accommodation

Makakatana

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
★★★★

About Makakatana

An intimate, contemporary hideaway, Makakatana is the only privately owned lodge within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Africa’s largest natural marine estuary. iSimangaliso is one of the few natural wonders left on earth with unspoiled wilderness beaches, vast wetlands and game reserves all combined into one reserve. The pristine Indian Ocean beaches, combined with the St Lucia Estuary stretching inland for 65km, provide an undeniable attraction to lovers of wildlife. The lodge is positioned in the forest on the edge of Lake St Lucia and accommodates up to 22 people, enhancing privacy and personal service. Five stylish Standard Rooms, 1 Honeymoon Room and 2 new Family Rooms comfortably accommodating 4 people, are privately situated along a raised wooden walkway frequented by warthog, duiker, nyala, birds and hippo. Large windows and screen doors slide open onto private viewing decks, with the Honeymoon and Family Rooms boasting al fresco showers. Select a special wine from the wine menu before a fabulous meal out on the deck or around a boma fire. The park supports 526 bird species, five different ecosystems and marine reserves. Look out for elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, hyena, hippo, crocodile and many other species. Full-day safaris include an exploration of the wetlands on a private boat combined with game drives and a picnic lunch on the Western Shores. A full-day beach safari and exploration of the Eastern Shores reserve and coastline, and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve seeking out the Big Five. Read about a Portfolio blogger's experience at Makakatana Bay TGCSA 4-Star Lodge | Transfers | Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
Perfect For
Adventure Beach / Coastal Birding Flora History & Culture Leisure Nature Relaxation Star Gazing Wildlife Wine
Accept Credit Cards
Air conditioner
Bar
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Malaria Free
Mobile Connectivity
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
Vegetarian
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
On Site
Bird Watching
Boating
Fine Dining
Game Drives
Game Viewing Hide
Game Viewing
High Tea
Night Drives
Safaris
Off Site
Animal Encounters
Beach
Big 5
Bird Watching
Boat Cruises
Boating
Catch-and-release Fishing
Cultural Tours
Cycling
Deep Sea Fishing
Fishing
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Game Walks
General Sightseeing
Golf
Horse Riding
Night Drives
River Cruises
Safaris
Snorkelling
Tennis Court
Turtle Tracking
Makakatana 2021 Official video
Makakatana Bay Lodge
Hyena in My Face
360 Aerial view over Makakatana
Hippo Stampede

Guest Impressions

My stay at Makakatana Bay Lodge

"It was a great experience the staff is amazing their hospitality is top notch !"

- Anonymous from
Makakatana Bay Lodge

"The best run lodge we have ever stayed at. Hugh and Leigh-Ann the owners take a personal interest in the running of all activities and it works like clockwork. So efficient and friendly, make you feel really special to them and I believe we were. Guudes were brilliant, particularly Julian and Warwick who found all sorts of things for us to see, particularly birds and hippos. Crocs absent for a while whilst we were there but will return soon. Boat safari a must too. Food and service were particularly good and staff were trained to a high level and very personable. Lindi was particularly good in this respect. Wat a wonderful stay, we shall never forget and will return at some time. Thank you all very much for a wonderful time..Bernard, Sue, Mike and Eleanor"

- Bernard Taylor from United Kingdom
Fantastic nature experience

"Very beautiful lodge. Nice staff, clean, nicely furnished, good meals. Beautiful game drives with interesting birds and water fauna. Enjoyed it very much!"

- Marco Bianchetti from Switzerland
Verified Historical Feedback • Portfolio Collection

Accommodation Options

Luxury Suite - TWIN

Twin Room with a day bed for for 3rd person, preferably child 6yrs +

Standard Room - Forest Setting

Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks.

There is a separate Bathroom with indoor shower & Toilet. The indoor shower opens out to an outside Shower & Bath. (Nothing beats an outside bath and shower!)

Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee.

Luxury Suite - KING

King Bed, Standard Room - Has a day bed for 3rd person.

Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks, Separate Bathroom with indoor shower & seperate toilet that opens to an outside Shower & Bath,

(Nothing beats an outside bath and shower!)

Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee Tray, Insect Proof Screen Doors.

