Makakatana Bay Lodge
CEDARBERG RATING
Premier
PRICING FROM
†340 (Pps)
Overview
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. Thereâs 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.
At A Glance
Birding hotspot
Swimming pool
Spa
Wifi on premises
In Pictures
Makakatana Bay Lodge on the map
Rooms
TWIN CHALET WITH SLEEPER
Twin Room with a day bed for for 3rd person, preferably child 6yrs +
Standard Room - Forest Setting
Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks, Seperate Bathroom & Toilet, Outside Shower & Bath, Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee
Inside shower, outside shower and bath.
Rooms renovated in July 2017.
KING CHALET
King Bed, Standard Room -
Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks, Seperate Bathroom & Toilet, Outside Shower & Bath, Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee Tray, Insect Proof Screen Doors.
Rooms renovated in July 2017.
HONEYMOON SUITE
HONEYMOON SUITE - King Bed,
Plus Day bed for 3rd person (Family Room)-
Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks, Seperate Bathroom & Toilet, Outside Shower, Dressing Area, Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee Tray, Insect Proof Screen Doors.
JABULANI FAMILY SUITE
The Jabulani Family Suite accommodates 2 adults in a King bed in the main room.
There is an interleading room for the kids that sleeps 2 people on 2 single beds.
A 3rd bed can be added if required although the rooms were not designed to accommodate more than 4.
There is an indoor bathroom and shower that opens out to an outdoor bath and shower.
The 2 new family rooms were opened in August 2016.
BUKELA FAMILY ROOM
The BUKELA Family Suite accommodates 2 adults in a King bed in the main room.
There is an interleading room for the kids that sleeps 2 people on 2 single beds.
A 3rd bed can be added if required although the rooms were not designed to accommodate more than 4.
There is an indoor bathroom and shower that opens out to an outdoor bath and shower.
The 2 new family rooms were opened in August 2016.
