Makakatana Bay Lodge is set on the banks of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, one of the few natural wonders left on earth. Where else in the world can you explore the magic and wonder of unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands, and roaming wildlife in a pristine game reserve and combine this with an unforgettable boat cruise on Africa’s largest marine estuary?

Their goal is to show off this unique wilderness gem, the perfect addition to a typical safari holiday. Join them for a bush and beach experience like no other, be it for a romantic weekend getaway or a memorable family holiday.

The main lodge is the heart of Makakatana, a communal area with personal service designed for relaxation and comfort. The lodge has a bar, a stunning ‘old crab’ house which it is affectionately called, and a nearby private bush pool on the edge of Lake St Lucia. The pool is an unserviced space just for you to make your private sanctuary. There is a buzzer there should you need them. 

Suites

Makakatana Bay Lodge is the only privately-owned and owner-managed game lodge within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Experience this magnificent area from the comfort of our spacious rooms, set on raised decks within the wilderness of the game park.

Luxury Suites

The Luxury suites at Makakatana are available in either Double or Twin configurations, and are equipped with a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom, spacious outdoor shower and bath, mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, telephones, and air-conditioning. There is a single day bed in the rooms, suitable for a child or teen to share with parents.

The five rooms are bright and spacious, integrating comfort and luxury with the natural environment. Set in the dune forest, the grounds surrounding the luxury suites are frequented by warthog, red duiker, nyala, bush babies, and a variety of bird life.

Family Suites

The two Family Suites both sleep a maximum of 4 guests each. The main room has a king bed, and the inter-leading room has two twin beds. There is a spacious indoor bathroom with a shower that opens onto an outdoor bathroom with a bath and outside shower.

Honeymoon Suite

The Honeymoon Suite is situated privately with views out onto the vlei. Romantic and intimate, the room is the perfect retreat after a day spent in the bush or exploring the magnificent area.

The room has a romantic outdoor shower, as well as an indoor bath fit for two. The private deck is also suitable for private dining, which can be arranged with the lodge manager.

Dining

All meals are served on either the raised deck wrapping around the lodge, or at the ‘boma’ alongside.  

After your evening game drive you will  return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner and an evening around a fire, under the African stars

Their staff are always happy to make your stay magical, let them know if you have any special requests.

Safari

All game drives leave from the main lodge and on the day of your arrival, after you’ve settled into your room, their experienced guides will take you on an afternoon game drive into the wetlands on the western shores. Here you will get a taste of this enchanting pristine park with the immense bird and wildlife, great and small, on their luxury open safari vehicles. 

Enjoy a drink under the magical colours of the sunset skies while absorbing sounds and smells of the night setting in. Sightings could include: giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, hyena, waterbuck, serval, porcupine, genet, leopard and elephant.

Boat Cruise on St Lucia

If you are staying there for a few nights, after breakfast you will enjoy a safari game drive through the western shores to the Makakatana boat where their skipper eagerly awaits. Enjoy a two hour leisurely cruise along Africa’s largest estuarine system. You will see crocodiles and lots of hippo, as well as birdlife (530 Species in the area). 

Their boat cruises along the estuary of Lake St. Lucia is a firm favourite, allowing guests to experience the wildlife from a totally new perspective. Watch the resident hippo perform, set your binoculars on the reed birds, and enjoy the fresh open spaces as you learn about the lake from their expert guides. 

Afterwards, your guide will set up a picnic lunch served on the lake side before returning to the lodge.