CONSERVATION

Our primary focus at Lalibela is conservation – be it of our indigenous flora and fauna, or our efforts to reduce waste on reserve.

Whilst Lalibela is run on business principles, our owners have pledged that all surpluses generated on Lalibela are allocated to the conservation of the land, animals and wider community.

We have a number of ongoing projects all working towards this joint vision of a comprehensive conservation mission.  We are lucky to have a huge team of diverse and special people who all believe in the value and necessity of long-term sustainability.

Recycling

Throughout the reserve, from our lodges to staff housing, workshops, community and admin buildings, we have recycle bins. There are recycling bins for glass, plastic, tins, paper and cardboard. The recycling that is collected is taken to a nearby recycling plant where it is recycled.

Vegetable peels and food scraps are collected by a farmer who would either use this for pig food or for making biogas. All sanitary products are incinerated.

Plastic-Free

Our goal is to have zero use of plastic on Lalibela. This is a huge task and it involves getting buy-in from staff, guests and our suppliers. We have already made huge strides and will continue to drive this process!

Alien-Tree Removal

An ongoing conservation project on Lalibela is the removal of alien wattle trees (as of March 2023, we estimate that we have completed about 90% of the task).

The wattle trees are completely removed from the reserve. They are then burnt and the ash is then worked back into the soil. The ash is full of nutrients that the soil needs in order to thrive. By doing this, we have managed to recover 4000 hectares of land that is completely wattle free. Vast areas of savanna grassland  have grown back in place of the wattle forests. The Savanna Grassland biome has the highest wildlife carrying capacity so this means that we are able to sustain large herds of plains game like zebra, impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbuck and eland. This, in turn, allows us to sustain a remarkable density of free-roaming lions.

You might notice some patches of dry or burnt land – this is where we have removed alien trees, burnt the wood and worked the ash (full of nutrients) back into the soil.  Ask your ranger to show you areas where the land has fully recovered and you can then compare it with areas still in the recovery stage.

We are also removing Optunia, commonly known as “Prickly Pear”. This invasive cactus species bears  fruit which is very palatable, so elephants and baboons in particular spread the seeds around the game reserve. We have currently removed approximately 60% of the Optunia and will continue removing this invasive species until it is completely eradicated from the reserve.

Water Purification Plant

Lalibela has a water purification plant on site. Water is sourced from two boreholes and is put through a filtration process and is treated to remove excess iron The water then passes through machines using the reverse osmosis process. Reverse osmosis is the process or the technology which is used to remove ions, mineral chemicals, and other impurities from drinking water. Once the water has passed through these stages, the water is 100% safe for consumption. Lalibela is able to produce both still and sparkling water on site for use in our lodges.

Wildlife Conservation & Anti-Poaching

One of the aspects of our conservation programmes at Lalibela is that from time to time we need to conduct veterinary procedures on high profile species like lion, cheetah and rhino. During these procedures, veterinarians take great precaution to ensure the safety of the animals and will only dart wildlife when it is absolutely necessary to do so. Some of our wildlife are fitted with tracking collars for safety and monitoring purposes. When the batteries in the tracking collars reach the end of their lifespan, it then becomes necessary to fit a new collar. The tracking collars are a vital part of conservation efforts as they give our wildlife team a better understanding of their behaviour and movements across the reserve but also assist our anti-poaching team in protecting endangered species.

Our dedicated anti-poaching teams put their lives on the line protecting our wildlife. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are committed to the safety of our rangers, their ongoing training and ensuring that they have the equipment they need to continue protecting our precious wildlife.

