Makakatana Bay Lodge | Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso

Property Type Safari Lodge

Rooms / Units 8 units

Families Welcome

Meal Basis Fully Inclusive

Gallery

Makakatana Bay Lodge – Aerial view of the lodge deck and plunge pool tucked into dune forest on the wetland edge of Lake St Lucia.

Makakatana Bay Lodge – A second view of a suite bedroom, from the window seat toward the bed.

Makakatana Bay Lodge – The honeymoon suite bedroom opens onto a private deck with two chairs facing the wetland.

Makakatana Bay Lodge – Aerial view of a deserted iSimangaliso beach where forested dunes meet a rocky point and the Indian Ocean surf.

The stay

A different kind of safari built around water and wetland

Makakatana sits in dune forest on Lake St Lucia rather than in a conventional private game reserve. The experience mixes boat safaris, wetland drives, birdlife and access to several iSimangaliso ecosystems.

Who Makakatana suits

It suits travellers who want to explore iSimangaliso from a base on the lake, with game drives, eco-boat cruises and beach outings included in the rate. Couples can choose the Honeymoon Suite, set apart from the others. Families with children aged 6 to 12 can use one of two family rooms, each two interleading rooms sleeping four; under-6s are accepted only on family-group bookings with the owners’ consent.

Rooms & Suites

Luxury Suite

Max 2 adults · 1 children

Family Suite

Max 2 adults · 2 children

Honeymoon Suite

Max 2 adults

Safari & Experiences

Lake St Lucia boat safari

Private boat safari from the lodge jetty among hippos, crocodiles and birdlife.

Western Shores game drive

Scheduled wildlife drives explore the western section of iSimangaliso.

Beach and coastal excursions

Coastal and ocean-focused excursions can be arranged.

Optional

Good to know

Families

Children aged 6 to 12 are welcome; under-6s are accepted only on family-group bookings with the owners’ consent. Family rooms (two interleading rooms) sleep two adults and two children; Luxury Suites sleep three.

Power & connectivity

Mains powered
In-room power available

The lodge provides the powered comfort expected of a remote safari property while keeping the experience focused on the wetland setting.

Getting there

Nearest airport: King Shaka International Airport

The lodge is inside the western section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park on Lake St Lucia.

Sustainability & Conservation

A conservation levy supports the protected iSimangaliso landscape in which the lodge operates.

Plan around your stay

Destination Zululand

Add the road leg

Private transfers, arranged with the stay.

Spurwing can coordinate private road transfers from Durban, King Shaka International Airport or another KwaZulu-Natal stop where the routing is practical, or build the road leg into a wider South African itinerary.

Tell us where you are coming from and where you are going next. We confirm the practical route, vehicle and timing before anything is booked.

Arrange a Transfer Zululand

Enquire About This Stay

Rates on request

One trusted partner for the whole journey — speak to us and we’ll help plan the stay alongside the rest of your trip.

Enquire About This Stay

Similar Places

Ghost Mountain Inn A 74-room hotel in Mkuze with standard, superior, garden and mountain rooms and four suites, two kilometres from Mkuze airfield. View stay

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge Safari Rooms, two Safari Family Rooms, eight Luxury Bush Villas and two Honeymoon Bush Villas on a ridge inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. View stay

Frequently Asked Questions

How many suites does Makakatana have?

Makakatana has eight suites: five Luxury Suites, two Family Suites and one Honeymoon Suite.

Does Makakatana offer boat safaris?

Yes. A private boat safari on Lake St Lucia is one of the lodge's signature experiences.

Are children welcome?

Yes. Family Suites welcome children of all ages, with other room rules depending on age and rate plan.