To most travellers, the village of Pongola is only a small dot on the N2 national highway on the way to Mozambique or Swaziland. But hidden away behind the hustle and bustle of this vibrant country town is a lush, cool oasis ready to embrace weary voyagers.
Pongola Country Lodge comes as a total surprise after travelling through many kilometres of lowveld scrub vegetation. The immense thatched reception area is cool and inviting. The gardens beyond beckon with a glimpse of blue water through the beautiful old trees and clumps of cycads.
The lodge offers a lot more than overnight accommodation. Pongola is the ideal base from which to explore the many varied attractions this region of Maputaland has to offer. From here, the game reserves of the area are within easy reach, as is the vast inland lake of Jozini – home of the sought-after Tiger Fish!
Pongola Country Lodge offers special weekend packages for groups, albeit team-building exercises for companies or just a few friends wanting to experience a unique time in the heart of rural Africa. These packages can be tailor-made to suit individual groups, and can include any of the following activities: game drives in Pongola or Magudu Game reserves, morning or sunset cruises on Jozini Lake, tiger fishing expeditions, golf at the Pongola Country Club, a tour through a sugar mill (in operation since 1954) or a visit to Ric Rey Taxidermist.
But guests should be sure to leave enough leisure time to experience all the facilities Pongola Country Lodge has to offer. The beautiful pool deck and shady verandas are ideal for lazing away the afternoon with a cold drink and a good book. The individually decorated rooms have television and very efficient air-conditioning. The two restaurants offer an extensive a-la-carte menu or a buffet feast. The lodge also has two conference facilities – a small one for 20 people, and a larger one for up to 100 people in theatre style.
