Set on the shores of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this luxury lodge offers spacious accommodation within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Makakatana Bay Lodge has private, elegantly decorated suites and rooms that are interconnected on raised walkways. Makakatana Bay Lodge has elegantly decorated suites and rooms with wooden furniture and parquet floors. Each of the air-conditioned units has an outdoor shower and a work desk. This 4-star property offers you a unique experience when it comes to safaris. You can enjoy drives and boat safaris to explore the wetlands and admire hippos and crocodiles. Other safari options include trips to the Indian Ocean. You will also have the opportunity to see many different animals, including elephants, hyenas, buffaloes and antelopes King Shaka International Airport is 230 km away.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Buffet

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 single bed
and
1 large double bed
1 single bed
and
1 extra-large double bed
or
3 single beds
1 single bed
and
1 extra-large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 large double bed
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.7
Facilities
9.3
Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.5
Value for money
8.0
Location
9.7
High score for St Lucia
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • George
    Canada Canada
    The staff and facility far exceeded our expectations. The lodge is more than willing to accommodate any requirements that we requested.
  • Maggiegeer
    Germany Germany
    easy to reach, even without a 4wd, after the heavy rains the days before there was a lot more water than expected, but everything was green and nature was exploding. A birders paradise, but you see a lot more animals and plants. The excursion/game...
  • R
    Robyn
    South Africa South Africa
    One of the best places we have ever stayed and we have travelled the world. Excellent staff, customer services. Everything from start to finish was exceptional. The rooms were spotless and meals if such high quality. Memories made and highly...

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant
    • Cuisine
      African • European • South African
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • High tea
    • Ambiance
      Traditional • Modern • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of Makakatana Bay Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 9.3

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Room service
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
  • Private beach area
  • Breakfast
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Additional bathroom
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Dressing room
View
  • Garden view
  • Lake view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Private beach area
    Additional charge
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
Room Amenities
  • Sofa bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Temporary art galleries
  • Game drives
  • Beach
  • Snorkelling
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Horse riding
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Diving
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Hiking
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Canoeing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Fishing
    Additional chargeOff-site
Living Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Valet parking
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Luggage storage
Entertainment and family services
  • Board games/puzzles
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
    Additional charge
  • Laundry
    Additional charge
Business facilities
  • Fax/photocopying
    Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Key access
  • Safety deposit box
General
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Private entrance
  • Packed lunches
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
Accessibility
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Outdoor swimming pool
  • Open all year
Wellness
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Open-air bath
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules

Makakatana Bay Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

From 13:00 to 17:00

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out

From 09:00 to 11:00

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children older than 6 years are welcome.

Children 13 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction

No age restriction for check-in. (Only children 6 and older are allowed)

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Mastercard Visa American Express Cash is not accepted Makakatana Bay Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

The property is accessed via the Nhlozi Gate of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which operates from 06:00 to 18:00 daily. Guests arriving late may be subject to a late arrival fee.

Please note that a community and conservation charge is required at the property for an additional charge of ZAR 80 per person per night.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Makakatana Bay Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

This property is accessible via an unpaved road, which may be unsuitable for some vehicles.

Dear Visitor, this region is currently experiencing drought conditions. Please be aware that certain properties are subject to comply with local water usage restrictions.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to help protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property has reduced reception and service operating hours.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.

FAQs about Makakatana Bay Lodge

  • Makakatana Bay Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Hiking
    • Snorkelling
    • Diving
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Private beach area
    • Walking tours
    • Horse riding
    • Beach
    • Temporary art galleries
    • Swimming Pool
    • Open-air bath
    • Game drives

  • Guests staying at Makakatana Bay Lodge can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 10.0).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Full English/Irish
    • Vegetarian
    • Buffet

  • Room options at Makakatana Bay Lodge include:

    • Suite
    • Twin/Double
    • Family

  • Makakatana Bay Lodge has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Check-in at Makakatana Bay Lodge is from 13:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

  • Makakatana Bay Lodge is 10.6 miles from the centre of St Lucia. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • The prices at Makakatana Bay Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.