Review: Makakatana Bay Lodge in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

The Makakatana Bay Lodge is a wonderful, rustic lodge that offers visitors the opportunity to retreat to a natural environment. What sets this lodge apart from other lodges is that it is located within the Simangaliso Wetlands Park (formerly the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park); and it is the only privately owned lodge that sits on the shores of Lake St Lucia, in the province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa .

The lodge's natural mangrove forest offers a natural haven for wildlife, and those lucky ones may see hippos by the lodge's water hole at night; there is nothing quite like the sound of grunting hippos in the still of the night!

Accommodations

The lodge offers five luxury bungalows and one honeymoon bungalow. All are quite large and comfortable, offering: air-conditioning, satellite TV, and a swimming pool. The décor is casual yet elegant, and is complemented by many Zulu-African elements found throughout the lodge. All bungalows offer fantastic views of the wetlands or the mangrove forest.

Makakatana offers a full board package that includes all meals (excluding drinks) and two daily activities. Activities may include a boat trip to the St Lucia's estuary, guided scenic drives along the park, a day at the beach, or a full-day game drive to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, a Big 5 game reserve. Around the lodge, guests may see elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. The lodge is not fenced in, and the inherent dangers of wildlife visiting the camp are present.

Dining

Makakatana Bay Lodge offers a true African dining experience by dining in the Boma by a crackling fire, or the dining room which is beautifully decorated. For a romantic dinner for two, guests may request a meal inside the wine cellar located in the 'Old Crab House'. The food presented at each meal is innovative, delicious and satisfying.

Conclusion

Attention to detail seems to be the norm at this outstanding lodge, where no request seems to be out of ordinary. The staff is well-trained, the bungalows are spotlessly clean, and most of all, the service is excellent and discreet. This beautiful lodge, in the middle of the wilderness, encourages guests to spend time immersed in nature. Each day presents a new opportunity to enjoy nature, be it a picnic at one of the nearby pristine beaches, a day at the game reserve, or just staying in the lodge reading a good book.