 CONSERVATION AT LALIBELA GAME RESERVE

Quick Enquiry

  • Off N2 National Road (90 km from Port Elizabeth on the N2 towards Grahamstown)
    6131 Lalibela Game Reserve
    South Africa
  • +27 41 581 8170
mariaswaden
mariaswaden
2022-12-14
One of the best holidays We stayed at Kichaka lodge with a view of the watering hole where a family of hippos had taken up residence. It was wonderful. The staff could not have done more for us. The safari’s were incredible with Ashley our ranger being an absolute encyclopaedia of information. We saw the big 5 as well as all the small creatures. All done with respect for the animals well being and comfort. The food was exquisite. If I could give more stars I would. We will definitely be going back at some point in the future. I can’t recommend them enough. It was fantastic.
Freya D
Freya D
2022-12-04
Great safari trip at Lalibela with very special ranger Our first safari at Lalibela was incredible.Thanks to the whole Lalibela team. All of you are great and we really enjoyed our three day trip at Lalibela. Lentaba lodges were comfy and the food was good as well.Special thanks also goes to our ranger Guy. He has really great knowledge of all the animals and plants at the reserve and taught us a lot. We even booked an additional 6 km walk by foot with him. He is just the funniest and coolest dude! Thanks again Guy for this amazing experience. You are the best.
Wendy B
Wendy B
2022-12-04
Fantastic! We recently stayed at Lentaba Safari Lodge in Lalibela Game Reserve. It was fabulous! All of the staff were friendly, helpful and welcoming. The food was varied and really delicious. The game drives were fantastic; we saw lions, cheetah, elephants, giraffe, buffalo, rhino, hippo, brown hyena…it was so exciting. Our guide, Liesel, was excellent. We really appreciated her knowledge of the birds as well as the animals, which was outstanding. We wholeheartedly recommend Lentaba.
Tom
Tom
2022-12-03
Memories to last a life time We recently did 2 weeks in South Africa for our honeymoon, ending it with a three night stay at Kichaka at Lalibela.Absolutely stunning doesn't quite cut it. The lodge, our private lodge, the surroundings, the animal encounters - all incredible. But despite all of that, what stood out above all was how immense the staff and rangers were. The staff couldn't do enough for you. They were amazing and such lovely people. Right from the those serving breakfast through to the mixologist who'd make whatever you wanted. A special mention has to go to our two rangers - Ash and Nathan (it was also Nathan's first day!!) - they were absolutely brilliant. I've never been more excited to get up at 5 in the morning. It was even seeing the animals, it was the excitement of trying to find them, and the enthusiasm and knowledge they both had was incredible. Parking up the jeep to have some G&Ts in the park was just stunning.I never thought I'd be blown away by Termite mounds, but I was! We also did a couple of extras - a night drive and a walk. Both incredible and would highly recommend. The night drive in particular was a sensory overload, so exciting with an undertone of fear of hearing all sorts but without being able to see. The best part was driving into the herd of Buffalo and seeing a sea of red eyes staring at us - amazing. Oh and we saw an Aardvark - apparently the first time in 7 years the rangers had seen one - they were super excited - so naturally we were too!! Oh and don't get me started on the herd of elephants...epic.I could go on forever, but this place holds a special place in hearts. Thanks to all the staff involved, and thanks to our two amazing rangers - Ash and Nathan - we WILL be back!! Tom and Louise x
mooch
mooch
2022-11-15
Amazingly stunning experience at lalibela We recently stayed at lalibela kichaka lodge. From the moment we arrived till the day we left the staff could not do more for you. It was pure luxury. The rooms were stunning and comfortable with fab views we had our own plunge pool which was lovely to relax in after a game drive. We looked over the waterhole where Hippo spent their days. The food was also top class. The rangers were amazing making sure we saw all the animals. They were extremely knowledgeable and experienced, nothing was too much trouble. We also did a night drive which was extra and totally worth it, seeing the animals at night gave a total different perspective. We also went on a walking safari, again extra but totally worth it a real must if you go here. We have never felt so sad to leave a place it was sumptuous. The ladies in the spa gave the most relaxing massages too. I really can’t think of anything negative to say about this place other than 3 nights certainly we’re not long enough, when we return it will be for longer for sure. Do not hesitate to book this absolutely wonderful place you really will not be disappointed. We would give it 10 stars if we could.
Janchamb
Janchamb
2022-11-05
Inzola Game Lodges - a little place of paradise Inzola lodge is set in the middle of Lalibela, one of the five lodges situated on 11,000 hector game reserve. From start to finish we were made to feel incredibly welcomed and valued guests by the attentive staff team including J, Ray and their lovely team. Lodges were spectacular overlooking the reserve. The lodges are so comfortable and inviting with ours having an outside bath to enjoy on a star lit night. The food is superb - don’t think we have ever eaten so well. This was our first safari and ‘Pete’ Du Plesis was our guide which made our early morning and afternoon safaris enriched with his broad knowledge and expertise of the animals. in addition, Pete was really funny and sociable as well as informative about the habitat sharing his botany expertise.We highly recommend this experience to anyone and we would love to return in the future.
