8-Day Privately Guided Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari

Among the rolling hills of Zululand, cut into the rock face, lies Isandlwana Lodge, overlooking the battlefield and plains where the Zulus defeated the British in the first major battle of the Anglo-Zulu war on 22 January 1879. The lodge has been built in the shape of a shield, with a thatched roof and rock walls resembling a traditional Zulu kraal. Each of the columns that support the roof come from the old West Street Pier in Durban, and is named after a Zulu commander or significant person in the chain of command during the Anglo-Zulu War.

Situated in the very heart of the historic location where remarkable events took place,
Isandlwana reverberates with Zulu history and culture, reflected not only in the décor throughout
the public areas and the twelve luxury bedrooms, but also in the sweeping panoramas of the plains
which are devoid of development, and likely to look exactly as they did over 130 years ago. The
magnificent views are pervasive, whether you’re sipping on sundowners on the upper veranda,
enjoying the privacy of your own balcony, or indulging in a skillfully prepared meal in the high ceilinged dining room.
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Deluxe Standard Twin or Double Custom Room

The deluxe room has picture windows. With a private balcony over looking Isandlwana Battlefield with a sweeping view of the entire plain.It has a king size bed with a sumptuous bathroom with shower. The décor is a mixture of ethnic and traditional styles

The standard rooms with a private balcony over looking Isandlwana Battlefield with a sweeping view of the entire plain. It has a king size or Twin beds with a sumptuous bathroom with shower.

Property Facilities

Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Services

Travel Desk

Custom Activity

Thanda Safari is a Big 5 private game reserve offering three very different properties, each with its own style, atmosphere and appeal.

Thanda Tented Camp, with its 14 grand tents and 1 grande deluxe tent, offers a truly relaxed and authentic safari experience.
It comprises 14 spacious tents, each with a private sun deck and en-suite canvas bathroom. In addition, the 15th tent, the Jabula Tent, is particularly suited to bridal couples, honeymooners, families and those seeking extra beautiful accommodation for special occasions.

The camp is non-electrified, however, it does have limited solar and battery power with a back-up generator to power the tents for a few hours each day for guests to charge cameras and phones. As a deterrent to wild animals, there is a partial electrified fence along the perimeter of Thanda Tented Camp. Wifi is available in the public areas.

The camp’s shared areas include a reception area, a curio shop, a Hemingway-style lounge area, a dining area featuring authentic African curios, a large rim-flow pool surrounded by loungers and umbrellas, a waterhole to entice large and small game and a boma.

Thanda Tented Camp does not admit children under 6 years old.

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Credit: THANDAGROUPPTYLTDhttps://www.thandasafari.co.za/

Credit: THANDAGROUPPTYLTDhttps://www.thandasafari.co.za/

Credit: THANDAGROUPPTYLTDhttps://www.thandasafari.co.za/

Credit: THANDAGROUPPTYLTDhttps://www.thandasafari.co.za/

Credit: THANDAGROUPPTYLTDhttps://www.thandasafari.co.za/

Credit: THANDAGROUPPTYLTDhttps://www.thandasafari.co.za/

Twin Standard Tent King Standard Tent Jabula Tent

Each tent has an open plan bedroom with en-suite bathroom with an indoor and/or outdoor shower, as well as a wooden viewing deck.

9 twin bed tents are available

Each tent has an open plan bedroom with en-suite bathroom with an indoor and/or outdoor shower, as well as a wooden viewing deck.

5 permanent double tents are available.

The Jabula tent offers a sophisticated mix of romance, privacy and refined comfort in the heart of the African bush. The Jabula tent features a king-sized bed in a spacious bedroom and a comfortable separate lounge area for relaxation. A highlight of the tent is the outdoor shower and plunge pool which has spectacular panoramic views of the 14000-hectare reserve. It is non-electrified for a more rustic bush experience

Twin Tent Double Tent Jabula Tent

This is bush living as nature intended: open and inviting with unparalleled closeness to the bush, its sights, smells and sounds. Raised on a wooden platform each of the tents comes with two single beds, a private sun deck and en-suite canvas bathrooms.

This is bush living as nature intended: open and inviting with unparalleled closeness to the bush, its sights, smells and sounds. Raised on a wooden platform each of the tents come with a kingsized bed, a private sun deck and en-suite canvas bathrooms.

The Jabula Tent has a king-sized bed and separate lounge, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, splash pool and spectacular views of the reserve.

