Pakamisa Game Reserve
Hotel
The Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is located in the magnificent mountain landscape of the northern KwaZulu-Natal, more precisely in the northern part of the Drakensberg.
Perfectly situated on a high plateau, the lodge offers a fantastic panoramic view of the lush Pongola River valley. The hotel earned its name Pakamisa (“to lift up”) not only because of its unique location but also because of the uplifting level of luxury, comfort and security.
The maximum guest number is kept low. Only read more » 16 guests are accommodated in eight spacious suites, each individually decorated in honour of an African animal.
The main building houses a library stocking some excellent reads that delight readers in a variety of languages, the cosy Hunter’s Bar and a spacious terrace.
The large rock pool with a sundeck and pool bar is an oasis for sweet relaxation and low-key entertainment. Enjoy excellent European cuisine in the stylish yet comfortable atmosphere of the El Prado restaurant.
Apart from romantic flair, the Pakamisa offers some first-class safari adventures: experienced rangers take guests on a tour of the private game reserve in the open safari jeeps, providing fascinating natural history information along the way.
Horse-back safaris are a charming way to discover the wilderness – even for children and inexperienced riders. Relish the slow pace and intense experience of the African bush, firmly seated on the back of an elegant Arabian horse.
Horse enthusiasts will delight in the Arabian thoroughbred stables “Pakamisa Arabian Stud”. Those who put more faith into a pair of sturdy hiking boots may set out to discover the fascinating African nature on foot, accompanied by a game ranger upon request.
The Pakamisa Private Game Reserve rangers have an intriguing knack for finding the best places for wildlife sightings and also know a selection of romantic picnic spots.
The luxury hotel offers amazing adventures: Big Five photo-safaris, clay pigeon shooting or a boat trip on the Jozini Dam. Complete a perfect, unforgettable day with a couple of sundowners served on the lodge’s main terrace at sunset.
The finishing touch to a perfect adventure-day is a romantic dinner round the crackling campfire under the brilliant, star-lit African night sky. Those wishing to count the stars may participate in a night safari to a nearby peak in the Pakamisa Mountains.
The hotel owner and horse breeder Isabella von Stepski and her team take perfect care of their guests around the clock, organising an individual holiday programme according to your special wishes.
Isabella von Stepski traces her ancestry back to an old Austrian aristocratic family. She personally planned, built and designed Pakamisa and it is her ambition to make everyone perfectly comfortable.
A native German speaker, she also speaks fluent English, Spanish, Portuguese and French as well as some basic Italian, letting guests from all continents feel at home in Pakamisa.
The philosophy of Pakamisa is to provide more than board and lodging. The team offers around-the-clock service and is always happy to organise custom-made holidays to suit your individual preferences.
Whether you choose a horseback safari with a delightful champagne picnic or a Big Five Photo-Safari at the nearby national park – the hotel team strives to fulfil your holiday dreams. The guest comes first at Pakamisa.
Furthermore, the Pakamisa Game Reserve is malaria free and no preventive medication is necessary. Located in the subtropics, the climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean countries.
Living
Built in an Italic-Spanish colonial style, the sweeping Pakamisa Lodge accommodates a maximum of 16 guests. Each of the eight suites comprises an elegant double bedroom, lounge, deluxe-bathroom (bath,
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shower and separate toilet), wardrobe and a private veranda.
Individually designed in honour of a native African animal, each suite is lovingly decorated with invaluable paintings and local arts and crafts.
The solid brick buildings and up to eight metres high ceilings create a pleasant atmosphere found only in the legendary tropics’ hotels of days gone by.
The main house is the place for relaxation or socialising in one of the large and comfortable living rooms. A multi-lingual library stocks a selection of fascinating reads.
Enjoy a wonderful evening in the cosy Hunter's Bar or on the spacious terrace commanding a fantastic view of the spectacular Swasiland. The large rock pool with a sundeck and pool bar is an oasis for sweet relaxation and low-key entertainment.
