First proclaimed in 1894, Pongola Game Reserve is the oldest game reserve in South Africa. Today it hosts a wide variety of game species including African Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Leopard and many species of antelope, Zebra and Giraffe.
The Pongola River meanders through the game reserve before entering the 13 000 hectare Jozni Dam offering scenic settings of mountains, bushveld and a large water body offering numerous leisure activities. Guests visiting the reserve can select from self-catering or fully catered lodges that provide the highest standards of luxury. The Pongola Game Reserve is a birding hotspot with over 350 bird species having been recorded. The area can be explored during river-boat cruises where crocodile and hippo are regularly encountered and excellent viewing of numerous waterbirds can be had. Guided walking safaris and game drives are also on offer. The Pongola Game Reserve is a co-operative conservation project between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, private landowners and communities and forms a large ecological and socio-economically viable conservation area.
