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  • Perriers Rocks - Beach, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Perriers Rocks - Beach, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Perriers Rocks - Beach, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • St Lucia Coastline, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa St Lucia Coastline, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    St Lucia Coastline, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • Lake edge, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Lake edge, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Lake edge, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • Hippo Watching, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Hippo Watching, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Hippo Watching, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • Giraffe Watching, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Giraffe Watching, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Giraffe Watching, Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
  • Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
    Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa

Makakatana Wetlands Extension

3-day extension from £500 pp

Summary

Short description

A three-day self drive package that fits perfectly as an extension to a KwaZulu-Natal self-drive

About

Recommended for:
Beach | Off the beaten track | Relaxation

Set on the banks of Lake St Lucia, within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetlands, Makakatana Bay Lodge offers contemporary accommodation, fantastic facilities and the chance to explore the diverse ecosystems of one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions. The wetlands are home to an impressive array of wildlife, with elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and a large hippo population among the star attractions. It’s also something of a birder’s paradise, with 526 species making their homes among the forests, lagoons, lakes and dunes that characterise the region’s landscapes. This three-day extension fits perfectly with a stay in the nearby andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and provides the opportunity to explore the wetlands on a series of activities including guided game drives, boat tours and beach safaris.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
Phinda Private Game Reserve – Makakatana Wetlands

Extend your KwaZulu-Natal self drive by an additional three days to the Makakatana Wetlands region, and stay at the superior Makakatana Bay Lodge. It is a privately-owned safari lodge on the banks of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, the heart of Africa’s largest natural estuary. The iSimangaliso Wetland park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has unspoilt wilderness beaches, vast wetlands and game reserves within it. Animals found within these game reserves include birds, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and many types of antelope. After your arrival, embark on your first afternoon game drive in search of wildlife.

Stay: Makakatana Bay Lodge, Richards Bay (Superior)

Meals: L D

Day 2
Makakatana Wetlands

A choice of activities are available for guests today including early morning and night game drives, a Boat and Wetland safari on the Lake St Lucia Estuary to seek out birdlife, hippo and crocodile, a Beach and Eastern shores safari to explore the glorious Indian Ocean coastline and game reserve, or a Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve safari to search for the Big Five. 

Stay: Makakatana Bay Lodge, Richards Bay (Superior)

Meals: B L D

Day 3
Makakatana Wetlands – Richard’s Bay

After waking in the morning and enjoying a final game drive, drop your hire car off at Richard’s Bay airport where your extension package ends.

Stay: Makakatana Bay Lodge, Richards Bay (Superior)

Meals: B

This extension is suitable for…

Cheetah, Phinda Reserve

KwaZulu-Natal Discovery Self-Drive

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £4,775 pp incl. flights

With KwaZulu-Natal perhaps the most diverse of South Africa’s provinces, this road trip takes in everything from the Drakensberg Mountains and Durban’s beachfront to Zulu battlefields and a Big-Five safari.

White Pearl Resort, Mozambique

South Africa & Mozambique: Black spots & white pearls

15-day tailor-made holiday from £8,430 pp incl. flights

This indulgent getaway is the ideal combination of relaxation and exploration. Begin with city sights and safaris in South Africa, then wrap things up with butler service and private plunge pools on Mozambique’s pristine white sands.

Pricing

Any element of this extension can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior

3-day extension
from £500 pp

Meet our experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0797

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0797 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected