Makakatana Bay Lodge
Reflecting on 2023
Solar Safari Lodge
In April this year, Makakatana Bay Lodge joined the growing number of African Safari Lodges who have opted to go solar and implemented a hybrid energy solution has helped reduce dependence on the very strained power grid in South Africa.
Makakatana has greatly benefited from solar power. While diesel generators still serve as a necessary backup, they can be noisy and disruptive. At Makakatana, our generator is located 1 km away from the lodge and is reserved solely for emergencies.
We are pleased to report that guest satisfaction has improved since implementing solar power, and our carbon footprint has significantly decreased. Additionally, our staff village now receives the power it needs, positively impacting our employees. We prioritise various environmental issues, including our long-standing commitment to avoiding light pollution. We recognise that travellers are more likely to choose accommodations that have implemented sustainable practices because, like us, they care about their environmental impact. It is crucial for all of us to transition towards greener energy sources.
As an integral part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, we understand the importance of preserving this precious UNESCO World Heritage Site. We remain conscious of various environmental issues and strive to make a positive impact.
New Solar Powered Eco Boats
We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! Our brand-new, solar-powered birding and nature boats, 'Jabulani' and 'Malahleka', have arrived at Makakatana Bay Lodge. They promise to deliver an extraordinary Lake St Lucia experience like no other, exclusively for Makakatana guests.
Our new boats come equipped with solar-charged, battery-operated motors, ensuring a quiet and sustainable adventure on the waters of Lake St Lucia in Makakatana Bay, within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can now immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of nature without disrupting the natural harmony of the area and embrace eco-friendly exploration.
As you venture out onto the tranquil waters in front of the lodge, the peace and tranquility will take your breath away. The hushed motors allow you to get closer to the captivating wildlife and a diverse range of bird species, providing unforgettable opportunities for photography.
Set your alarm clocks for wondrous adventures and let our guides take you on a magical journey. They will help you identify various bird species along with other wildlife that present themselves.
Join us in celebrating this incredible addition to Makakatana Bay Lodge. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher, a photography enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, our boat expedition promises an unforgettable adventure, done sustainably.
Come and stay with us and embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime. Let's preserve the beauty of Makakatana Bay together, one gentle cruise at a time.
Community Support
Our lodge Levy has gone towards assisting Themba building a bird hide in Dukuduku for the community to use and for Themba’s training of birding guides.
The Ezemvelo anti poaching unit has been supported throughout this year and Makakatana have assisted the team by supplying them with certain equipment and uniforms.
We have supported Africa Wildlife Vets who have put our donations to much needed conservation work. Leigh-Ann Morrison was invited to attend a rhino dehorning morning on the Eastern Shores in June. Africa Wildlife Vets are doing tremendous work and completely rely on donations.
Awards
We are proud to have been a winner in the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards. The announcement was made in Athens on 30 October 2023.
News on the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
We are looking forward to the road upgrades completing on the Western Shores with newly tarred road that stretches from the Dukuduku gate to Charters creek.
In recent posts from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park they remind us of the outstanding natural African wetlands and coastal sites with 8 inter-linking ecosystems that provide habitat for a significant diversity of African biota.
Attractions within iSimangaliso include spectacular mountain ranges, access to the southern-most coral reefs in Africa and diverse flora and fauna, including dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, black and white rhino, elephants, buffalo and some 250 fish species as well as more than 3,000 plant types.
Of the world’s seven species of marine turtles, iSimangaliso’s protected coastline has five species, and its pristine beaches comprise one of the last significant laying sites in Africa for loggerheads and leatherbacks. About 700 loggerhead females lay on iSimangaliso shores per season whilst just under 100 leatherbacks females are seen coming ashore each year. Leatherback turtles populations worldwide are rarer than black rhino and critically endangered. This means they could go extinct in our lifetime. Having survived aeons and ice ages along with rhinos, and at a time when over 1000 biological species are going extinct globally every year, their future survival lies with all of us.
The abundance of water makes iSimangaliso Wetland Park a haven to significant number of birds.
The Park is home to around 530 bird types, including iconic species like Greater Flamingos.
During our winter months, when water levels get low, over 20 000 Greater Flamingos have been recorded on Lake St Lucia alone. Follow iSimangaliso on Social media to keep updated with this place of magic and wonder!
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
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