Mackaya Bella Country Lodge is an owner run country lodge, situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Mountain Range, the highest range in South Africa. Due to its diversity of bird, plant and insect life and a vast collection of San Rock Art paintings, the area has been declared a World Heritage site.
Mackaya Bella Country Lodge is nestled below this unique mountain range. Time slows down as you enter our gate and a deep sense of peace and relaxation prevails, promising for a restful stay.
From the main lodge one can enjoy spectacular views of Cathkin Peak, Champagne Castle, Monks Cowl and Dragons Peaks, one of the best views of these mountains.
The Sterkspruit River meanders along the flood plan below the Lodge, offering crystal pools for hikers and swimmers to cool off during the hot summer months. This area is steeped in the history of the San and the Nguni people.
We have two short hikes on the property taking guest into a unique and diverse natural environment. Two hundred year old yellow wood trees still grow in the local forest. Tree cutting pits used by the Boer settlers can be seen on the hike to Moonies Pool. The lodge is very close to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Monks Cowl Reserve, about a 20 minute drive from the lodge. Here guest enter the main World Heritage Site.
From there guest can hike to Stable Cave, Zulu Cave, the Sterkspruit Falls, the Gorge, iNandi falls or up the Sphinx and onto the little berg. Day hikes and walks range from an hour round trip to six hours. At the Park Entrance hikers must pay an entrance fee.
Wild life often spotted around the Lodge include, Baboon, monkeys, bush pig, klipspringer, Rhebok, Jackal, Porcupine, otter, zebra etc.
Locals speak of sighting the “Shy Leopard” in the mountain thicket.
Most evening we hear the Jackals call from the foothills around the Lodge.
Mackaya Bella is a bird lover’s paradise
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.