Makakatana Bay Lodge

Why This Inspires Us

This little piece of heaven is Family owned and run and perfectly positioned on the banks of Lake St Lucia. (In fact, this is the only privately owned lodge set on the banks of Lake St Lucia)
At Makakatana Bay you get to experience the magic and wonder of unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands, game drives, and an unforgettable boat cruise on Lake St Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (home to 1000 Hippos and 1200 crocs!)
We loved the swimming pool – relaxing on the sun beds and basking in the sun while keeping an eye out for any activity on the bank (and in) the lake just a few meters away!
Each Suite is nestled amidst the bushy forest and offers a secluded and intimate setting! To just sit there and listen to the sounds, and to enjoy regular encounters with wildlife such as warthogs, red duikers, nyalas, bush babies, and a vibrant array of bird species – made our morning! (Even lying in bed we could enjoy the surround sounds of the trees, birds and bush!
The full day boat safari is the benchmark activity offered and for us this was the highlight of what Makakatana Bay is all about! You are taken on a private boat to experience the Estuary seeking out those 1000 of hippos, crocs & wow what an incredible birdlife (an impressive list of 526 bird species). After the boat trip guests enjoy a picnic lunch & game drive enroute home!
The next great part of this special part of this iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the second full day safari – the Beach where you not only get to enjoy the sand but get to spot marine animals – and the game drive on the way you may even see a buffalo or more! This is truly a spectacular Bush and Beach experience!

Lodge Information

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.

The pool is a space just for you to make your own private sanctuary

Rates And Specials

Per Person Per Night Sharing Unless Otherwise Stated

IMPORTANT NOTES:

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

All rates are based on a per person sharing per night basis unless otherwise stated
Minimum Stay 2 nights between 15 December and 10 January is required
Third adult sharing pays 80% of the Suite rate in which they occupy
Please note that if you book a one night stay on a Fully Inclusive or Full Board basis, you will only have the option to book an afternoon drive on the day of arrival and a morning game drive on the morning of departure. Full day safaris cannot be booked as an extra activity on a one night stay
*Activities: Included in the Fully Inclusive package or can be booked as EXTRA’s on the Full Board Package (min 2 guests needed). Those on Full Board, please inquire about rates for activities.
-Afternoon Wetland Safari Drive (15h30 – 18h30)
-Makakatana’s Boat Safari (09h00 –15h00). Full day
-Ultimate Beach Safari (09h00 –15h00) Full day
-Hluhluwe/Mfolozi Park/Game Safari (05h00 –13h30). Full day
-Early morning Game Drive (05h00 – 08h00)
Note – full day activities cannot be booked on a 1 night stay!
All activities are weather permitting. In high winds or dangerous weather conditions that are beyond our control and do not allow us to operate the boat or make use of the beach, alternative activities will be offered where we are able to
Gate Opening times:
Summer: Nov – March 05h00 to 19h00
Winter: April – Oct 06h00 – 18h00
Recommended check in time is at 13h00. Rooms are vacated by 11h00

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

A single supplement of 50% is charged for single rooms
One child sharing with one single Adult. The Adult will be charged a single rate and the child will pay the applicable child rates

LEVIES &/OR PARK FEES

(all subject to change without prior notice)

Conservation Levy is R 100 per adult per night & R 50 per child per night (2023)
iSimangaliso Park Entry fee is R118 per adult per stay & R 86 per child per stay (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Community fee is R 7 per person (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Overnight levy per person per night is R 12 (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Vehicle entry (1 – 5 people) is R 70 (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Late entrance after 9pm attracts a R 550 per person late entrance fee & guests arriving after gate hours will require a lodge staff member to meet them at the Nhlozi Gate to escort them to the lodge (only permitted through Nhlozi Gate)
Entry permits to be handed back to the gate on exiting the park or a R 660 penalty is charged by the Park Authority

