Kukummi Lodge is a secluded boutique retreat nestled in a hidden valley within the Drakensberg mountains, South Africa. Facing breathtaking mountain views, this eco-conscious sanctuary offers an exclusive escape into nature. With only three rooms, our lodge provides personalized service, ensuring each guest feels at home. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area, with access to ancient San rock art, Zulu heritage sites, and the pristine Ukhahlamba/Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage park. Our unique offerings include a wood-fired hot tub, a forest shower, and private hikes into untouched wilderness. Adventure awaits at the end of a scenic, challenging road, where sustainability and harmony with nature are at the heart of everything we do. Perfect for eco-conscious travelers seeking tranquility and adventure, Kukummi Lodge invites you to rest, explore, and share in the stories that this mystical landscape has to offer.
We chose Mackaya because of the photo of their lounge and the entire stay had exceeded all of our expectations. There were no other guests so my family occupied 2 of their 3 cottages the whole time. We enjoyed Lyn’s delicious breakfast in the morning, and lit up a fire to watch sunset and counting stars at night. There are some restaurants nearby but you must get there early as most of them close early (like 5PM!). Lyn and Patrick are great hosts. They met us at the front of their main gate, and we drove circa 3km to reach their lodge. Lodge is just stunning! A piece of advice for would-be guests. Try to get back to the lodge before sunset because parts of the journey leading to the lodge can be challenging and I wouldn’t recommend driving in the dark.
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Date of stay: March 2022
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Room Tip:Â Cottage 1 & 3 have a view of the mountains and valleys
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from lynden Uys, Owner at Kukummi Lodge (formerly Mackaya Bella Country Lodge)
Responded 28 Mar 2022
Thank you.
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At the end of a long tricky drive the lodge sits in the valley, next to a tumbling little river looking up to the spectacular views of champagne castle ridge. The lodge itself is large and homely with lovely little huts to stay in. The food is good with a well stocked honesty bar. The roads floods in heavy rain but Pat is an expert at getting in and out for a small fee. A magical little place hidden off the beaten track with lots to do locally.
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Date of stay: March 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Need a high axel car and advice from Pat with any heavy rain or can leave car at end of the drive.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a honour to have spent a few days at this beautiful place. We had the best of both worlds - Sunny days and a thunder storm. The attention to detail was phenomenal. At each meal, the table was decorated differently which created a sense of excitement, while we enjoyed food prepared from the heart. Pat and Lynne are 5star + hosts. The location made it even more memorable!
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Date of stay: March 2020
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from mackayabella1919, Owner at Kukummi Lodge (formerly Mackaya Bella Country Lodge)
Responded 20 Mar 2020
Thank you so much. We so enjoy sharing this very special place with our guests. We do hope to see you back in the near future. Travel safe home. Bye for now
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We had an amazing time at Mackaya; it truly felt like a home away from home. Ryan and Danny are exceptional hosts, always ready to assist with any needs we had. They even catered to my vegan dietary requirements, and I still remember the delicious pasta and apple pie Danny made for us—absolutely yum! They made us feel like long-time friends, showing us around and ensuring we felt both at home and special.
We went on a hike with Danny, who is incredibly knowledgeable. I’m eagerly waiting for some footage from the Bush cam! Ryan also took us on a stroll around the area, where we learned so many new and interesting things about the ecosystem. Both of them are informative and knowledgeable.
Upon arrival, it was already dark, and we were quite anxious since there were no street lamps around. However, Ryan stepped in, waited for us at the main entrance, and led us all the way to the villa. The property itself is well-maintained and beautifully designed, but what made our stay truly special were these two amazing hosts. The property is quite big and we got a chance to explore some including cow cave paintings, trails ,dam,moonies pool,etc.
Amina, who works remotely, was also very responsive and willing to help in any way she could. Talent, another team member, was friendly and excellent at her job.
Overall, it was a wholesome experience, and we will definitely visit again. Leaving the property felt like leaving old friends behind. We even received bonus lemons upon departure! My husband, daughter, and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning soon.
I highly recommend Mackaya for a relaxing getaway, with good company, amazing and friendly hosts, and comfortable, beautiful rooms. 10/10 recommend!
