Makaranga Garden Lodge is situated in 30 acre of lush Private Botanical Garden in The Valley of a Thousand Hills, KwaZulu Natal, 30 minutes from Durban.

Makaranga is a 5 star luxury accommodation and conference venue where guests can enjoy friendly service and superb cuisine. The Wild Poplar Restaurant offers an a la carte dinner menu and the Tuscan Terrace offers a breakfast buffet and a variety of lunch menus. Day visitors are welcome to enjoy a walk in the garden followed by refreshments on the terrace.


The philosophy of Makaranga revolves around providing an opportunity for enjoyment as well as rejuvenation for all our visitors. The beautiful gardens provide the ideal backdrop to achieve the desired levels of relaxation for all who visit us. The five star guest lodge has been designed to blend in with, rather than impose upon, the natural surroundings. The spacious lodge with hand painted murals, plush carpets, original art, and a classically furnished lounge, which is complete with a grand piano, create an atmosphere of intimacy and elegance.

Accommodation is en-suite, individually furnished and extremely spacious. Full facilities are available for those who are mobility impaired.

Our lodge and gardens boast an impressive art collection and guests can wander the wheelchair friendly pathways through the garden to admire the Shona and Italian sculptures set amongst an impressive collection of Camellias, Magnolias and Rhododendrons to mention a few. The Japanese garden features original stone carvings from Japan, and the 18 ponds and waterways are an ideal setting for little bronze statues of Venus, Pan and others.

Our unique brand of personal service, delicious food and good, old fashioned hospitality make this an ideal setting for a weekend leisure escape, romantic honeymoon or prestigious executive event. Makaranga provides an unsurpassed sanctuary for the visitor to rest, rejuvenate and rediscover total harmony.