Rate Includes

FULL BOARD

Accommodation
All meals

FULLY INCLUSIVE

Accommodation
All meals
Teas, coffees
Soft drinks and local house wine and beers
Scheduled activities*:
Day 1: Afternoon wetland game drive on the day of arrival
Day 2: A full day boat and western shores safari, incl picnic lunch
Day 3: A full day eastern shores and beach safari, incl picnic lunch
Day 4: Morning wetland game drive on the day of departure
* Note: Full day safaris are not available on one night stays

South African Residents Rates And Specials

Per Person Per Night Sharing Unless Otherwise Stated

IMPORTANT NOTES:

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

Proof of SA residency (SA ID, work permit, drivers or endorsed passport) may be required at the time of booking and/or upon check-in at the lodge
SA specials can be booked within 7 days of travel
All rates are based on a per person sharing per night basis unless otherwise stated
Minimum Stay 2 nights between 15 December and 10 January is required
Third adult sharing pays 80% of the Suite rate in which they occupy
Please note that if you book a one night stay on a Fully Inclusive or Full Board basis, you will only have the option to book an afternoon drive on the day of arrival and a morning game drive on the morning of departure. Full day safaris cannot be booked as an extra activity on a one night stay
*Activities: Included in the Fully Inclusive package or can be booked as EXTRA’s on the Full Board Package (min 2 guests needed). Those on Full Board, please inquire about rates for activities.
-Afternoon Wetland Safari Drive (15h30 – 18h30)
-Makakatana’s Boat Safari (09h00 –15h00). Full day
-Ultimate Beach Safari (09h00 –15h00) Full day
-Hluhluwe/Mfolozi Park/Game Safari (05h00 –13h30). Full day
-Early morning Game Drive (05h00 – 08h00)
Note – full day activities cannot be booked on a 1 night stay!
All activities are weather permitting. In high winds or dangerous weather conditions that are beyond our control and do not allow us to operate the boat or make use of the beach, alternative activities will be offered where we are able to
Gate Opening times:
Summer: Nov – March 05h00 to 19h00
Winter: April – Oct 06h00 – 18h00
Recommended check in time is at 13h00. Rooms are vacated by 11h00

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

A single supplement of 50% is charged for single rooms
One child sharing with one single Adult. The Adult will be charged a single rate and the child will pay the applicable child rates

LEVIES &/OR PARK FEES

(all subject to change without prior notice)

Conservation Levy is R 100 per adult per night & R 50 per child per night (2023)
iSimangaliso Park Entry fee is R118 per adult per stay & R 86 per child per stay (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Community fee is R 7 per person (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Overnight levy per person per night is R 12 (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Vehicle entry (1 – 5 people) is R 70 (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Late entrance after 9pm attracts a R 550 per person late entrance fee & guests arriving after gate hours will require a lodge staff member to meet them at the Nhlozi Gate to escort them to the lodge (only permitted through Nhlozi Gate)
Entry permits to be handed back to the gate on exiting the park or a R 660 penalty is charged by the Park Authority

SPECIALS AVAILABLE: TERMS & CONDITIONS:

(all subject to change without prior notice)

LAST MIN 7 DAY SPECIAL

-Only valid for SADC residents and copy of ID is required
-For last min bookings within a week of travel
-Limited rooms on offer
-Provisional booking only held for 1 day before payment is required
-Valid until 31 Aug 2023

Rate Includes

Luxury accommodation
All meals, teas, and coffees
Wi-Fi
Scheduled activities*:
Day 1: Afternoon wetland game drive on the day of arrival
Day 2: A full day boat and western shores safari, incl picnic lunch
Day 3: A full day eastern shores and beach safari, incl picnic lunch
Day 4: Morning wetland game drive on the day of departure
* Note: Full day safaris are not available on one night stays

Rates And Specials

Per Person Per Night Sharing Unless Otherwise Stated

IMPORTANT NOTES:

