PAKAMISA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - NORTHERN KWA ZULU NATAL:
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. We combine a stylish ambience with a wide range of sporting and leisure activities. Spoil yourself for once and enjoy the holiday you deserve at the magical paradise of PAKAMISA.

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.

Meet new friends around the grand fireplace in the spacious Living Room. Choose a good book from the extensive Hotel Library that contains many treasures to delight the most discerning bibliophile in a variety of languages. Sip a cocktail in the cosy Hunter's Bar with its intimate atmosphere. Relax and enjoy wonderful music on the sweeping terrace with its panoramic views of spectacular Africa.
Our pool terrace, also with spectacular views, offers guests an oasis of tranquility where light snacks and exotic drinks can be enjoyed after a refreshing swim in the large Rock Pool.

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 too 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.

CULINARY SPECIALITIES - The national dishes and drinks of specific countries are featured in turn.

SMALL-TALK AT THE POOLSIDE - The Rock Pool, sundecks and pool bar await your visit.

IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE - In winter weather, no better place than the roaring log fires in the magnificent Trophy Hall in the Main House.

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE - End your day under the brilliant star-lit African sky, surrounded by the incomparable symphony of wilderness' night music.

Travelling Information
The easiest way to Pakamisa is via air-shuttle from Johannesburg directly to Pongola Airport (flight time approx. one hour). On landing at Pongola, we collect you directly at the airstrip. The car transfer to the lodge (approx. 30 minutes) winds through the picturesque Pongola River valley and the evergreen sugarcane plantations.

The alternative traveling option is to go by car or minibus on the N 2 highway; coming from:

the north from Johannesburg over Witbank, Ermelo, Piet Retief (450 km)
the south from Durban (380 km) or from Richards Bay (250 km)
in Pongola you take the southern exit from town, leaving the N 2 in a southwestern direction on district road R 66 (towards Magudu); on this tarred road you drive about 7 km and then you turn to the RIGHT onto the gravel road D 429. From that junction you travel exactly another 20 km on this road D 429 just straight ahead until you reach at your left hand-side the gate of the Pakamisa Game Reserve; follow the signposts "PAKAMISA" (green on white)

YOUR HOSTS:
Your host and private owner, Isabella von STEPSKI ­ scion of a noble Austrian family ­ personally planned, built and decorated Pakamisa. Throughout the year, Isabella personally supervises the well-being of her guests in the famed Austrian tradition of first-class hospitality. She has ensured that Pakamisa combines the elegance of a private home with relaxed atmosphere and impeccable service.

As well as her mother tongue, German, Isabella is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese and some knowledge of French, ensuring that guests from all parts of the world will feel at home.

The basic philosophy of the management and staff at Pakamisa is to provide much more than accommodation and meals. We offer round-the-clock service and are always happy to organise custom-made holidays to suit your individual preferences; from Tiger fishing in the nearby Jozini Dam to a champagne picnic in the African bush - we strive to fulfil the holiday dreams of all.

To put it simply, our motto remains: "The satisfied guest is king".

GREATER ST LUCIA WETLANDS RESERVE:
The World Heritage proclaimed wetlands of the subtropical Greater St. Lucia Park, are essential to the health of the local environment and contain a greater bio-diversity than Kruger National Park or Botswana's Okavango Delta.

The park includes a complex eco-system with outstanding landscapes. The five inter-linked ecosystems in the park are: a marine system characterised by the warm Indian Ocean, containing the southernmost coral reefs in Africa, as well as sub-marine canyons and long sandy beaches; a coastal dune system consisting of high linear dunes and sub-tropical forests, grassy plains and wetlands; lake systems including two estuary-linked lakes of St Lucia and Kosi, plus the four large freshwater lakes of Sibaya, Ngobezeleni, Bhangazi north and Bhangazi south; the Mkhuze and Umfolozi swamps, with swamp forests and extensive reeds and papyrus marshes; an inland system which includes ancient shoreline terraces and dry savannah woodlands.

ANIMALS & BIRDS
As this is such an extensive area with a considerable number of different habitats that animals of all sorts may be seen including hippos and crocodiles in good numbers particularly on the St Lucia estuary.

A substantial game reintroduction program is in progress bringing in black rhino, buffalo, waterbuck, kudu, nyala and other antelopes.

There are a number of endemic fish species in the lakes and the Indian Ocean is a water wonderland with whales and dolphins, turtles and colourful tropical fish on the coral reefs.

The Greater St Lucia area is renowned for its prolific birdlife including flamingoes, pelicans, herons, ducks, geese, storks and numerous resident and migrant birds.

SEASONS
Rainy Season: In this sub-tropical area the climate gets hot and humid in the rainy summer months of October to March and you may witness some extravagant thunderstorms.
Dry Season: The dry season lasts over winter from April to September and the temperatures are very pleasant with warm days and cool nights.

GREATER ST LUCIA SPECIALITIES
· Astounding scenery
· Prolific birdlife
· Hippos and crocs on the estuary
· Coral reefs
· Turtles laying their eggs on the beaches
· Wetlands
· Black rhino
· Variety of lodge accommodation

FACTS
This is a malarial area
KZN Wildlife administers this and all the other parks in the province which are accessible to the public on payment of entry fees.