Makakatana Bay Lodge

Makakatana Bay Lodge has the unique privilege of being the only privately owned safari lodge within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, the largest natural estuary in Africa.

The iSimangaliso Wetland park World Heritage Site is wonderful to visit because it is one of the few places on earth where unspoiled wilderness beaches, vast wetlands and game reserves all combine into one reserve.

Accommodation

Situated on the lake's edge, this luxurious lodge has an African feel with eastern overtones. There are five bright and spacious glass-fronted suites, two family suites and one luxurious honeymoon suite. Three of these are set in the dune forest. These are frequented by friendly warthog, red duiker, nyala, bush babies, birds and hippo! One room has a view onto a vlei and the other has a view through the bush onto the Lake. Each has a minibar, telephone, air-conditioning, private deck and outdoor shower. Lie back in the bath and watch the moon and stars through the glass-roofed ceiling. The main lodge comprises a bar, dining room, lounge with TV, outdoor dining deck and boma for bush dinners. There’s a wine cellar in the Old Crab House and a secluded rock swimming pool.

Activities

Makakatana Bay Lodge offers an afternoon game drive and morning game drive for one night stays. However we recommend staying at least two nights so that you can enjoy some of the three full day excursions on offer. The first is a full day exploration of the wetlands by boat and vehicle. The focus of this safari is to seek out birdlife, hippo and crocodile on the boat and other animals in the Wetlands enjoying a picnic lunch in the park. A second full day could be spent exploring the glorious coastline after a leisurely safari drive through the western shores reserve. At the beach you can swim, snorkel and enjoy the various viewpoints. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch while the waves cool your feet and you soak up some African sun. The third excursion is into Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve beginning at daybreak with a picnic brunch in the park before returning to the lodge for a late lunch.

Night drives are also on offer at Makakatana Bay Lodge. After an early dinner you go exploring the wetland nightlife. Nocturnal creatures found include leopard, hyena, porcupine, genet cats, serval, bush babies, bush pigs, honey-badgers and owls along with other animals.  This is a superb spot for keen birders with untouched island bird sanctuaries (367 species recorded).

Additional activities which can be booked at extra cost include turtle safaris, scuba diving, horse safaris, fishing and whale-watching. However note that you would need to be staying at least 2-3 nights to enjoy these activities.