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

All rates are based on a per person sharing per night basis unless otherwise stated
Minimum Stay 2 nights between 15 December and 10 January is required
Third adult sharing pays 80% of the Suite rate in which they occupy
Please note that if you book a one night stay on a Fully Inclusive or Full Board basis, you will only have the option to book an afternoon drive on the day of arrival and a morning game drive on the morning of departure. Full day safaris cannot be booked as an extra activity on a one night stay
*Activities: Included in the Fully Inclusive package or can be booked as EXTRA’s on the Full Board Package (min 2 guests needed). Those on Full Board, please inquire about rates for activities.
-Afternoon Wetland Safari Drive (15h30 – 18h30)
-Makakatana’s Boat Safari (09h00 –15h00). Full day
-Ultimate Beach Safari (09h00 –15h00) Full day
-Hluhluwe/Mfolozi Park/Game Safari (05h00 –13h30). Full day
-Early morning Game Drive (05h00 – 08h00)
Note – full day activities cannot be booked on a 1 night stay!
All activities are weather permitting. In high winds or dangerous weather conditions that are beyond our control and do not allow us to operate the boat or make use of the beach, alternative activities will be offered where we are able to
Gate Opening times:
Summer: Nov – March 05h00 to 19h00
Winter: April – Oct 06h00 – 18h00
Recommended check in time is at 13h00. Rooms are vacated by 11h00

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

A single supplement of 50% is charged for single rooms
One child sharing with one single Adult. The Adult will be charged a single rate and the child will pay the applicable child rates

LEVIES &/OR PARK FEES

(all subject to change without prior notice)

Conservation Levy is R 100 per adult per night & R 50 per child per night (2023)
iSimangaliso Park Entry fee is R118 per adult per stay & R 86 per child per stay (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Community fee is R 7 per person (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Overnight levy per person per night is R 12 (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Vehicle entry (1 – 5 people) is R 70 (payable in cash on arrival at the gate!)
Late entrance after 9pm attracts a R 550 per person late entrance fee & guests arriving after gate hours will require a lodge staff member to meet them at the Nhlozi Gate to escort them to the lodge (only permitted through Nhlozi Gate)
Entry permits to be handed back to the gate on exiting the park or a R 660 penalty is charged by the Park Authority

Rate Includes

FULL BOARD

Accommodation
All meals

FULLY INCLUSIVE

Accommodation
All meals
Teas, coffees
Soft drinks and local house wine and beers
Scheduled activities*:
Day 1: Afternoon wetland game drive on the day of arrival
Day 2: A full day boat and western shores safari, incl picnic lunch
Day 3: A full day eastern shores and beach safari, incl picnic lunch
Day 4: Morning wetland game drive on the day of departure
* Note: Full day safaris are not available on one night stays

Child Policy

Children 6-12 years of age welcome at Makakatana Bay Lodge
Children under the age of 12 are to be under supervision of their parents at all times
Exceptions are made to accept children under the age of 6 years subject to family group bookings and consent from the owners
Child-minding is available at additional cost and if booked in advance
Children rates apply to children sharing with parents. (2 x full paying adults). This is 50% of the adult rate (6 – 12 years of age)
The standard rooms can accommodate a maximum of one extra person sharing with adults
One child sharing with one single Adult. The Adult will be charged a single rate and the child will pay the applicable child rate
Children occupying their own room will be charged the applicable adult rate
Children under 6 are not permitted to go on game drives due to the nature of this activity in a dangerous game area
Children under 6 may join the activities if there is a family group booking of 7 or more, but may be requested to book a private vehicle, if available and if the guide and management deem it necessary for the enjoyment of other guests
Kiddies Menu – There is a Kiddies Menu but we do require that we are informed in advance and confirmed with the chef upon arrival
Children’s dinner time is at 18h00 and is served in the main lodge dining area
Children under the age of 6 are not permitted to dine in the boma
Children’s meal times must be supervised by parents

Need To Know

General Overview

Forest Setting Overlooking the Wetlands

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Low-Risk Malaria Area

Big 3 (no lion & rhino)