kstrup334867
kstrup334867
2022-11-04
Lalibela Game Reserve We had a fantastic trip! Lalibela was such a lovely place to stay, the staff were amazing so friendly and attentive, the food was excellent, the game drives were such fun, I would highly recommend this place.
gertvbr
gertvbr
2022-11-01
Heaven on earth My daughter and I stayed for the 3rd time in Lalibela; not without reason. We absolutely adore the reserve for its hospitality, nature and also what they do for the community. This visit did not disappoint. We stayed in Lentaba Safari Lodge (the 3rd lodge we have stayed at); a serene place with occasional elephant visitors; beautiful rooms and common areas that invite to share your experience with other visitors. Meals are enjoyed together (apart from the day we were alone on the lodge, which was a bit overwhelming but a super treat) and all of them were abundant and highest quality. The fabulous staff takes very good care of you and when there are special occassions to be celebrated or other requests made they are very considerate and make it happen. We had the privilige to be with our earlier ranger Regard again, an endless source of knowledge, ranger skills and fun that makes the hours on safari even more pleasant and memorable. Lalibela's conservation area is beautiful with lots of variety and wide views. One of the signature sightings for us here are the large groups of various antilopes and giraffes in these open areas; breathtaking all day: early morning, late afternoon close to sundown or even in heavy rains. Of course there is a lot of attention for Big 5 animals (and we love the frequent sightings of lions, rhinosaurs, elephants and buffalo's as well) but there is beauty in many more of the animals present and Regard has the skills to bring out the beauty in every animal. At the end we decided to stay an extra day, but even then felt really sorry to leave. For us this is heaven on earth (and we have been to many other good places in SA as well); but then on short driving distance from PE, which makes coming in and going back really easy. So we should be able to come back....
serena m
serena m
2022-10-27
Amazing We were a group of 8 and took over the Tree tops lodge, the staff couldn't have been more hospitable, cooked delicious food, in fact there was far too much and we cancelled lunch. Our wonderful guide Lisel, took us out for way longer on the first morning, it was initially foggy so very hard to see anything, then we heard monkeys screeching in a wood so she drove off the track, we ducked and dived to avoid branches, only to come across an exhausted cheetah, so close my zoom lens wasn't needed. our second evening we saw lions up very close, and two herds of elephants - my goodness what an experience. On our last morning while watching the hippos wallowing in the water a herd of giraffe come lolling by, and on the way home we saw 2 newly born wildebeest - we also saw rhino twice.
Dangerburg
Dangerburg
2022-05-04
A Hidden Treasure. My family and I stayed at Mark’s camp for three nights in April 2022. We have three young boys aged 1, 5 and 8. My wife and I honeymooned in Shamwari next door 15 years ago and we were keen to do a safari with our kids. Mark’s camp appeared to have a family feel which appealed to us. Undoubtedly this is the finest game reserve we have ever been on. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left we were treated with a level of service not previously experienced. Their attention to detail is unrivalled. A five star treatment is guaranteed. The rooms are top quality and easily accommodated us all. The food served is high quality with 3 meals served daily. Local produce such as Ostrich, Kudu and Eland is served daily and is quite simply delicious. I would like to note the staff at Mark’s camp as the most courteous and professional staff I have ever encountered. They simply cannot do enough for you. On each game drive we left our 1 year old in the main house with a childminder and the house staff. It was clear on our return how engaged the house team were with minding our child when we were on drives. This service was inclusive on our package and allowed us to relax in confidence on our drives. We had a morning and evening game drive each day. Our ranger “Guy” was absolutely brilliant at his job and he went above and beyond each day to accommodate my wife and I and especially our two young boys who accompanied us on each game drive. He was extremely accommodating of us and answered all of our questions on the animals, no matter how silly! We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, cheetahs and many more animals. Each drive was an amazing experience. Guy knows his trade and was brilliant at entertaining the kids. He also spent time playing football and games at Mark’s camp each day in between game drives. I had concerns about keeping my kids engaged with the game drives given their duration and the earliness of the morning drives however on our last drive my boys were fully dressed, packed and waiting at 530am ready for action!! I credit Guy with this anticipation. My boys had an unforgettable experience made better by Guy’s enthusiasm and commitment to customer satisfaction. My boy’s Sam and Jacob are still talking about their experience and are already wondering when we are going back. The animals at Lalibela are truly amazing and to experience them up close in the natural habitat is something I cannot recommend enough. A truly memorable experience. Thank you Mark’s camp. The Hennebry family.