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Address:
Road A1115, Kwa-Nibela Peninsula, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
T: +27 (0)35 562 9005
E: reservations@malkohalodge.co.za
Central Reservations:
+27 (0)861 010 347
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The Soul of the Zululand Wilderness Triangle
False Bay Boat Safaris
Discover the quiet side of Lake St Lucia
Newly launched private, immersive water safari in Africas oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site
A Whole New Experience Awaits
A refuge of reflection in a World Heritage landscape
Malkoha Lake St Lucia (formerly Nibela Lake Lodge) ushers in a new era of soulful travel within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is not a resort, but a refuge of reflection, set within one of Earth’s most diverse estuarine systems. The lodge lies among the rare Sand Forest, an ecosystem formed millions of years ago from ancient coastal dunes.
Here, nature, tranquillity and timeless wilderness come together in a living mosaic of wetlands, forests and skies.
Your Arrival
A crossing, not a check-in
Guests arrive by private ferry across Lake St. Lucia, Africa’s largest estuarine lake. The short crossing unveils vast water vistas before approaching Malkoha’s jetty, an arrival that feels more like a passage into another world.
At the jetty, guests are greeted with rituals that honour the land and its people. Handmade keepsakes share the stories of their local creators, while intention stones invite guests to pause, breathe, and begin anew.
On the deck, the host welcomes each guest with the Zulu proverb “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” – I am because we are.
Guests enjoy a refreshing cold-pressed juice as activity options are introduced. Every element within the lodge is intentional, from African High Tea beneath the trees, to stories shared around the reimagined lakeside boma, to intimate cultural encounters that reflect the essence of Zululand.
Mornings
Forest light and quiet ritual
Begin each day with freshly brewed coffee, chai, or rusks, followed by bush breakfasts, lake brunches, or tea and warm baked treats on the deck.
Mornings unfold with a guided activity hosted by Untravelled Trails, offering space to reconnect with nature’s rhythm and the stillness of the forest.
Lakeside Boma Feasts
Fire, song and the evening sky
The Ritual
Evenings open with the call of the kudu horn and a hand-washing ritual using a bowl and calabash, a sacred act of cleansing before the meal.
The Feast
Dinner celebrates local, seasonal ingredients, and on alternate nights, the boma comes alive with Zulu song, rhythm, and storytelling beneath the stars.
The Storytelling
Guests share stories under the stars as the evening closes, surrounded by the rhythm of drums and the flicker of firelight.
Turndown & Farewell
A blessing for the road
“Izinyoni ziyaqonda lapho zizalelwa khona” – Birds always return to where they were born.
Each night ends with a thoughtful turndown and a Zulu proverb such as the one above. Departure is marked by a farewell bracelet tied with a whispered blessing: “Return always.”
Guests may also plant a tree or receive the GPS coordinates of one planted in their honour, leaving a lasting connection with the land.
What is included in your stay
Malkoha serves as your soulful basecamp, a sanctuary for travellers seeking stillness, sustainability, and connection within the vast living mosaic of iSimangaliso’s wetlands, forests, and skies.
Inclusions
- Pre-arrival digital welcome pack
- Return ferry transfers to and from the lodge
- Signature arrival rituals and handmade keepsakes
- One curated morning and one evening activity daily
- African High Tea beneath the trees
- All meals prepared with locally sourced produce
- Traditional boma dinner under the stars
Exclusions
- Land transfers to and from Malkoha
- Bespoke spa treatments and private excursions
- Curio purchases, premium beverages, and gratuities
Step inside
Explore Malkoha in 360°
Wander through the main lodge, drift onto the deck, and take in the view over Lake St Lucia — all before you arrive. Our interactive 360° tour lets you experience the stillness, texture and space of Malkoha from wherever you are.
TIP: 
open full screen for the best sense of scale.
Two Ways to Experience Malkoha
Choose the stay that speaks to your soul
At Malkoha Lake St Lucia, every stay is shaped by the way you wish to connect — whether you crave quiet independence or a deeper, guided immersion into the wilderness.
Stay at Malkoha
For the Free-Spirited Traveller
Opt for a DIY Overnight B&B Stay and let your curiosity lead the way. Wake with the sunrise over Lake St Lucia, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the deck, and fill your day with self-guided exploration — from forest walks and birding to scenic drives through iSimangaliso. Return to the lodge for sundowners and the comfort of your private chalet, where simplicity meets serenity.
Flexible stay lengths. Transparent rates. No hidden extras.
Curate the Zululand Wilderness Triangle
For the Explorer at Heart
Choose the Curated Zululand Wilderness Experience and allow us to craft a seamless journey through the soul of this landscape. We’ll connect you to our partner lodges — Makhasa and Untravelled Trails — for a multi-day adventure that unites lake, land, and culture. From Big 5 safaris and sand forest walks to lake cruises and village encounters, every moment is guided, balanced, and meaningful.
Curate Your Zululand Experience (comming soon)
Tailormade. No fixed packages — we design around you.
Whether you choose to stay lakeside or journey deeper into Zululand’s wilderness, Malkoha is your homebase — a place to begin, return, and rediscover.
Explore more at Malkoha