Property Facilities

Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Disability Services, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower

Services

Airport Shuttle, Babysitting Service, Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service, Room Service

Experience the magic and wonder of unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands, game drives, and an unforgettable boat cruise on Lake St Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This family owned and run Lodge is situated on the western shores of Lake St Lucia, in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal. You will get to experience the home to more than 1000 hippo and 1200 crocodile on our personalised adventure-filled safaris exploring this treasured park. Our passionate rangers take you on full-day safaris to explore the Wetlands, coastal dune forests, pristine beaches seeking out wildlife and over 530 bird species.

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Makakatana Boat Safari on Lake St Lucia Credit: Paul Changuion Makakatana Boat Safari on Lake St Lucia

Outside view of the Honeymoon suite at Makakatana Credit: Jaco du Plessis Honeymoon suite - Makakatana - Lake St Lucia

Makakatana Boma Credit: Paul Changuion Dinners outside are must!

Indian Ocean - Beach Safari Credit: Paul Changuion A full day safari to the beach

Makakatana New Family room Credit: Paul Changuion Jabulani Family suite

Beach Safari - Full day to the Eastern Shores Beach Safari - Eastern Shores

Makakatana Pool Credit: Christa Bohmer Makakatana Pool after rains

Elephant at Makakatana Credit: Christa Bohmer Elephant at Makakatana

Makakatana Boma Credit: Paul Changioun Boma

Makakatana Family Suite Credit: Paul Changioun Jabulani room inside bathroom - leading to outside bathroom

Honeymoon Suite Spoil yourself and that special person in your life

Standard room - Outdoor baths Credit: Michael Jaspen Standard Room Outdoor Baths

Hyena are a few of the great animal sightings in the iSimangaliso Great sightings of Hyena on the Western Shores

St Lucia Wetlands Credit: J Paton Biodiverse iSimangaliso Wetland Park - World Heritage Site

Arial View of Makakatana Credit: Paul Changuion Makakatana Bay Lodge

Beach Safari Makakatana Beach Safari

Makakatana Beach Safari Credit: L Morrison Having fun in the Indian Ocean in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Great Birding around Makakatana Over 530 Bird Species in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Lake St Lucia

Buffalo Credit: L Morrison Buffalo on the Western Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Pool Credit: Michael Jaspan Peaceful space down at the pool close to the lake

Safari Departure Credit: L. Morrison Happy guests departing on an afternoon drive

Hippo Credit: Jaco du Plessis Hippo in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Eco Boats Credit: L Morrison Eco Boats in Makakatana Bay

Luxury Suite - TWIN Luxury Suite - KING HONEYMOON SUITE FAMILY SUITE

Twin Room with a day bed for for 3rd person, preferably child 6yrs +

Standard Room - Forest Setting

Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks.

There is a separate Bathroom with indoor shower & Toilet. The indoor shower opens out to an outside Shower & Bath. (Nothing beats an outside bath and shower!)

Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee.

King Bed, Standard Room - Has a day bed for 3rd person.

Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks, Separate Bathroom with indoor shower & seperate toilet that opens to an outside Shower & Bath,

(Nothing beats an outside bath and shower!)

Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee Tray, Insect Proof Screen Doors.

HONEYMOON SUITE - King Bed,

Plus day bed for 3rd person

Telephone, Aircon, Heating, Fan, Private Decks, Separate Bathroom with indoor bath & Toilet, Outside Shower, Dressing Area, Minibar, Dressing Table, Tea & Coffee Tray, Insect Proof Screen Doors.

The Family Suites accommodate 2 adults in a King bed in the main room.

There is an inter-leading room for kids that sleeps 2 people on 2 single beds.

A 3rd single bed can be added if required although the rooms were not designed to accommodate more than 4.

There is a large bathroom with an inside shower inter-leading to an outside bath and shower.

Property Facilities

Bar, Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Services

Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card

Afternoon Wetland Game Drive Full Day Boat and Western Shores Safari Full Day Beach & Eastern Shores Safari More Activiites

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.

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*****

Makakatana Dining options

Our dining areas are only for in-house guests.

We have great spaces for dining.

Guests can eat breakfast and lunch on the main lodge deck. The pool is also a great place for lunches.

Dinners are mainly served around a fire in the boma under the african stars.

If guests are celebrating a special occasion, we are happy to offer private dining in the rooms.

We offer set menus. Dietaries are no problem for our creative chefs.

Of course when you are out on full day safaris, guests delight in the scrumptious picnic lunches.