Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa by Dream Resorts

When I travel in KwaZulu Natal I travel with purpose and on a preplanned itinerary that is put together months in advance. Locations and routes need planning to maximise my time and ensure that I get the most from my journey. I also do the same when planning for and with others. Yes, this can prove to be tiring, but it is also hugely rewarding. It enables me to be able to relay firsthand knowledge to help fellow travellers get the very most from their holidays. I am at Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa wondering what to do with myself as I was staying a little longer than I normally would. Ryan, the lodge manager, had simply said to me, relax and enjoy yourself, that’s what our guests do. So here I am, best described as lake and leisurely, sitting on my balcony looking down at Lake Jozini, reading The Conspiracy Tourist by Dom Jolly. So, this is what people do on their holidays. I should mention that my room, leading to my balcony was perfect. Spacious and large in size, with ample storage for a lengthy stay with couch, table, additional seating and king size four poster bed. The tea and coffee station came complete with a drink’s fridge. The ensuite bathroom was also a good size with both bathtub and shower. All this with a great view of Lake Jozini. To get in the holiday mode here at the lodge does not take much thinking about. I had been given a full tour by assistant manager Gugu so knew where to find everything. I was tempted by the Mangwanani African Spa and the treatments on offer, and I regret not indulging myself, but my stomach told me to check out the lunch menu. I need to take more interest in my body and not just my stomach. I did opt though for a healthy lunch, Greek salad, an excellent choice on a very hot afternoon taken on the restaurant veranda looking down onto the lake below. Every meal here felt like an event. Breakfast and dinner were feasts with huge choices put together by chef Sabelo and his dedicated team. In the mornings I started with healthy options including locally sourced fresh fruit salad before moving on to the cooked options. It’s not often you get three choices of sausages plus meatballs along with crispy bacon, zhuzhed up baked beans and a near menu of egg variations. Dinners were buffet and braai, (barbecue), affairs. Chef Sabelo talked me through the buffet options on the braai night and it took him nearly two minutes. Home made breads, freshly prepared salads and dressings, mealiepap, (a local speciality), rice, potatoes, sheba or chakalaka, a local spicy vegetable sauce dish, plus other choices of vegetables. Then comes the meat, chicken, boerewors and pork chops. On other nights the buffet included traditional roasts with all the trimmings, stews and curries. As a curry fan I have to mention and recommend the excellent curries. I also have to admit that I could not face the dessert selection. What I can say is that you will not go hungry here and there is something for everyone. It never gets cold up here aro

IF YOU'RE GOING THERE FOR THE FOOD, DON'T GO. OVER PRICED FOR BELOW MEDIOCRE TASTE. THE VIEWS ARE AMAZING, THE ACTIVITIES ARE NICE. I'VE EXPECTED MUCH MORE WHEN IT CAME TO THE FOOD BUT IT WAS JUST A DISAPPOINTMENT AND HONESTLY A WASTE OF MONEY...

We stayed at the Villa. It was lovely, spacious with a beautiful view of the dam. The staff were always friendly, we has some minor items that we needed assistance with, and maintenance was also efficient to resolve and always done with a smile. Breakfast was lovely, and the kids enjoyed the activities planned by the lodge. We will definitely visit again.

For a couple of hours today we meandered through rural northern KwaZulu on the P447, P449 between Sodwana and Jozini. As usual I was blown away by the scenery. The blood of my ancestors called to the herds of beautiful big and fat Nguni cattle we passed along the way. I spent time gaping at the width of the dirt road and speculating as to why a four lane highway was needed. Finally, we spotted the gentlemen and his grader and realised, he must love playing with his toy. Gwarking at sugar cane not expected in places, dust smothered trees and more cows. Sometimes one needs to leave the main road, wander through the back roads of life to appreciate Gods splendour. We spent most of the day travelling in silence, it was that kind of day. Feeling nostalgic this morning as we arrived at Tiger Lodge, this place is just beautiful, there are no superlatives that do it justice. It rests peacefully in the bustling chaos of the little town of Jozini. Not 3 years ago we visited during my 50th year celebrations. Today, I learnt what I have always called Jozini Dam is called Pongola Poort Dam. The hotel sits perched on the side of the hill over looking the dam. The staff friendly, the food it’s ok fair no gourmet offering but it’s the place that makes the heart beat soar. There are boats you can take on the river but this time I visited to sit at one on nature.

Impossible to sleep. The rooms are poorly darkened and the electricity generator seems to be on the roof and makes a deafening noise. The staff at the front desk makes no effort to solve a problem or think with us. Apart from that, the restaurant terrace has insanely beautiful views to both and the staff there is friendly,

A good establishment with a few issues that need to be sorted...maintenance is slow..got there and the TV was not working...a gentleman from maintenance was sent and he got there fiddled and left....a while later anofher gentleman walks in and fiddles until its sorted...but a whole hour waiting...