Makakatana Bay Lodge – St Lucia, RSA

Welcome to the only privately-owned safari lodge, located on the banks of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site – the center of Africa’s biggest natural estuary. Makakatana Bay Lodge is nestled in an indigenous dune forest, secretly hidden just meters away from the water’s edge of the banks of the Lake St Lucia. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a World Heritage Site, and one of the few natural wonders left on earth with its virginal beaches and immeasurable wetlands. In true keeping with the area and its heritage, the lodge’s name, Makakatana, derives from the name of a Zulu Chief called “Makakatana”, who lived in the area several years ago. The southern-most bay that opens into Lake St Lucia from the narrows is also named after the infamous Chief.

Accommodation and Cuisine:

The lodge comprises 5 bright and spacious suites and one romantic honeymoon suite. Three of the standard suites are set in the idyllic dune forest and are frequented by pleasant warthog, red dyker, nyala, bush babies, birds and hippo. Of the remaining two standard suites, one room has a view out through the bush onto a vlei and the other has a view through the bush onto the lake. The Honeymoon suite is secluded and looks out onto a charming vlei – the perfect setting to celebrate the romantic occasion. Each suite has large, airy windows and terrace doors that open onto private viewing decks. The suites have gauze screen doors, allowing you to interact comfortably with your surroundings. Makakatana Bay caters for various different tastes and therefore offers three different dining facilities. Enjoy fine cuisine in the main Dining Room, or relax on the outdoor dining deck. For a special treat, dine in the outdoor Boma where inspired bush dinners are served under the wild African sky. Sip on a variety of the best South African wines, hand-selected and stored in the lodge’s wine cellar, situated in the ‘Old Crab House’.

Activities:

There are several different safaris to choose from at Makakatana, each a unique and memorable experience for newlyweds. The safaris are enjoyed in comfort and refreshments are always available. Choose from the following on offer:

Afternoon Safari Drive:  Explore the Western Shores the Park seeking out Giraffe, Buffalo, Rhino, Zebra, Wildebeest and elephant while en-route to the wetland narrows where you will find the resident hippo parading around at sunset. Keep an eye out for the Nile crocodile as they lay tanning on the river banks. Boat Trip:  A boat trip on Lake St Lucia is an ideal way to discover the wildlife supported by the largest marine estuary in Africa. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Wetlands before returning to the Lodge.

Beach Safari:  Guests are driven to the breathtaking coastline off St Lucia beach on the eastern shores of the Park to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, long beach walks and a picnic lunch. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi

Game Reserve:  Guests are taken by their Game Ranger on a full day safari to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which is the oldest game park in Africa. This game reserve is famous for its resident Big Five Game. Some of the magnificent animals that call Hluhlwe-Umfolozi home include elephant, white rhino, black rhino, leopard, lion, buffalo, cheetah and wild dog.

Apart from safaris, there are several other activities on offer such as: Bird Watching Fishing Zulu Cultural Village Golf Canoeing / Kayaking Fishing – Deep Sea Fishing – Fly Fishing – Freshwater Fishing – Saltwater Horse Riding Turtle Tours Paddling – Sea Kayaking Walking Whale Watching Waterhole

Facilities:

Personal service 12-Bed maximum capacity, ensuring privacy Private bush pool situated on lake’s edge Bar DSTV in main lounge Dining room Outdoor dining deck Boma for bush dinners Wine cellar located in the ‘Old Crab House’ Private dining on request Facilities in Rooms/Units Air Conditioning Satellite Television No Smoking Fan Tea and Coffee Facilities Heater Bar Fridge