Pongola which is also known in Zulu as uPhongolo is a small town situated in a fertile valley on the N2, near the Lebombo Mountains, in the valleys of Zululand. It is easily accessible to the Swaziland Border Posts. It is a unique and tranquil subtropical environment.. Boasting 50 km² of sugarcane and subtropical fruit plantations surrounding it. During the Depression years of the 1930s, drastic irrigation systems were started in Pongola. The town thrived as a result of the canal system and a sugar mill that was built. Today it is part of the uPhongolo Local Municipality.

The Pongola Game Reserve is a birding hotspot and is home to 4 of the Big Five and many typical plains game species. This exclusive Kwazulu-Natal game reserve in South Africa offers scenic bushveld, mountains and a lake with a diversity of leisure activities.

The broad and perennial Pongola River meanders through the centre of the reserve before entering the man-made 13 276 hectares Pongolapoort Dam also known as Lake Jozini. It provides a unique leisure environment and South African bushveld destination.

Guests at this KwaZulu-Natal game reserve in South Africa can spend time exploring the area during river cruises with the Fish Eagle Safari Boat. Other options include the unique experience of Rhino tracking on foot or participating in the memorable Elephant tracking programme.

On game-drives, guests at Pongola can go in search of African wildlife like Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo and Crocodile on the banks of the perennial river.