About Pongola Game Reserve

Pongola Game Reserve extends over part of the original area that, in 1894, was declared the Pongola Game Reserve by Paul Kruger, President of the old Transvaal Republic. The original reserve has since been re-proclaimed, in part, as the Phongolo Nature Reserve, which is the present Pongola Game Reserve's immediate neighbour.

The business is owned and managed by the Landman family who have been in Africa since 1744.


Pongola Game Reserve has 6 wonderful, separate and secluded luxury destinations.

• Mvubu Game Lodge: 20 Beds, Fully Catered
• Inyati Lodge: 8 Beds, Self Catering:
• Mhlozi Bush Camp:16 Beds, Self Catering
• Sondaba Bush Camp: 12 Beds, Self Catering:
• Mpalane Fishing Lodge: 24 Beds, Self Catering
• Nkwazi Lodge: 32 Beds, Fully Catered

The Pongola River, broad and perennial, meanders through the centre of the reserve before entering the man-made 13 276 hectare lake. It provides a leisure environment unique for a South African bushveld destination. Safari cruises, canoe adventures, birding and tiger fishing are among the main activities.
The area is home to many typical plains game species, four of the Big Five (excluding Lion), Hippopotamus and Crocodile. It is also a birding "hotspot". Over 350 species have so far been recorded here. One can also enjoy the experience of tracking rhino on foot and participating in the elephant monitoring programme.

Please take your time and enjoy your visit to our website and please feel free to make a booking enquiry if you are interested in visiting the Pongola Game Reserve.

Awards of the Pongola Game Reserve

1985 - SA Hunters Association - Conservation award for Natal.

1988 - Themba awards for soil conservation - Dept. of Agriculture.

1989 - SA Hunters Association - Conservation award for Natal.

1993 - Natal Parks Board - Conservationist of the year for Natal.

2005 - Peter Edwards award from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa for grassland conservation.

2007 - Wildlife Ranching SA - National game farmer of the year.