Makakatana Bay Lodge

Quite simple - outstanding! Travelling with my adult children we were five in a family room and a luxury suite - five star rustic with everything you need including a hairdryer, fresh coffee and tea, milk, toiletries, bug spray etc etc. Excellent WiFi in all rooms. The rooms were immaculately maintained. The outside baths and showers were wonderful. Excellent food and drink including lovely wines. The chef came to chat every evening. The highlight was the personal attention we were given. We felt like we were the only ones on site (even though I’m sure weren’t). Every staff member was superb. The true star was Ashton, our guide, who was the most energetic, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide we have ever had on safari. Simply outstanding. Don’t hesitate to book a stay here;you will not be disappointed.

We had a wonderful time here. This is the only lodge on Makakatana which makes it very special place to stay. The lodge is located on the shores of Lake St Lucia and it is just beautiful. There is a main house with the restaurant, lounge area and a deck with a water hole in front where waterbucks and warthogs come to drink at night. From there you walk past the guest cabins and after those a supernice pool area with views of the lake. Roland was our main guide, he grew up in the bush so it is hard to find someone more experienced and knowledgeable about everything related to the bush. Next to that he is super kind, fun and has many stories related to the area and his experiences, we could listen to those for weeks. The other guide who guided us on a few tours is Ashton who, although relatively new, is super knowledgeable as well and a super enthousiastic, funny and kind person. The cool thing is the many different activities; from regular game drives to a river cruise and a trip by boat across the lake towards the vegetated sand dunes and the Indian Ocean. We saw so many wildlife that it is hard to name them all; from hyenas, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, hippos, many different types of antilopes to maybe the most special you will ever see in your life: a Strawberry leopard. All the other staff was just as amazing; Roy does a fantastic job managing the kitchen, a magician in the kitchen ( ;-) ) and great person to have met. Larissa was supernice and was the one who guided us through the activities and all questions we had. And all the other staff members whose name we forgot were professional, cheerful and clearly passionate about their work at the lodge as well. The personal attention we received all through our stay made this an experience we will never forget.

An amazing setting overlooking Lake St Lucia in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. This beautiful lodge has a lovely light amd modern feeling which together with the warm, lovely staff and excellent food created a very lovely atmosphere. Highly recommended.

We loved this place. It is a beautiful house in the wetlands. You feel isolated and wildlife is all over the place: monkeys, hippos, giraffe, antilopes. The guides were very knowledgeable and passionate especially ashton. The dinner around the bush camp fire was great. I highly recommend but it is pricey.

What a wonderful and idyllic place this is. We have been coming for nearly 20 years. It’s a stunning lodge with a very high level of service from everyone from rangers to kitchen staff. The rooms are huge with an amazing deck that you can watch the animals as they wander by. The location is quite breathtakingly beautiful and so tranquil. Super game drives and lots to see and do or not do! Superb food and great attention to detail from the team. The owners are a truly welcoming team who have turned this place into a paradise! We never want to leave. Thank you Makakatana.

What an amazing stay we had at Makakatana Bay Lodge. From first class attention from Ondine and her wonderful team ensuring everything was perfect to outstanding game drives with rangers who were knowledgeable, personal, funny and found fantastic wildlife. The boat trip with Warwick was an absolute delight: what he doesn't know about the lake in general and the Hippos in particular probably isn't worth knowing. Roy, the chef, ensured we had excellent food throughout our stay and took a lot of time to chat to guests for their opinions. Excellent rooms with an option of an indoor or outdoor bath and shower (don't be bashful, the warthogs won't notice) and amazing wildlife within the grounds of the lodge and further afield.