Pongola Hotels

Introducing Pongola

The small town of Pongola is located in the northern region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on the Pongola River.  Pongola is situated only about 10 kilometres from the border to Swaziland.  Pongola is home to a 50 km² area of sugarcane and subtropical fruit plantations which surrounding the town. During the Depression years of the 1930s, drastic irrigation systems were started in Pongola.

The town thrived as a result of the canal system and a sugar mill that was built.In close proximity to the town of Pongola, one can find the spectacular Pongola Game Reserve which offers visitors different accommodation options and a vast range of exciting activities which include game drives, boat safaris and rhino tracking.

Located in the magnificent foothills of the Lebombo Mountains in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, Pongola is rich in Anglo and Zulu Boer War history.   Pongola is just 270 km away from the southern gates of the Kruger National Park and tourist attractions include local game farms and game lodges, the Pongolapoort or Jozini Dam and a local 9-hole golf course. Pongola ist set on the N2 highway between the Swaziland border and the Phongolo River. 

Meaning ‘the trough’ due to its long, deep pools with steep sides, the Phongolo River plays an important role in this region by filling the pans with water in flood season and supporting a population of fish, crocodiles, hippos, aquatic birds and people.

The Jozini Dam is a very popular Tiger fishing destination which borders the Pongola Nature Reserve and Game Reserve.   The Pongola Bush Nature Reserve is home to a valuable piece of mist belt, evergreen forest with yellowwood trees and over 120 bird species.

Attractions in and in close proximity to the town of Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

AmaZulu Game Reserve

Covering 10 000 hectares, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is home to different ecosystems which consist of savannah, mountains and wetlands.   The Amazulu Private Game Reserve in South Africa is a suitable reserve for the 'Big Five' as well as giraffe, warthog, hyena and the over 15 different antelope species and hippopotamus.

Ithala Game Reserve

The Ithala Game Reserve, stretching from the spectacular heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, reveals the world's oldest rock formations.  Situated in the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu-Natal, the Ithala Game Reserve is a great game lodge destination from which to explore the South African bush.

Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve

Nestling in the heart of the historic Zululand, Mkuze Falls is one of only two Private Game Reserves in this area of South Africa which is home to the 'Big 5': lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant.

Pondoro Private Game Reserve

The Pondoro Private Game Reserve is a pristine malaria free wilderness area of about 2500 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted, enabling guests at the Pakamisa Game Lodge to enjoy the exclusive experience of South Africa's bushveld with its great abundance of wildlife and unique flora.

Pongola Game Reserve

The Pongola Game Reserve is the second oldest game reserve in the world and the oldest in South Africa. Several lodges and camps are located in the Pongola Game Reserve which is a sanctuary to a large variety of wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala, hyena, buffalo, rhino and leopard.