South Africa Safaris and Tours

Pakamisa - the name in Zulu means "to lift up" and we assure our guests that their spirits will soar in this African Shangri-La. We offer discerning visitors luxury, comfort and security with top class European cuisine amidst pristine African wilderness.

PAKAMISA - majestically positioned in the spectacular mountainous region of northern Zululand in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, the hotel is some 30 km south-west of the small town Pongola and is situated in the middle of its own extensive and private Game Reserve.

Superbly located on the high plateau of the Pakamisa Mountain, Pakamisa Lodge affords breathtaking views over the evergreen valley and plains of the Pongola River and the surrounding mountains.

Far away from any stress or hectic pace, our guests appreciate and enjoy the exclusive, intimate atmosphere, especially as accommodation is limited to a maximum of 16 guests. The unique Italo-Spanish architecture and style of the Pakamisa Lodge blends the finest of European and African ambience.

Our eight spacious, tastefully-decorated suites offer the highest standards for comfort and complete relaxation. Each suite, comprising a bedroom, lounge, deluxe-bathroom (bath, shower, two basins and separate toilet), wardrobe and own veranda, is fully equipped with in-room electronic safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee facilities. Each suite has been individually styled after an African animal, a theme picked up in valuable paintings and local artifacts.

The solid brick buildings and ceilings up to eight metres high create a pleasant indoor climate found only in the legendary tropical hotels of bygone days.

The impressive Main House, with an eclectic mix of African and European art and antiques, offers the finest atmosphere for either quiet relaxation or socializing with friends and other guests.

Whether you choose an activity based holiday or simply wish to relax, the variety of sporting, social and cultural activities at Pakamisa offers each guest the freedom to select his or her favourite, personal holiday itinerary.

PAKAMISA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - in which the Pakamisa Lodge is situated, comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of some 2500 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted, enabling guests at Pakamisa to enjoy the exclusive experience of natural African bushveld. The total area is doubled when the mountainous features such as valleys and ravines are taken into account.

Access to the reserve is restricted, enabling guests at Pakamisa to enjoy the exclusive experience of natural African bushveld with its unparalleled abundance of wildlife and exotic vegetation. Guests can expect to see leopard, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, warthog, bushpig, kudu, nyala, impala, bushbuck, common reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, grey and red duiker, steenbuck, klipspringer, baboon as well as many smaller mammals, predators and reptiles. The bird life, too, is prolific and varied.

GAME DRIVE - Accompanied by an experienced game ranger, guests may traverse the entire reserve in an open safari vehicle. Your guide will explain the often-fascinating life cycles of everything from insects, plants and trees to the behaviour patterns of the mammals and birds, giving you a chance to experience at first hand the magic of the African wild.

GUIDED WALKS - Rejuvenate your spirit on long walks through the unspoiled bushveld. The numerous Bush walks are the best way to work up an appetite, these range from stalking trips with camera and binoculars to a comfortable stroll to a shaded picnic spot, where you will be surprised by a creative prepared Bush meal. Since none of the larger and more dangerous mammals roam the Private Game Reserve and access is restricted, you can look out for your own little corner of paradise.

BIRDWATCHING - More than 200 species have been recorded in the Pakamisa Game Reserve with many more occasional visitors and seasonal migrants. From soaring eagles overhead to the vivid sunbirds flitting through the shrubs, the area offers birdwatchers constant excitement.

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BOTANICAL SEMINARS - With its wealth of plant life, Pakamisa can offer study tours and on-site botanical lectures conduct ed by local experts.

BIG FIVE PHOTOSAFARIS - We are happy to organise and cater for day-long excursions into the nearby national game reserves where guests may encounter and obtain close-up photographs of Africa's famous "Big Five" elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.

HORSES - Horse lovers will be impressed by our Pakamisa Arabian Stud.
The Arabian horses, originally born and bred in Andalusia, Spain, by Isabella von Stepski, renowned internationally as an Arabian expert. Isabella transported her entire stud from Spain to this special corner of Africa where these noble horses are thriving well. The first generation of the African-born Arabians are already galloping across the endless pastures. All horses are worked under saddle and the proud breeder is only to happy to arrange riding excursions with the entire herd for guests with equestrian interest.

Horse-back safaris, through the Game Reserve provide guests with a unique and unforgettable experience. An elegant but comfortable lounge and veranda at the Pakamisa Stables invite riders and their friends to enjoy pre-ride drinks and snacks as well as a delicious dinner in a very special setting at the end of a day in the saddle.

GOLF - We are happy to arrange transport to the small but challenging nine-hole golf course in Pongola, a 40-minute drive from Pakamisa. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome on this well-maintained course.

SIGHT SEEING TOURS - SOME OF THE MANY OPTIONS :

Cultural tours to the nearby centers of the proud and colourful history of the Zulu people, including conducted tours of the famous battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars.

St. Lucia World Heritage Site - wildlife observation and boat cruise through this vast coastal wetland.

Visits to local traditional Zulu villages, Zulu dancing and traditional Zulu arts and crafts.

FISHING - Expeditions to the nearby Jozini Dam (approximately one hour's drive) can be arranged for anglers seeking the legendary, hard-fighting Tiger fish and other freshwater species. The Jozini Dam, one of the largest in the region, is in a beautiful setting and an abundance of wildlife visits its shores. Our team will drive you there and back and organise everything you need for a memorable day's fishing.

SHOOTING - Pakamisa Paradise boasts its own shooting range in a fascinating mountain location (far removed from the hotel itself to avoid noise disturbance). Here a mordern clay target FITASC-parcours as well as two target ranges (50 m and 100 m) are available for a thourough training session or, occasionally, for an exiting competition for "The Pakamisa Cup". Guns may be rented on-site and an experienced instructor is on hand to help throughout the shoots.

The end of a shooting session can be celebrated in the cosy clubhouse at the range where all can enjoy barbecues and happy hours.

Mcibo" Mountain. A modern FITASC clay pigeon parcours as well as two bench rest target ranges (50 m and 100 m ) are ready for a thorough training session or, on occasion, an exciting competition "The Pakamisa Cup". Ammunition and gun rental are available.

A qualified shooting instructor will be helping you throughout the shots.
Celebrate the end of your shooting day at the "Clubhouse", a very cosy meeting place, where also non-shooters enjoy barbecues and happy hours.