would be.

I could feel a gentle tug on the line, and my excitement grew. I couldn’t help but shout, “What am I supposed to do if it decides to go down?” (Sounds a lot like something Hemingway would write.) Adam was right by my side, ready to take on the challenge. We both held onto the fishing rod and gave that fish a run for its money. It leaped out of the water and showed off its sharp teeth.

“It’s a monster,” Adam exclaimed. I repeated my worry, “What if it decides to take a dive?” Meanwhile, Teagan attempted to capture the moment with a photo. And then, with one final twist and a cheeky wink, the fish freed itself from the hook.

As I proudly sailed back to the houseboat, I realized that Teagan’s comments were not about my appearance but rather her insight into my skills as a fisherman and writer. Everyone showered me with attention, and we enjoyed another delicious meal and celebrated with sparkling drinks before drifting off to sleep in our cozy cabins on the water.

When they asked me how I managed to be the only one to catch a fish, I replied, “Luck can take many different forms, and it’s not always easy to recognize.”

(Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea).

I love the houseboat’s super comfy and spacious cabins, especially because they offer a direct view of the water! It’s like having my own floating paradise.

Let’s plan your trip together

Getting there made easy

Getting to the houseboat is a breeze. It’s only a 3.5-hour drive from Durban on the N2. And don’t worry, you have plenty of time to get there since boarding starts at 2pm. Along the way, why not make a stop at Hluhluwe and Mkuze game reserves for some exciting wildlife encounters?

Timing is key

Anytime is a good time for game viewing and birding on the houseboat. But if you’re a fishing enthusiast, the best months are from September to March. That’s when the fishing is at its prime. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some large tiger fish during the breeding season in October. Just remember, it’s strictly catch and release. Oh, and be prepared for exceptionally hot summers!

What you need to know

Hey there! So, if you’re planning a trip to Jozini or Kozi, I’ve got some important tips for you. First things first, both places are great for protecting yourself from those pesky mosquitoes. They offer sprays, lotions, and nets, but it’s always a good idea to cover up too.

Now, let’s talk about connectivity. Wi-Fi can be slow and patchy in Kozi, and it’s non-existent on the houseboats. It’s also worth mentioning that there may not be any phone signal in certain parts of the lake. So, if you’re someone who’s always on their phone, keep that in mind!

Don’t forget about the weather, especially when you’re on the water. It can get pretty chilly, whether you’re on a small boat or a houseboat. So, make sure to pack a windbreaker to keep yourself warm and cozy.

Now, if you prefer privacy and don’t want to share your houseboat with strangers, you can always book the whole thing for yourself. That way, you’ll have the whole place to yourself and can enjoy your trip just the way you like it!

Where to stay

When it comes to accommodations, I highly recommend Shayamanzi Houseboat. The cabins there are spacious and comfortable, with huge glass doors that open up to a breathtaking view of the lake. Each cabin can sleep two people and has its own private bathroom. With two decks and lots of windows in the communal areas, you’ll always have a stunning view of both the water and the wildlife on the shores. And trust me, the food there is absolutely delicious and there’s plenty of it. The price per person starts at R1975, and that includes all your meals, small-boat trips, and even fishing! You can check them out at shayamanzi.co.za.

What to do

Come and witness the game in action. The dam’s banks are filled with a remarkable display of wildlife – crocodiles, warthogs, elephants, rhinos, and various types of deer. And as you venture closer to the Pongola River, the spectacle only gets grander.

Battle against the mighty “striped water dog”. You have the option to fish right off the houseboat or take one of the two smaller boats and navigate to a peaceful location. Don’t worry if you have no fishing experience, anyone can give it a go!

Immerse yourself in the avian world. The knowledgeable staff on board are there to assist you in identifying different bird species and their unique calls.

Relax and unwind. Find solace in your cabin, marveling at the breathtaking views through the enormous windows. Alternatively, enjoy the tranquility of the two decks, including the Jacuzzi, or simply unwind in the cozy living room/bar area.

This fascinating article first appeared in the February edition of Getaway magazine.

In our February issue, I want to share with you some amazing things. I’ve found 12 of the absolute best tented-camps in the entire country. These camps are a special kind of accommodation, where you can experience the beauty of nature while still enjoying the comforts of a cozy and comfortable place to stay.

But that’s not all! We also have a feature on fun-filled water adventures in Northern KZN. If you’re someone who loves being in the water and having a great time, this is the perfect guide for you. It’s all about exploring the beautiful landscapes and stunning waterways of Northern KZN, and the exciting water activities that you can enjoy while you’re there.

And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to do something really unique, we also have a guide to exploring Madagascar by motorbike. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will take you on a journey through the incredible landscapes and diverse wildlife of Madagascar. It’s a thrilling and exhilarating way to see and experience this amazing country.

Finally, we have a guide to finding everyday magic in underrated Lisbon. Lisbon is a city that is often overlooked by travelers, but it has so much to offer. This guide will show you all the hidden gems and secret spots that make Lisbon such a special and enchanting place. From the beautiful architecture to the delicious food, you’ll discover why Lisbon is a destination that should not be missed.

I hope you enjoy this issue and find inspiration for your next adventure. Happy reading!