www.pongolarivercompany.co.za
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084 734 3552

The Phongola River descends steeply from its headwaters in the Mpumalanga Provence of South Africa exiting the Lebombo Mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal below Lake Jozini. Here the river encounters the flat Mozambique coastal plain and seems to stretch out and put up its feet as it meanders casually between the 90 odd pans that make up the Phongolo Floodplain- South Africa’s largest and most diverse freshwater ecosystem and a nature lovers paradise. The best way to experience the beauty of the Phongola is by Canoe, and whether you are interested in the phenomenal Bird life, Flyfishing for the mighty Tiger fish or merely absorbing all that the river has to offer, the Phongola River Company offers it all on a platter. From self catered camping trips to fully catered excursions based at Calverley’s Camp we offer trips ranging from a half-day cruise to a full four day expedition. Make the Phongola your playground, get outhere, get involved, GET IN!

The Phongola River is home to a staggering 50 species of fish, making it the most diverse freshwater ecosystem in South Africa. Over 40 of these species are found in the Phongolo Floodplain below Lake Jozini, king of which is the mighty Tiger fish (_Hydrocynus vittatis_) offering arguably the best freshwater sport fishing on the continent. Keen fisherman travel far and wide (Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia) in search of the brutal take and reel screeching fight that is unmatched in the icthyofaunal kingdom. The Phongola River offers a real alternative to these faraway (and often expensive) destinations with our very own home grown tigers.

They say “the bigger the pond the bigger the fish” but in reality the old adage should read “the bigger the pond the greater the number of big fish”. Comparatively speaking the Phongola River is a small pond and we advocate the use of light tackle and small flies to take advantage of the plethora of fledgling tigers that proliferate the thickly vegetated river banks. However, the Phongola is also capable of producing Tigers akin to those of Lake Jozini and the Zambezi (see Gallery for pics) and beware the casual fisherman who underestimates the strength of the brutes that lie beneath. Scattered along the 40km of river of which we are custodians places like Heart Break Pool and Take A Lesson Bend pay tribute to “the (big) one’s that got away”.

So, come and cut your teeth fishing from white sandbanks into alluring drop offs that are so easily visible in the clean blue waters, or from our specially designed river craft safe in the knowledge that there are plenty of smaller tigers around but tantalisingly and somewhat nervously aware that somewhere in the deep lie the primordial “menere” that may well leave you heart broken and humbled. If you are lucky enough to hook and land one of these monsters you join a select few who know the feeling of doing battle with a truly wild and magnificent animal that is the Tigerfish. Get out there, get involved, GET IN!

“Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature”. Pierre Trudeau.

Nowhere does this saying ring truer than on the beautiful Phongola River below Lake Jozini. Just 60km South of the Mozambique border the Phongola has a distinctly tropical feel, clear blue waters meander around white sandbanks and under ancient Sycamore Fig Trees. Visibility of over 2m allows you to watch the river bottom slip seamlessly by as you glide downstream on water as clear and smooth as molten glass. Lean back into the comfortable backrest, soak up the sun and marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds you as you float on by….

We offer:

◦Half and full day trips embarking from Jozini or from Ndumo River Lodge

◦Multi-day trips. 2-4 day trips embarking from Jozini

Above all else the Phongola is a birding destination. Flocks of Green Pigeon whistle in overhead to feed on heavily laden Sycamore Figs while you eat your breakfast. Perched above the river Fish Eagle give their eerie and quintessentially African call, sharp eyed in their search for their first meal of the day. During the summer months Broad Billed Rollers keow, keow, keowrrr as they seesaw in swooping display flights across the river. What better way to enjoy this rich bird life than to be paddled slowly downstream by knowledgeable local guides, binoculars strung around your neck and a bird book in your lap.

Along the river Kingfishers rule the roost together with numerous Heron species. Not to be outdone the shy African Finfoot scurries for cover as your silent floating approach catches him unawares. A short walk to a pan is often rewarded with sightings of African Jacana, Pygme Goose or Comb Duck. While the birdlife along the river is plentiful, what makes birding in the Phongolo Floodplain special is the chance of spotting something unique. Specials seen in 2010/2011 include Black Coucal (see Galary), Pells Fishing Owl, Narina Trogon, African Finfoot, Half-Collared Kingfisher and Southern Banded Snake Eagle. While we cannot gaurentee that you will see all or any of these species the chances are that someone will, so why shouldn’t it be you?

We offer:

◦Half and full day trips embarking from Jozini or from Ndumo River Lodge

◦Multi-day trips. 2-4 day trips embarking from Jozini

Calverley’s Camp is a tented camp on the banks of the Phongola River in the upper region of the Phongolo floodplain approximately 12km downstream of Jozini. The Camp is unashamedly rustic but beautiful. Nestling under giant Sycamore Fig trees are 10 4-man Camp Master dome tents. Each tent is kitted out to sleep either one or two people (for couples). Stretchers with mattresses are in each tent and each tent has an electric light bulb. Electrical appliances can be charged from the generator. Four bucket showers are interspersed between the tents and illuminated with paraffin lanterns. Hot water for showers is boiled on the fire and the buckets filled up and hoisted into the tree for you before you shower. Similarly there are 4 chemical toilets interspersed between the tent sites. In both cases canvas screens provide the necessary privacy. Seated meals are served under the stars on the sand bank or under the canopy of the Fig trees. In the case of inclement weather meals are served in the 5x10m mess tent. There are no permanent structures in Calverley’s Camp- this is proper camping done the old fashioned way!

www.pongolarivercompany.co.za

Contact Phongola River Company

Peter Calverley

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084 734 3552