Lake Jozini on the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province is a vast 16000ha manmade lake that spans the South African and Swaziland borders at the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains. It is surrounded by the Pongola and Phongolo Nature Reserves. Wildlife abound and the lake is stocked with over 40 freshwater fish species, including the fearsome tiger fish. The lake is home to large populations of hippos and crocodiles too.
Lake Jozini is a lengthy drive from the main cities of Johannesburg 480kms away, 450kms from Pretoria and 310kms from Durban, but all are easily accessible via the N2 main highway. Anglers travel from afar to fish the lake and the area is also a popular destination for wildlife safaris.
A holiday at Lake Jozini embraces a host of holiday preferences, namely: big game drives, the thrill of game fishing, adventure sports such as abseiling and a relaxed location for stunning mountain views and to enjoy the serenity of the lake.
Things to do
A cruise on Lake Jozini’s still waters is the height of relaxation. Hire fishing gear and take along a pair of binoculars for guaranteed game sightings at the water’s edge.
Book a safari at the Pongola Nature Reserve, South Africa’s oldest game park, which has 4 of the Big 5; elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo. The reserve extends from savannah bushveld to green forests, allowing the visitor to see much of the wildlife in their natural habitat.
Hiking and birding trails are prevalent throughout the Lake Jozini area. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here.
Enjoy a full day body treatment session at the Pongola Game Reserve Spa to get yourself into that holiday mode.
Where to Eat
Depending on your accommodation option, the onsite restaurants are generally equipped to cater for all diets. Expect exemplary dishes to be served.
The nearby town of Jozini has a mall with large retail store to stock up on supplies and a few fast food outlets for a quick bite.
Pull up a chair outside to listen to the silence, broken only by lapping of the water, the lake lit by fireflies and the moon and stars above.
Where to Stay
From colonial style comfort to rustic bungalows under thatch and luxurious tented camps, the available accommodation is sure to enrich your vacation at Lake Jozini.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport, 330km from Lake Jozini. There is an airstrip at Jozini for incoming chartered flights, ask your host for more details.
Car Rental agencies operate in most large cities. Collect a vehicle from the airport or you could order a rental online.
Taxi There are no taxi services in the region, however, several tour operators offer shuttle services from the main centres to Lake Jozini.
Did you know?
The tiger fish is regarded as a fresh water game fish and fishermen will always have tales of their titanic tussles with these silver bullets. The fish is not called the striped water dog for nothing…
The Pongola River, Pongola and Phongolo Nature Reserves are all named after the uPhongolo, the mysterious python who, like its cousin constrictor the anaconda, frequently hunts in water.
Lake Jozini is a low risk malaria region.