HONEYMOON SUITE

HONEYMOON SUITE - King Bed,

Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks, Separate Bathroom with indoor bath & Toilet, Outside Shower, Dressing Area, Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee Tray, Insect Proof Screen Doors.

FAMILY SUITE

The Family Suites accommodate 2 adults in a King bed in the main room.

There is an inter-leading room for kids that sleeps 2 people on 2 single beds.

A 3rd single bed can be added if required although the rooms were not designed to accommodate more than 4.

There is a large bathroom with an inside shower inter-leading to an outside bath and shower.

Dining & Cuisine

Makakatana Dining options

Our dining areas are only for in-house guests.

We have great spaces for dining.

Guests can eat breakfast and lunch on the main lodge deck. The pool is also a great place for lunches.

Dinners are mainly served around a fire in the boma under the african stars.

If guests are celebrating a special occasion, we are happy to offer private dining in the rooms.

We offer set menus. Dietaries are no problem for our creative chefs.

Of course when you are out on full day safaris, guests delight in the scrumptious picnic lunches.

Standard Room Amenities
Air Conditioning
Balcony / Deck
Bath Towels
Bath
Bed Linen
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Dressing Gowns
Electrical Outlets
En Suite Bathroom
External Shower
Fan
Fridge
Hairdryer
Hand Towels
Laundry Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Lounge Area
Mini Bar
Outside Shower
Pure Cotton Linen
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Verandah
Portfolio Places
At a Glance
  • Rating:
    ★★★★
  • Rooms: 8
  • Check In: 13:00
  • Check Out: 11:00
  • Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
Portfolio Expert Review
"An intimate safari lodge with contemporary design and exceptional staff. Makakatana combines the very best of everything – iSimangaliso’s marine estuaries, game drives, boat safaris, beach excursions and Big Five sightings in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. We awoke in the morning to a hippo, zebra and wildebeest calmly grazing in front of our private deck. I would recommend a three-night stay at least, to be able to experience it all. Our two girls especially loved the boat safari."
— Ian, CEO. Entrepreneur. Father. Action-man
Verified Visit
From the Archives
We've proudly represented Makakatana since 1998. Here is a nostalgic look at their entry from our 2017 Printed Guide Book.
PRIVATE GAME LODGE - ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
"An intimate, contemporary hideaway, Makakatana is the only privately owned lodge within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Africa's largest natural marine estuary. iSimangaliso is one of the few natural wonders left on earth with unspoiled wilderness beaches, vast wetlands and game reserves all combined into one reserve. The pristine Indian Ocean beaches, combined with the St Lucia Estuary stretching inland for 65km, provide an undeniable attraction to lovers of wildlife. The lodge is positioned in the forest on the edge of Lake St Lucia and accommodates up to 22 people, enhancing privacy and personal service. Five stylish Standard Rooms, one Honeymoon Room and two new Family Rooms comfortably accommodating four people, are privately situated along a raised wooden walkway frequented by warthog, duiker, nyala, birds and hippo. Large windows and screen doors slide open onto private viewing decks, with the Honeymoon and Family Rooms boasting al fresco showers. Select a special wine from the wine menu before a fabulous meal out on the deck or around a boma re. The park supports 526 bird species, ve different ecosystems and marine reserves. Look out for elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, hyena, hippo, crocodile and many other species. Full-day safaris include an exploration of the wetlands on a private boat combined with game drives and a picnic lunch on the Western Shores. A full- day beach safari and exploration of the Eastern Shores reserve and coastline, and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve seeking out the Big Five. 4-Star Lodge. 5 Standard Rooms, 1 Honeymoon Room, 2 Family Rooms | Transfers | Free Wi-Fi throughout"
Vintage Portfolio Collection • 2017 Edition
Downloads
Fact Sheet
Food and beverage
FAQs
Activities
Other / General

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Activities in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Footbridge Over Mkuze River (Swamp Birds)
Photo by Gerhard Venter on Unsplash
Footbridge Over Mkuze River (Swamp Birds)
Mission Rocks Hiking Trail
Mission Rocks Hiking Trail
Monzi Club
Monzi Club
Advantage Tours Khula Cultural Tour
Advantage Tours Khula Cultural Tour