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Date of stay: June 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had little red worms that kept appearing in our bed. We cleaned thoroughly, as we really loved the property and understood this was a part of nature, and tucked in for the night.. We then heard 2 dull thuds on our blanket. We turned on the lights to discover the worms were falling from the thatch roof.
As much as we love nature, we couldn't sleep in a bed with worms falling on us..
Also note that we discovered the hard way that a low vehicle (vw golf) was unable to enter the property without scraping along the ground.
The worst part is we were not granted a refund that even covers one night, of our 3 days booking. Very disappointing response from the owners.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lynden Angus, Innkeeper at Kukummi Lodge (formerly Mackaya Bella Country Lodge)
Responded 09 Oct 2022
Good day. Please view the website before check in. Please extend a big Thank You to your partner who was respectful, understanding and patient . All the best.
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What a perfect ending to 2020. We spent our Honeymoon over Christmas at Mackaya Bell Lodge and it was one of the most memorable stays at a lodge we ever had. From our arrival, the host's Lyn and Pat, made us feel so welcome. From the three-course meal for breakfast and dinner, to buy us a gift and spending Christmas eve and Christmas together, they were absolutely incredible. The lodge has a very intimate setting with stunning views of the mountains with beautiful walking trails. We will recommend Mackaya Bell Lodge to anyone and it was the last time Lin and Pat would see us.
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Date of stay: December 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from lynden Uys, Owner at Kukummi Lodge (formerly Mackaya Bella Country Lodge)
Responded 15 Apr 2021
Thank you so much. It was our pleasure. Lovely to meet you both. Big hugs. Pat and Lyn
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Kukummi Lodge (formally known as Mackaya Bella Lodge) is is nestled within its own 22-hectare estate, which forms part of the 220-hectare Rood Nature Reserve in the Drakensberg Mountains.
The secluded lodge offers breathtaking views of Cathkin Peak and the pristine nature reserve with it's ancient woods, river and waterfalls.
We spent a wonderful 2 weeks in late June at the Lodge in one of the cozy stone cottages - absolutely perfect for relaxation.
Danny and Ryan are exceptional hosts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their delicious home-cooked meals are the cherry on top of an unforgettable escape. Nature lovers seeking tranquility will find paradise at Kukummi Lodge and there are plenty of hiking trails for both the casual and avid hiker to enjoy. Danny took us out on a couple of hikes himself and proved ito be an excellent and knowledgeable guide.
Although the Lodge is very isolated down an unmade track, it is only 20 mimutea drive to the main road and the local amenities and various tourist spots.
Only one downside for us... We didn't want to go back home to the UK!
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Date of stay: June 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited in August and had an amazing time! The setting is exquisite, nestled below the mountain, surrounded by nature with an abundance of wildlife. The new owners, Danny and Ryan, are perfect hosts and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed - nothing was too much trouble! The rooms and facilities are excellent. The communal lounge, bar and dining area are warm and inviting, and lend themselves to lovely, relaxed and very sociable evenings - we enjoyed having a drink with other guests round the fire! There is also so much to do in the surrounding area, we wished we had stayed longer! I can highly recommend a stay here and we will certainly be back! Thank you Danny and Ryan for making us so welcome! Dianne
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Imladris Valley House, Owner at Kukummi Lodge (formerly Mackaya Bella Country Lodge)
Responded 01 Sept 2023
Thank you so much for your review. It was a pleasure hosting you and Shaun. Looking forward to welcoming you back here very soon!
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An amazing trip! It was my first solo trip and the hosts were friendly and I felt totally safe. I will definitely be back, the place is so beautiful! Listening to the bird song and the flowing river while looking at the mountain was fantastic!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Imladris Valley House, Owner at Kukummi Lodge (formerly Mackaya Bella Country Lodge)
Responded 10 Nov 2023
Thank you so much for your review. We truly enjoyed hosting you at our Lodge. Our place is very special, but it's not right for everyone and reviews like yours really help us to communicate what's so special and different about our place, vs anything else in the area. We really look forward to welcoming you back here soon!
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This is a great place to stay, and I can't recommend it highly enough, spotlessly clean , in a very quiet and peaceful location. The breakfast is divine! Patrick and Lyn are the perfect hosts. We enjoyed the warm cosy atmosphere by the fire place in the evenings.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Cathkin Park area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 2,137 - RÂ 3,303 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalDrakensberg RegionCathkin Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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