Lake Jozini Tourism Information
Ever thought of visiting Lake Jozini ? Surrounded by a Private Game Reserve, the Jozini Dam is on the border of South Africa and the Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland. Lake Jozini showcases a pearl in the Southern African bushveld, ideal for resting, game viewing, tiger-fish fishing and boating (according to season).
General Tourism Information
King Mswati III changed the name officially from Swaziland to the Kingdom of eSwatini in April 2018 in celebration of his 50th birthday.
The Kingdom of eSwatini is a land locked country in Southern Africa, the main language being SiSwati,and the people of the Nguni tribes, with the land situated in the mountainous country. eSwatini is a peaceful country, although small and poor, with the Monarchy in rule, and hosts the world famous reed-dance in August and September every year.
As an 8 day long event, the traditional reed dance is a Zulu / Swazi ceremony where unmarried and childless girls and women travel through to the Ludzidzini Royal Village for the ceremony, and the main focus of the dance being the reeds from the river. The Reed Dance is centuries old royal tradition, and acts to unify the nation. The date of the Reed Dance is set as a public holiday for the Kingdom of eSwatini.
Dates for the Reed Dance:
2019 2 Sep
2020 7 Sep
Lake Jozini geography
Lake Jozini is a man-made dam forming the border between South Africa and eSwatini, bordered by the Lebombo mountains. 16 000 hectares and also known as the Pongolapoort Dam Reservoir , Lake Jozini is the 3rd largest lake in Southern Africa. As a lake with Tiger fish in abundance, boat trips, and game viewing, the Jozini dam makes a beautiful sunset setting and helps you forget the noise of the city. Tiger fish are known for their sharp teeth used to grasp prey, with a hunter instinct. These fish are aggressive and eat any other fish, have been reported to catch birds and are not the type of fish to keep as a pet. The Tiger fish is a large silvery colour and uses sound to detect its prey. Tiger fishing is best between September to March.
Lake Jozini is fed by the winding Pongola river, with its tributary being the Maputo River, ending in the silky waters resting in the valley.
What to do on Lake Jozini:
- Tiger Fishing
- Elephanting
- Boating
- Game viewing – there are plenty of buffalo, hippos and a few crocs lying around to keep you entertained! They are quite used to the boats and peaceful boaters / fishermen.
Where to stay at Lake Jozini:
Lake Jozini accommodation can be catered or self catering, with Kadana Tented Camp on the Lake Jozini waterfront.
Catered accommodation on the edge of Lake Jozini, this lodge is perfect for boating launches depending on drought conditions, as it has its own marina. Dinner, bed and breakfast are served, with separate chalets for privacy.
Bushwillow Self Catering Lodge
Away from the waters edge, this Lodge gives magnificent lake and mountain views and can accommodate up to 8 people in separate rooms. Serviced daily
Ekuthuleni Self Catering Lodge
Sleeping 8 people, this self catering lodge is prime to view Wildebeest and Zebra, with a Boma for late night braais and star gazing! The lodge is serviced daily by domestic services.
Lake Jozini Lake shore accommodation, the Imvubu Lodge is self-catering, child friendly with a TV lounge, queen bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms an more. Serviced daily.
Farm homestead styled self catering Lodge, boma area, modern kitchen and private bedrooms creating a private retreat for visitors.
Lakeshore with pool, boma, viewing patio and DSTV. 4 bedroom self catering chalet and domestic services. Beautifully decorated with solar and generator power.
With 2 separate sleeping areas, the Siqalo Lodge has a 4 bed chalet as well as a 2 bed chalet, each with their own kitchenettes and patio areas. With handcrafted lampshades and original artworks, this self catering chalet is the first built in the Royal Jozini Big 6. A
Malaria risk:
The area is a low risk Malaria area, but bug spray and items such as Peaceful sleep and Tabard will be very much appreciated!.
Please be aware that the wildlife is WILD and should be respected. Do not aggravate, irritate or chase the animals and keep a good distance at all times. Littering – please keep the rubbish from the drives for the rubbish bins where it can be properly disposed of.
Enjoy the view in the wildlife’s beautiful home!
