Start the Full Day Beach Safari by hopping onto the Makakatana Boat and to cross Lake St Lucia to the eastern Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park where your guide then meets you to take you to the beach or to explore the Eastern shores reserve.

A Birding guide can be booked in advance. With over 530 species of birds, Makakatana Bay Lodge is an incredible destination for serious birders.

Calm first-light cruise from the lodge’s jetty on Lake St Lucia on Solar Powered Eco-Boats. Slow navigation of Makakatana Bay for hippo, crocodile and signature waterbirds. Interpretive guiding with minimal disturbance. Weather dependent.

Late-afternoon lake cruise on our Solar Powered Eco-Boats from the lodge’s jetty. Soft light, active birdlife, and relaxed viewing of hippos and crocodiles along reedbeds. Weather dependent.

Full-day boat safari on Lake St Lucia and the Narrows — vehicle through the Western Shores to the boat pick-up point, about two hours on the Narrows, picnic lunch in the park.

Lake crossing and dune-forest drive to a sheltered bay at our private concession within iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Time at the beach (swim/snorkel when safe), picnic behind the dunes. Return via a Western Shores game-drive routing. Sea-state and conditions apply.

Unhurried first-light drive from the lodge across pans, coastal forest and grassland on the Western Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Focus on early movement of grazers, predators settling, and active birdlife. Routing adapts to conditions and guest interests.

Warm-light drive from the lodge with flexible routing through coastal forest, grassland and open pans. Good general game and raptors; stops at scenic lookouts. Ends near sunset; timing varies by season.

Departs after dinner (exact time varies by season). A calm, after-dark exploration focused on nocturnal ecology and the soundscape of the wetlands—frogs, nightjars and rustling reeds. This is the best window for leopard and hyena activity. Spotlighting is used with care; routes adapt to wind, moon and conditions.

Curated full-day excursion to South Africa’s oldest proclaimed reserve. Routing planned around current conditions; brunch/comfort stops included. Best for guests prioritising classic Big-Five prospects.

Catch-and-release charters with permitted skippers. Options include estuary and surf sessions; deep-sea launches from St Lucia. Weather/tide and permit dependent; all tackle provided.

Licensed walking guides lead a 2.5–4 hr morning walk in coastal forest and grassland. Track interpretation, safety briefing, and strict spacing protocols throughout.

Regulated night beach patrols to view loggerhead/leatherback activity. Limited permits; strict guidelines apply. Weather/tide dependent.

Boat-based trips from St Lucia during the humpback migration (±2–2.5 hrs at sea). Highly weather/sea-state dependent.