Discover Jozini: Dam, Gorge and Excursions

There are different kinds of travel experiences to enjoy around Jozini: the wall of Jozini Dam and Pongola Gorge, nearby hikes or a boat trip. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether the waterside scenery or places to explore on foot will be the deciding factor for your stay.

Dam wall and Pongola Gorge

The wall of Jozini Dam is 70 metres high and spans the gorge of the Pongola River at Jozini. Jozini Dam was completed in 1974 and was formerly called Pongolapoort Dam. At 100 percent water level, it covers an area of 17,000 hectares.

The figures refer to different measurements: 70 metres describes the height of the structure, while 17,000 hectares describes the area at full water level. This means a fixed structural measurement and an area figure that depends on the water level are presented side by side.

Hikes and a forest walk

Hikes on Ghost Mountain and in Hlathikhulu Forest are offered in the Jozini area. These provide two specific destinations for an activity on foot. If you are planning a hike as part of your trip, you can choose between these named locations.

The Fig Forest Walk in Mkhuze Game Reserve crosses a suspension bridge. Along the way, you can look for the rare Pels Fishing Owl; a sighting is not guaranteed.

When choosing between activities on foot, both the hiking destinations and the features of the Fig Forest Walk offer specific points of comparison: Ghost Mountain or Hlathikhulu Forest on one hand, and the suspension bridge and the chance to look for an owl on the other.

Boat trip in Pongolapoort Gorge

A boat trip offers the opportunity to explore the bays and rock faces of Pongolapoort Gorge. Unlike the destinations on foot, this gives you a view of the gorge from the water. When comparing excursions, hikes and the forest walk can thus be considered alongside an activity focused on bays and rock faces.

Getting to Jozini

Jozini is accessible via the N2 Freeway. Check current road conditions before setting out. According to the stated distances, Jozini is 500 km east of Johannesburg and 300 km north of Durban; the actual route distance may vary depending on the route you choose. The directions refer to different starting points: Johannesburg lies west of Jozini, while Durban lies south of it.

For air travellers, charter flights to Mkuze Airport are listed as an alternative. Confirm this option before making specific plans. This puts road access via the N2 and an air option side by side as different ways of getting there. Getting to Jozini and choosing excursions address different questions: the N2 or a charter flight concerns the journey to Jozini; hikes or a boat trip concern the focus of activities in the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Bergville, Cathkin Park, Richard's Bay, Verulam, Himeville, Makakatana, Vryheid, Southbroom

See the regional travel overview: Kwazulu-Natal.