Makakatana Bay Lodge has a lakeside setting in the beautiful St Lucia wetlands of South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province. Located in a game reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the lodge offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation to immerse yourself in incredible wildlife, pristine beaches, and the beauty of Africa’s largest estuary.

From the moment we met the wonderful team and Arthur, our nature-loving guide, we knew we were in good hands. Arthur, a true South African, is deeply committed to conservation, and he instantly bonded with the kids. “Kids are the conservationists of the future,” he told us.

And with that, our two daughters were not just on a safari and spotting wildlife; they were also learning to love and protect the wild world they were discovering.

Arthur taught the kids how to track animals by following their footprints, pointing out the tiniest details that we, as adults, might have overlooked. From dung beetles to towering giraffes, every creature was a fascinating new discovery. For all four of us!

Wildlife Galore – big and small

This reserve may not have the Big Five, but believe me, it still offers that truly authentic safari experience. Our kids were beyond excited when they saw their first zebra in the wild, and the sounds of the hippos? Absolutely unforgettable! The wetlands are packed with diverse wildlife, and we were lucky enough to spot giraffes, nyala, crocodiles, and even a majestic elephant during one of our game drives.

“iSimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).”
– Nelson Mandela

A Sundowner to Remember

On our first evening, we experienced one of those ‘pinch me’ moments you only get in Africa. After an enjoyable afternoon game drive, we stopped for a sundowner (yes, even the kids were treated to hot chocolate!) and, as we sipped our drinks, a giraffe stood quietly in the distance, silhouetted against the glowing sunset. It was a moment I’ll never forget – and neither will they.

Family-friendly Comfort

Makakatana Bay Lodge felt like home from the moment we arrived. With just eight rooms, it’s intimate and personal. We stayed in Room 7, a family suite conveniently close to the main lodge. Each of the two family suites accommodates up to four guests.

The main room features a king-sized bed, while the connecting room offers two twin beds. The suite features a roomy indoor bathroom with a shower that opens up to an outdoor space with a bathtub and a refreshing open-air shower.

One thing that really stood out for us was how thoughtful the staff were about the kids: one member of staff took the time to play soccer with our oldest, which made the experience even more special for her – and as for meals, let’s just say, they nailed it. They checked our personal preferences in advance, and we got our favourite dishes that kept everyone happy.

And after a day in the bush, there’s nothing quite like sitting by the crackling campfire, chatting with fellow guests about the wonderful sights we’d seen and how great it is to be back in the bush.

More than just Game Drives

While game drives were definitely a hit, the variety of activities at Makakatana Lodge kept everyone engaged. One morning we set off on a boat tour, cruising through the wetlands and marveling at the abundance of birdlife and number of hippo pods.

We also visited a private beach where the kids had the time of their lives searching for crabs and even got a chance to snorkel! Our youngest just loved finding little creatures, and the excitement of discovery never stopped.

We wrapped up that day with a surprise ‘bush lunch’ – a perfect, off-grid feast in the wild. Just enjoying the sounds and smells of the bush. And a delicious, fresh lunch!

A Tip for Winter: bring a wetsuit!

August is mid-winter in South Africa and at Makakatana, it is looking stunning. The wetlands, with their lush greenery, reminded us of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, though with a bit more wind! The game drives start later due to the cooler mornings, which was actually perfect for our kids, giving us all a little extra sleep.

If you’re planning to visit during at this time of year, I’d recommend staying at least three nights to fully soak up the experience. Insider tip: bring a wetsuit for the kids – the pools in most camps are unheated, so it can be pretty chilly in August!

Why Makakatana is perfect for Families

For any family looking to introduce their children to the wonders of the wild, Makakatana Lodge is a great choice. It’s the perfect blend of excitement, learning, and relaxation, all wrapped up in one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited.

Take your time here – explore, relax, and let the magic of South Africa work its wonders on you. We can’t wait to return.

By Marleen Haverkamp
Travelled August 2024 (3 nights)