Makakatana Bay lodge is the only privately owned game lodge set within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park World Heritage Site (now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park) - the heart of Africa's largest natural estuary. This is one of the few natural wonders left on earth where there are unspoilt wilderness beaches, vast wetlands and game reserves all combined into one reserve. Experience the grandeur of tens of thousands of flamingos gracing the waters while hippopotamuses and crocodiles gracefully glide around, or watch sea turtles carefully lay their eggs on the beach.
Your stay at Makakatana Bay Lodge is designed around exploring this amazing sanctuary on an open game drive vehicle, or on a boat cruise along the narrow channels of Lake St Lucia, which 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 gentle breeze as you learn about the lake from the expert guides. The beach safari includes a game drive from the western shores through to the eastern shores, allowing you to explore this amazing World Heritage Site. Where else could you spot a breaching whale, a pod of dolphins, rhino and buffalo on one trip?
The 5 Standard Rooms are bright and spacious and all have a private viewing deck. Set in the dune forest, the grounds surrounding the rooms are frequented by warthog, red duiker, nyala, bush babies and a variety of birdlife. The Family Rooms have two bedrooms and can sleep a maximum of 4 guests.
The Honeymoon Room is privately situated with views out onto the vlei. Romantic and intimate, this room is the perfect retreat after a day spent in the bush or exploring the magnificent area.
The main lodge is the heart of Makakatana - a communal area with personal service designed for relaxation and comfort. All meals are served on either the raised deck wrapping around the lodge or at the boma. There is also a bar, a wine cellar and a bush pool located right on the edge of Lake St Lucia.
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.
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Rates Include
All meals; tea/coffee; local beers and house wines (NOT spirits); and activities run by the lodge are included (one activity per full day, plus afternoon safari on first afternoon and morning drive on last morning). Guests must please advise in advance of preferred full day activity if only in for 2 nights or the
boat activity will be scheduled.
PLEASE NOTE: Park entry fees are not included and must be paid in cash at the gate.
Children Policy
Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
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Makakatana Bay Lodge Location.
Directions For Drivers
From Durban: Head north on the N2, and go past Empangeni/Richards Bay turnoffs, and past the Mtubatuba/St Lucia turnoff. Keep on the N2 heading north for a further 20 km (approximately).
From Gauteng: Heading suth on the N2. Go past Pongola and Mkuze and also pass the Hluhluwe turn-off and head south for about another 25/30 km - pass the Nyalazi River sign.
And then:
Take the P380/iSimangaliso turn off to the Nhlozi Gate and follow the tar road for approximately 14 km to the Nhlozi Park Gate. Once through the gate, the tar road will continue for approximately 2 km and then it turns into a dirt road. At all times, follow the signs to the lodge. It is approximately 8 km from the gate to the lodge.
Gate Opening times:
Summer: Nov - March 05:00 to 19:00 Winter: April - Oct 06:00 to 18:00
Park Entry fees apply at the Dukuduku Gates (near St Lucia) and the Nhlozi Gates (off the N2 at the Charters Creek sign) as follows: Vehicle fee of R70 (up to 5 passengers) or R95 (for larger vehicles carrying 6-12 pax) PLUS a one off fee of R60 per adult per night/R45 per child under 12 PLUS a R7 per person per night Community Levy charge. All rates subject to change. Cash payments only please!
All permits issued at the entry gates are to be stamped by the lodge in order to exit the park or a fee of R600 (subject to change) will be charged on exit. Main gates are locked after gate hours and late check-ins must advise the lodge in advance so that entry arrangements can be made. PLEASE NOTE: NO LATE ENTRIES PERMITTED THROUGH DUKUDUKU GATES AFTER HOURS. Arrangements must be made in advance for access through Nhlozi gate.
General Information For Guests
The rooms are all en-suite and include a hair dryer, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, safe and air conditioning.
The standard rooms at Makakatana are available in either double or twin configurations, and are equipped with a private viewing deck and bathroom with a spacious outdoor shower and bath.
The 2 family rooms both have a main room and a king bed, and the interleading room has 2 twin beds. There is a spacious indoor bathroom with a shower that opens onto an outdoor bathroom with a bath and outside shower.
The honeymoon room has a romantic outdoor shower, as well as a bath fit for 2. The private deck is also suitable for private dining, which can be arranged with the lodge manager.
The main area consists of the bar, deck area, boma, lounge and a pool.
Activities available at Makakatana Bay Lodge include game drives, boat cruises on Lake St Lucia Estuary, full day trips to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, bird watching and beach safaris. For an additional cost, guests can also go whale watching (mid May-mid November only), deep sea fishing, horse riding, or visit the Dumazulu Cultural Village and the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilatiation Centre.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
Credit cards are accepted. Payments carry a 3% surcharge.
Popular Alternatives to Makakatana Bay Lodge
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Makakatana Bay Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Makakatana Bay Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
