Overview

Set in a dune forest within the St Lucia Estuary in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Makakatana Bay Lodge is only a two and half hour drive from Durban but provides a secluded getaway in outstanding natural surroundings.

Luxury accommmodation and personal attention combine with elegance and traditional Zulu décor to create a romantic ambience and an ideal setting for honeymooners. Stroll along unspoilt beaches, explore mangrove forests and gaze out over Lake St Lucia while listening to a chorus of birdsong. There are forest mammals and birds to spot within the lodge grounds and guests can also enjoy local game drives as well as full-day safaris to the nearby wildlife-rich Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.

Highlights

Set in a stunning World Heritage Site
Romantic ambience, ideal for honeymooners
Discover Lake St Lucia's wildlife
Stroll along unspoilt beaches
Full-day safaris to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi

Activities

Bush dining
Bird watching
Deep sea fishing
Fly fishing
Game drives
Horse riding
River cruises
Scuba diving
Boat excursions
Picnics

This amazing wetlands location allows you to also experience the beach. The perfect destination for those wanting a bit more of an aquatic experience

Bonita Cronje

Africa Safari Expert

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Rooms

Standard Room

Makakatana Bay Lodge has six stylishly decorated, sunny and spacious rooms. Three game-viewing rooms are tucked away in a dune forest while a further two rooms overlook the lake.

All rooms are air conditioned, en suite and comfortably appointed with tea and coffee facilities and a mini bar. Enjoy a refreshing outdoor shower surrounded by the sounds of nature, or spot wildlife from your private viewing-deck.

Honeymoon Suite

Makakatana Bay Lodge has a luxurious honeymoon suite with spectacular views over the wetlands. Similar to the other five suites in terms of amenities, honeymooners will enjoy the privacy and comfort of this accommodation and can even spot forest animals from the seclusion of their private viewing deck.

Facilities

Makakatana Bay Lodge has a swimming pool, bar, main lounge with a television, various dining venues and offers full-day safaris to the fantastic Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, situated close by.

Nature trails, bird watching, boating, fishing, snorkelling, local game drives, horse-back safaris and cultural visits to local villages can also be arranged.

Dining

Guests at Makakatana Bay Lodge have a choice of indoor or outdoor dining experiences. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room, which tastefully combines a mix of modern and traditional African décor, or on the outside wooden deck but no African dining experience would be complete without a meal in the traditional boma around a crackling fire and under the stars.

Guests can also relax at the bar or visit the wine cellar located in the Old Crab House.

General facilities

Babysitting service available
Swimming Pool
Bar

Traveller Reviews

Makakatana Bay Lodge

Gerard Tauveron

"Saint Lucia was very great too. The lodge was very small, very comfortable and pleasant. The boat cruise was a very unique experience since we were alone on this part of the lake surrounding by hippos. Wahoo!"

Tessa Parry-Wingfield

Nice start to our trip as we were very tired when we got there (and nice and close to Richards Bay)! Not too hardcore (ie no 5.30am starts!) and very relaxing intro to safari etc with the river cruises to the hippos. Service was amazing and they tre

Leonora Rodriguez

Makakatana Bay Lodge, really, it was absolutely perfect. The lodge was beautiful, everyone so attentive - I felt completely spoiled! And I loved that I was the only one, and even that the place is so private and protected. This place just finished m

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