Mackaya Bella Country Lodge is 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 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. San Art rock paintings are present in the area. 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 Sable 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 lovers paradise, often spotted about are, Heron, Owls, Eagles, Vultures, Lammergeir, Sun birds, Fish eagles, Mocking chat, and many other varieties.
Our dream is to live gentle upon the surface of the earth. We are dedicated to conservation and follow eco-friendly principles. Cathkin Valley is in the heart of Central Drakensberg. Mackaya Bella Lodge is an easy drive from Johannesburg / Durban/Bethlehem.
Come share in this paradise.
Accommodation at Mackaya Bella Country Lodge:
We have three exclusive stone clad cottages/rondavals under thatch. Each room is 18 sqm. Each uniquely furnished and set in landscaped gardens.
Each room has a queen size bed. Accommodating 2 people sharing. The rooms have an en suite shower and separate toilets. We provide bathroom towels and guest amenities. Some rooms having their own verandas and mountain views.
Optional extra; Single beds can be added to each room. (Total beds in room will then be 1 queen and 1 or 2 single beds). One room and the lodge are wheelchair friendly. All room have heating, fan, Flat screen television, DSTV satellite channels, and full bouquet. Tea, coffee facilities in each room. The rooms are only serviced on request.
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 Sable 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.
