The dam
Phobane Dam, the heart of Zululand.
Fourteen kilometres of water below the Mabelebele mountains, ten minutes from Eshowe.
About the dam
Two names, one lake.
Built on the Mhlatuze River as the Goedertrouw Dam, the lake is now officially Phobane Dam. It holds around 300 million cubic metres of water, stretches roughly fourteen kilometres, and is the second-largest lake in KwaZulu-Natal.
The northern shore is where Rim Cruise launches. The southern portion falls inside the Umhlatuze Community Conservation Area, which is why a slow cruise along that side can feel like a game drive on water.
Eshowe itself is the oldest town of European settlement in Zululand and sits in the Dlinza Forest. It makes a good base for a weekend, with guest houses and B&Bs in and around town.
Wildlife and birds
Bring the binoculars.
- Seven species of kingfisher
- Ospreys, owls and ducks
- Blue-cheeked bee-eaters
- Giraffe, kudu, impala and waterbuck on the southern shore
- The occasional, very shy leopard
What to bring
Pack light.
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Drinks and snacks for a Boat Ride
- A camera or a full phone battery
- A light jacket for sunset cruises
- Comfortable clothes. Your life jacket goes over the top
Getting there
Ten minutes from Eshowe.
From the N2, take the R66 towards Eshowe. The dam is about ten kilometres outside town. When we confirm your booking we send a map pin straight to your WhatsApp, so you will not need to hunt for the launch spot.
Happiness. Fun. Quality time.
Ready to get on the water?
Send us your date and how many of you there are. We will confirm on WhatsApp.
Bookings essential. Minimum of 5 people or equivalent payment per cruise.