South Africa explorer - self drive

Your early morning wakeup call is to be cherished as there is no better time of day than a beautiful fresh start with the rising sun, while you are surrounded by bird songs and calls of the wild. Your game drive safari sets off in an open-top Landcruiser guided by an experienced and knowledgeable game ranger and his tracker

The afternoon game drive is at days’ end and coincides with grazers, after lying low in the heat of the day, they come out from the thickets to feed. In the midst of the African bush, sundowner drinks will be served with the setting sun and in conclusion, a night drive is conducted with a spotlight and while predators emerge to begin their patrols, we also search for the elusive creatures of the dark.

Cultural tours can be arranged into the local Shangaan community, to get an insight into their rural way of life and culture.

Day 1: Afternoon Wetland Safari Drive

On the day of arrival you can enjoy an afternoon wetland drive where you get a taste of this enchanting pristine park with the immense bird and wildlife, great and small, on our luxury open safari vehicles. You get to enjoy a drink under the magical colours of the sunset skies while absorbing sounds and smells of the night setting in. Sightings could include: giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, hyena, waterbuck, serval, porcupine, genet, leopard and elephant.

Day 2: Lake Wetland Boat Safari

After breakfast (09h00) you will enjoy a safari game drive through the western shores to the Makakatana boat where Warwick our skipper eagerly awaits. Enjoy a two hour leisurely cruise on Lake St Luica Estuary, Africa’s largest estuarine system. You will see crocodile and lots of hippo, as well as birdlife (over 530 Species in the area). Afterwards, your guide sets up a picnic lunch in bush before returning to the lodge (15h00).

* You need to spend 2 nights at Makakatana where a full day is available to do this safari.

Day 3: Beach and Eastern Shores Safari

After breakfast (09h00) you will enjoy a leisurely safari game drive through the western shores through to the eastern shores to a pristine beach on the Indian Ocean iSimangaliso coastline where you can enjoy a swim, snorkel and picnic lunch in the highest vegetated sand dunes in Africa. After your sun charged day, you return back to the lodge (15h00) with salt on your skin and windswept hair to be welcomed back for high tea.

Makakatana Bay Lodge has two SOLAR powered eco boats in front of the lodge. Great morning trips are offered to explore Lake St Lucia shoreline for hippo watching and bird watching. This is weather permitting and will be offered to guests as an alternative option to the morning game drive.

Day 4 - If you are spending 4 nights or more at Makakatana, there are a few more activity options that you book.

* Morning Wetland drive, day at leisure, Afternoon Wetland drive or Night drive
* Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game reserve (full day)
* Western Shores morning drive & brunch in the park

Or you can book activities with service providers in St Lucia:
* Specialist birder tour
* Deep sea fishing
* Whale watching
* Horse riding on the beach or in the eastern shores reserve.
*****Prices on request*****

Our cruise along the narrows of Lake St. Lucia is a firm favourite, allowing our guests to experience the wildlife from a totally new perspective. 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 at one of the most pristine coastlines in South Africa. Our beach safari includes a game drive from the western shores through to the eastern shores, allowing you to explore this amazing World Heritage Site. Where else could you spot a breaching whale, a pod of dolphins, rhino and buffalo on one trip?

The early bird catches the worm. We depart at the crack of dawn, and head to the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Big Five game reserve, 75 minutes away.

KwaZulu Natal is home to South Africa’s most prestigious golf courses and country clubs.
With these fine golfing destinations being located in panoramic locations along the
North Coast, it’s no wonder the region remains a popular golfing destination.
Nestled along the Thompsons Bay coastline in Shaka’s Rock just north of Durban, the
newly-built Sala Beach House is the perfect home-away-from-home for golfers of all
handicaps who wish to explore the various golf courses in and around the Dolphin
Coast.

3 night Golf Package is availalable with green fees, transfers and golf cart rental.

North Coast Country Clubs and Golf Courses
Almost a stone’s throw from Sala Beach House, the North Coast’s country clubs and golf
courses are of international standards, surrounded by incredible natural beauty.

● Zimbali Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 5,6km (12 minutes drive)
This private Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole course provides world-class, eco-
conscious golfing, a hybrid course of links and coastal forest, and breathtaking
sea views.

● Simbithi Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 2,6km (7 minutes drive)
Another Peter Matkovich-designed wonder, the 18-hole Simbithi golf course
remains one of South Africa’s most prestigious golfing destinations, set on a 430-
hectare coastline paradise.

● Umhlali Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 5,7km (12 minutes drive)
The Umhlali Country Club is notorious for its energetic ambience and social vibe.
The 18-hole Peter Matkovich-designed course is complemented by stunning
facilities that include tennis courts, squash courts, and bowls on-site for those
looking for a variety of activities.

● Prince’s Grant Golf Estate
Distance from Sala Beach House – 36,8km (35 minutes drive)
This Peter Matkovich-designed course was reconstructed in November 2020,
offering links and parkland layouts of large greens and impressive fairways – a
unique and challenging day out for golfers of all handicaps. The Prince’s Grant
Golf Course consistently ranks in South Africa’s Top 20 courses

Sala Beach Spa is a secluded and intimate spa designed to indulge you with the highest quality treatments in a calm and secluded atmosphere. Each Sala Beach Spa treatment is designed to cater to individual needs and is guided by a highly trained, intuitive therapist, ensuring a truly personalised experience. The products that are used include Terres d'Afrique and QMS Medicosmetics

To complete your Wellness journey, various meal plans and yoga, reiki or sound baths are available by prior arrangement.

The protected tidal pools and rocky coastline are home to interesting marine life, with over 50 species of fish, corals, a wide variety of invertebrates and big shoals swimming around. Highlights include Parrot fish, Damsels, Surgeons, Butterfly fish, Moray Eels and loads of other colourful fish.

Private guided snorkelling tours (2hr) and coastal walks (3hrs) available