South Africa Camps & Lodges
Makakatana Bay Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
A Luxury Lodge or Hotel in South Africa
Camp Details
Explore the magic and wonder of unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands, game drives, and an unforgettable boat cruise on the estuary of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Makakatana Bay Lodge is a privately-owned and managed game lodge within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Experience this magnificent area from the comfort of the spacious rooms, set on raised decks within the wilderness of the game park. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is home to vibrant wildlife in the game reserve, within Lake St. Lucia’s estuary and the glorious coastal beaches on the eastern shores of the park.
WHY CHOOSE MAKAKATANA BAY LODGE?
• Watch the resident hippo perform, set your binoculars on the reed birds, and enjoy the gentle breeze as you learn about the lake from our expert guides.
• Dip your feet in the warm Indian Ocean along one of the most pristine coastlines in South Africa.
• Beach safari includes a game drive from the western shores through to the eastern shores, allowing you to explore this amazing World Heritage Site.
Staying at Makakatana Bay
What is there to do besides game drives?
A good deal. The lodge runs a boat cruise on the Lake St Lucia estuary, where guides talk you through the resident hippo and reed birds, and a beach safari that drives from the western shores across to the eastern shores and the Indian Ocean coastline. Guided walks and game drives fill out the rest.
How young can children be?
Children are accepted from six years of age, and those under 12 must be supervised by a parent at all times. The rooms sit on raised decks within the wilderness of the park, so younger children do need an eye kept on them, but the boat cruise tends to go down well with families.
Is there a cheaper time of year to visit?
Yes. Luxury Suites are from ZAR 9,250 per person per night on the winter rate covering 1 May to 30 June 2026, against ZAR 10,880 for the rest of the year. Rates are fully inclusive of meals, activities, soft drinks, local beers and house wines, so the winter window is genuinely good value.
Activities
Makakatana Bay Lodge Rates, Activities & Amenities
Rates
| Year | Season | Type | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 January - 31 December | Luxury Suites | ZAR 10880 |
| 2026 | 1 May - 30 June (winter rates) | Luxury Suites | ZAR 9250 |
Rates are Per Person Per Night unless otherwise specified.
Inclusions
Makakatana Bay Lodge rates include (Fully inclusive) – Meals, Activities, soft drinks, local beers, house wines.
Staying at Makakatana Bay
What is there to do besides game drives?
A good deal. The lodge runs a boat cruise on the Lake St Lucia estuary, where guides talk you through the resident hippo and reed birds, and a beach safari that drives from the western shores across to the eastern shores and the Indian Ocean coastline. Guided walks and game drives fill out the rest.
How young can children be?
Children are accepted from six years of age, and those under 12 must be supervised by a parent at all times. The rooms sit on raised decks within the wilderness of the park, so younger children do need an eye kept on them, but the boat cruise tends to go down well with families.
Is there a cheaper time of year to visit?
Yes. Luxury Suites are from ZAR 9,250 per person per night on the winter rate covering 1 May to 30 June 2026, against ZAR 10,880 for the rest of the year. Rates are fully inclusive of meals, activities, soft drinks, local beers and house wines, so the winter window is genuinely good value.
Activities
Child Policy
Children are accepted from 6 years of age – Children under the age of 12 are subject to parental supervision at all times.
Staying at Makakatana Bay
What is there to do besides game drives?
A good deal. The lodge runs a boat cruise on the Lake St Lucia estuary, where guides talk you through the resident hippo and reed birds, and a beach safari that drives from the western shores across to the eastern shores and the Indian Ocean coastline. Guided walks and game drives fill out the rest.
How young can children be?
Children are accepted from six years of age, and those under 12 must be supervised by a parent at all times. The rooms sit on raised decks within the wilderness of the park, so younger children do need an eye kept on them, but the boat cruise tends to go down well with families.
Is there a cheaper time of year to visit?
Yes. Luxury Suites are from ZAR 9,250 per person per night on the winter rate covering 1 May to 30 June 2026, against ZAR 10,880 for the rest of the year. Rates are fully inclusive of meals, activities, soft drinks, local beers and house wines, so the winter window is genuinely good value.
Activities
Activities
Amenities
Map
Reviews
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