The El Prado restaurant – a gourmet’s temple – pampers guests with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, sundowners or even gala dinners with live music. Enjoy the exquisite cuisine and the specialties from the wine cellar in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
Far from the rush and hectic of everyday life, the Pakamisa Hotel’s spacious facilities are the ideal venue for management seminars and conference meetings.
The pure mountain air of Pakamisa is guaranteed to invigorate your spirits, letting you gather new energy and creativity for the tasks ahead. The lodge puts all the latest technical equipment at your disposal to ensure a smoothly organised event.
Activities
The Pakamisa Private Game Reserve features pristine African bushland sporting diverse wildlife and exotic vegetation. With just a little luck, guests might spot leopards, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks,
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red hartebeests, warthogs, bush-pigs, kudus, nyalas and impalas.
Other common species include, bushbucks, common reedbucks, mountain reedbucks, grey and red duikers, steenbucks, klipspringers, baboons as well as a variety of smaller mammals, predators, and reptiles. Bird-watchers will appreciate the prolific birdlife the reserve is famous for.
Explore the vast reserve in an open safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced game ranger, who will explain the fascinating flora and fauna of this unspoilt African wilderness.
Another way to explore the reserve is a bush walk, binoculars and camera at hand. The lengths of the hiking tours range from a short stroll to a day hike complete with a romantic wilderness picnic – accompanied by a guide upon request.
The Pakamisa Reserve is rich in wildlife. However, none of the larger and more dangerous predators roam the game reserve and guests may venture out on their own without fear.
The nearby Pondoro Game Reserve sports a highly diverse bird population of over 200 species, ranging from a tiny hummingbird to the black stork, secretary bird and majestic eagles.
Other recreational activities offered at the Pakamisa Reserve are excursions to the nearby national parks, where visitors may encounter and photograph the famous “Big Five” - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.
Certainly a highlight of Pakamisa, the Arabian thoroughbred stable “Pakamisa Arabian Stud” offers guests the chance to embark upon an exciting horseback-safari.
Originally born and bred in Andalusia by Isabella von Stepski, renowned internationally as an Arabian horse expert, the entire breeding line was transported from Spain to the sunny Natal, where the noble horses thrive exceptionally.
The first generation of “African“ Arabians are already galloping across the endless pastures. All horses are well trained and proud Isabella is happy to arrange riding excursions with the entire herd for hotel guests with equestrian interests.
Game safaris on the back of a noble Arabian - or as a special attraction, a photo-safari in a horse carriage – either way a unique and unforgettable Pakamisa experience!
Nestled in a valley hidden among the foothills of the mountains, the Pakamisa stables provide comforts for guests and horses alike. Indulge in the fine food served at the picturesque Stable Restaurant or saunter though the horse gallery and admire the Pakamisa Arabian Stud trophy collection.
A horse-back safari is an inspiring adventure. Gallop across the plains or climb the steep hills of the reserve. Experience wild animals up close! You may suddenly find yourself in the midst of a herd of impalas or gnus or come within short distance of warthogs before they lazily trot away.
It is an appealing combination: Ride finest Arabians through herds of wild animals in an amazing natural landscape - an experience no enthusiastic rider should miss.
All riding is individually tailored to fit the personal skills and expectations. Beginners may enjoy half-hour lessons while more experienced riders have the chance to participate in six-hour trail rides with a romantic breakfast or picnic break in the bush.
The Pakamisa horses are thoroughbred Arabians and crossbreds with native Boerperds. The horses are taken perfect care of at the stables. Riders may choose between western or endurance saddles - the stable team will naturally help each guest find the perfect horse for a trail ride.
Of course, guests are also invited to learn more about the Arabian breeding programmes. Get to know the large herd, which includes straggly-legged foals and the 24-year old senior stallion Baron.
Having spent the day out on an adventurous trail ride, return to the Pakamisa Lodge in the evening and enjoy your comfortable accommodation. Relax by the pool, savour a refreshing drink on the spacious terrace or read a good book on the private veranda of your luxury suite.
