Pongola

Pongola is a small town in the north central Zululand about 10km from the Swaziland border and midway between the Ithala Game Reserve and the Pongola Bush Nature Reserve. It is situated on the Pongola River which flows on to the Jozini Dam (previously called the Pongolapoort Dam) and at the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains.

The Pongola Bush Nature Reserve was proclaimed in 1894 by Paul Kruger making it the second oldest reserve in Africa and contains a valuable piece of mist belt evergreen forest with yellowwood trees and 120 species of birds. The reserve is home to 4 of the Big 5 – rhino, hippo, leopard and elephant. The Jozini Dam is very popular for fishing for tiger fish.

The town is surrounded by sugar cane farms and sub-tropical fruit plantations, some of which are under irrigation that was installed during the great depression in the 1930’s.

The Pongola Bush Nature Reserve can only be visited by arrangement with the wildlife zone officer.

Tel: +27 (0)72 8222969

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