Makakatana Bay Lodge is uniquely situated on the banks of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and remains the only privately owned Lodge, totally surrounded by the Conservation Reserve The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park World Heritage Site is one of the few natural wonders left on earth where there are unspoilt wilderness beaches, vast wetlands and game reserves all combined into one reserve.The name Makakatana is the name of a Zulu Chief called "Makakatana’ who lived in the area many years ago.

The accommodation is luxury and accommodates 12 people in 6 individually set rooms with full amenities. The lodge is set in dune forest that bursts out over a wetland onto the banks of the lake. Hippo and other wildlife often wander through the lodge, underneath the walkways. Activities at Makakatana Bay Lodge include diving or coral reefs, boat cruises, walking for miles on golden beaches, exploring great dunes, wandering through magical coastal forests or roaming across grassy plains. You can also try your hand at canoeing, snorkeling and angling.

Ecological Importance

On 1st December 1999 UNESCO declared the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and adjacent coastal areas a world heritage site. The 328 000 hectare reserve was South Africa’s first world heritage site and encompasses 5 five major ecological zones. At Lake St Lucia there is an incredible interplay between marine and freshwater life where in the saline areas there are mangrove swamps and the less saline area there are lake reeds.

The lake system provides an important nursery for many marine species. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park supports approximately 367 different bird species in 11 major habitats. There are only a few places in Africa that support such a concentration of bird life. About one third of the species are waterside birds. St. Lucia has the only breeding colony in South Africa of the pink backed pelican. Flocks of flamingo’s and pelican make homes on the islands when the plankton levels are high.