Nature - Page 2

Before going on a safari adventure at Makakatana, our knowledgeable guides might ask you if you have any fears or phobias. Our aim is to add a more meaningful wildlife experience and take you on a conservation journey that will leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to the miracles and wonders that surround us. Sometimes we come across creatures not fully understood or appreciated and most of the time they are the small things that are ignored and sadly disregarded. One such creature is the friendly spider. Now, before you close the tab in horror, let’s take a quick look at the importance of these unique members of the Arachnid family that live in the biodiverse eco-systems in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
.... DON'T BE AFRAID OF THOSE LEGS.

Spring and summer months in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park bring on the rumbling warning signs of thunderstorms that begin to roll through the beautiful hills and plains of KwaZulu Natal. The excitement levels rise around Makakatana Bay Lodge as we know the rain is coming and with it the increase of new wildlife. The Burchell’s Coucal, commonly known as the Rainbird, is the first warn of the rain on its way, while the frogs gather and prepare for reuniting in orchestral celebration and the veld waits for its boost to explode with colour as the flowers and grasses thrive with newfound vigour.

For those who have a thing for stats….keep reading to get to our 10 year rainfall records!

There is a general misunderstanding on the difference between field guides and game rangers. Even though both lines of work overlap in duties and roles, they differ when it comes to core purpose in the industry of conservation and tourism. Makakatana Bay Lodge plays a role in the world of both of these lines of work, since we help provide equipment through donations given by the guests to support rangers in anti poaching units of the park. This empowers them to manage the park as well as protect the animals and surrounding nature inside of it more effectively, forwarding the success of the park as well as the local community that benefits directly or indirectly from the park.

June is the month for celebrating the youth and we at Makakatana Bay Lodge thought that we would give a shout out to Mia Poulter, a family friend of the Morrisons, who did a very interesting study on the salinity levels of Lake St lucia for a Matric assignment earlier this year.