Accessible by Road

1h20 from Richards Bay

3hrs from Durban

Richards Bay Airport

Closest Inter. Airport: King Shaka International

30 min from Hluhluwe Airstrip

Activities

Game Drives (7 -9 pax per vehicle)

No Off-Roading Allowed

No Trackers

Wetland Boat Safari (fully inclusive rate)

Beach Safari (fully inclusive rate)

Birding Tour (add. charge)

Zulu Cultural Show (add. charge)

Deep Sea Fishing (add. charge)

Whale Watching (add. charge)

Horse riding (add. charge)

Lodge Amenities

5 Luxury Suites, 2 Family Suites

1 Honeymoon Suite

WIFI (limited)

No Mobile Reception

Camp Unfenced

Children from 6 years

Swimming Pool

Electricity (hybrid)

Curio Cupboard

Laundry Services

Boma Meals

Picnic Meals

Room Amenities

WIFI (limited)

A/C (hot & cold)

Fan

Shower (inside - Except in Honeymoon Suite)

Shower (outside)

Bath (outside - not in Honeymoon)

Bath (inside - Honeymoon only)

Mini Bar

Tea / Coffee Station

Hairdryer

Safe

International Adaptors (on request)

Bathroom Amenities

General Overview

Activities

Forest Setting Overlooking the Wetlands

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Low-Risk Malaria Area

Big 3 (no lion & rhino)

Accessible by Road

1h20 from Richards Bay

3hrs from Durban

Richards Bay Airport

Closest Inter. Airport: King Shaka International

30 min from Hluhluwe Airstrip

Game Drives (7 -9 pax per vehicle)

No Off-Roading Allowed

No Trackers

Wetland Boat Safari (fully inclusive rate)

Beach Safari (fully inclusive rate)

Birding Tour (add. charge)

Zulu Cultural Show (add. charge)

Deep Sea Fishing (add. charge)

Whale Watching (add. charge)

Horse riding (add. charge)

Lodge Amenities

Room Amenities

5 Luxury Suites, 2 Family Suites

1 Honeymoon Suite

WIFI (limited)

No Mobile Reception

Camp Unfenced

Children from 6 years

Swimming Pool

Electricity (hybrid)

Curio Cupboard

Laundry Services

Boma Meals

Picnic Meals

WIFI (limited)

A/C (hot & cold)

Fan

Shower (inside - Except in Honeymoon Suite)

Shower (outside)

Bath (outside - not in Honeymoon)

Bath (inside - Honeymoon only)

Mini Bar

Tea / Coffee Station

Hairdryer

Safe

International Adaptors (on request)

Bathroom Amenities

Additional Services Offered

Because Safaris can be complicated, we offer other services that you might find useful.
Why not take a look and if you need more information feel free to contact us!

Makakatana Bay Lodge

Why This Inspires Us

Lodge Information

Rates And Specials

Full Board

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Luxury Suites

R 6 256

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Honeymoon Suite

R 6 716

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Family Suite: Per Suite for 3 or less pax

R 18 768

Fully Inclusive

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Luxury Suites

R 7 820

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Honeymoon Suite

R 8 395

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Family Suite: Per Suite for 3 or less pax

R 23 460

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Rate Includes

South African Residents Rates And Specials

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Rate Includes

Rates And Specials

Full Board

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Luxury Suites

R 6 256

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Honeymoon Suite

R 6 716

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Family Suite: Per Suite for 3 or less pax

R 18 768

Fully Inclusive

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Luxury Suites

R 7 820

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Honeymoon Suite

R 8 395

1 Jan – 31 Dec ’23

Family Suite: Per Suite for 3 or less pax

R 23 460

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Rate Includes

Child Policy

Need To Know

General Overview

Activities

Lodge Amenities

Room Amenities

General Overview

Activities

Lodge Amenities

Room Amenities

Additional Services Offered

Gallery

Need to Know

Legal

About Us

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