Sep 2021 - Ballito Umhlanga

Adrift
on a houseboat
One of the most effective ways of relieving stress is to be close to water.
Could be a hotel at the seaside, perhaps a country cottage overlooking a waterfall,
our choice? A luxurious houseboat on Lake Jozini.
While many choose luxury lodges
close to rivers and waterholes or along
our beautiful coastlines, we loved the
idea of exploring the legendary Lake
Jozini, one of South Africa’s oldest
wildlife havens.
Apart from being a mecca for feisty
fishermen - it’s the only tiger fishing
destination in SA - it is perfect for
game enthusiasts and bird watchers to
enjoy a special water safari that offers
viewing a host of cool water creatures
- from antelope to rhinos, crocodiles to
hippos, even ellies – from a whole new
vantage point.
A trip on one of the intimate 12 or
20-sleeper Shayamanzi Houseboats is
all ultra-comfy en-suite, oak-panelled
cabins, is incredible views and
sensational sunrises and sundowners
on the deck.
It’s about listening for the distinctive
cry of the fish eagle or the grunt of a
lazy hippo while you relax in the large
jacuzzi on the sundeck at the stern of
the boat. About watching the sun set
over the Jozini Lake with the Lebombo
Mountains behind you. About
gathering at the bar for an exotic
cocktail at dusk, when the frogs and
cicadas add their voices to the night
time chorus.
It’s a break from the city, where you can
get together with friends and swap
fishing stories (it was this big *stretches
arms wide*). A photographer’s dream
... it’s just one wonderful opportunity
after another to capture landscape
photographs – sunrises and sunsets,
of game that have strolled down for
a drink, of the incredible reflections in
the water. A good wide angle lens is a
good idea here so capture every inch
of the spectacle.
Who’s it good for? Romantic escapes,
it goes without saying, but also
retirement getaway ... older travellers
will find this an excellent option. Since
it’s small - Shayamanzi caters for a max
of 20 guests - it’s also a fab option
of private events ... pre-wedding
parties, birthday milestones and
smaller celebrations. Massive bonus ...
you won’t have to arrange anything
yourself, the team does it all for you,
from menu planning to activities and
games ... all you and your guests need
to do is sit back and enjoy the ride,
ensuring that the only headache that
you might have is on the morning after
the big celebration.
Talking menu planning, the meals
on-board are delicious, with loads
of options, and those with special
dietary requirements well catered
for. Generous, too... three meals a day,
endless teas and coffees, and late
afternoon snacks for those who’ve
worked up an appetite and can’t wait
for dinner!
Game watching from the main boat or
one of the smaller tender boats, sitting
and doing absolutely nothing (count
us in), sleep in or get up at the crack
of dawn to take in the sunrise ... it’s up
to you. 16 thousand hectares of open
water. 400 species of fish in the lake.
Exceptional wildlife. Heaven.
46 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga September 2021