Makakatana Bay Lodge has a completely different feel to most of the game lodges in the area, hidden in the sand forest with open views onto Lake St Lucia (though the area is currently experiencing a drought so the lake shore is not right at the lodge).
We love this lodge because of its homely romantic feel (especially in the honeymoon suite), it’s setting and its range of activities. Makakatana are virtually the only people doing game drives in the south-western part of the park. Ideally we recommend a three night stay as then you experience their morning and afternoon game drives, the boat cruise on lake st Lucia and a wonderful combined game drive and beach visit to a private beach on the eastern side of the park. It is the ultimate bush and beach destination! If you stay longer, they’ll even take you on a full day excursion into nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi park.
My only slight gripe is the price you pay, especially with so many very affordable lodges nearby, but this is a great option to combine with a ‘Big Five’ lodge in Kwazulu Natal such as Phinda or Thanda or further north in the Kruger area…
