As travel around the world has opened up and the world seems to be returning to some form of normality, we believe now is the perfect time to book your safari at Lalibela Game Reserve! After months of travel restrictions and being stuck in various lockdowns around the world what could be better than enjoying the vast open plains of the African savannah enjoying the fresh air and abundance of fauna and flora. Discover why a safari at Lalibela is just what you may need!
Why choose Lalibela for your safari experience?
Location and malaria-free
Lalibela Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, close to Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant National Park which means that it is not only malaria-free but spans over 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of fauna and flora.
Lalibela is conveniently situated about 90 kilometres (approximately a one-hour drive) from Port Elizabeth Airport.
You have the option of flying to Port Elizabeth Airport and hiring a vehicle at the airport and then driving to Lalibela. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer service which is available at an additional fee. Lalibela makes use of an accredited transfer company and this is a convenient way to get to Lalibela as it minimizes the stress of driving on unfamiliar roads. You will be transferred from the Airport to Lalibela, by a friendly, local driver. Transfers can be booked through our helpful reservations team when making your reservation.
For maps and directions, click here.
World-class game viewing
Lalibela is a conservation project that currently consists of 10,500 hectares (approximately 26,000 acres) and is home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal and lynx.
Unique to our area of South Africa, we are blessed with vast areas of Savannah Grassland, the biome that has by far the highest carrying capacity – this means that we are able to sustain truly 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 can look forward to incredible game viewing at Lalibela. Your stay includes two game drives per night stayed (a morning and an afternoon game drive). Both game drives include a short refreshment stop where you will stop for tea and coffee on your morning game drive and sundowners on your afternoon game drive.
Our game drives are led by our knowledgeable and skilled guides who will explain the fauna and flora to you as you drive through the beautiful landscapes of Lalibela. They are there to answer any question that you may have about the wildlife and plant species that you will come across, so ask away!
Our guests are treated to amazing game viewing and birding opportunities. All our game viewing vehicles are open top, which makes for incredible panoramic views of the landscape. There is never a dull moment on safari as no two game drives are the same. Guests may see a member of the Big 5 today, but tomorrow your guide may show you a smaller, often overlooked animal species or even a plant species or two, which are just as important in our ecosystem.
A safari for the whole family
At Lalibela, we offer a safari for the whole family! There is no need to worry about your little ones being bored or left out of the safari experience.
Mark’s Camp, our family-friendly lodge offers a children’s programme which will keep your little ones entertained. The children’s programme offers interactive activities where children can have fun, but at the same time learn about the different animal and plant species found on Lalibela and the importance of animal conservation.
Children aged 2 – 7 years are only permitted to join our children’s game drive while children aged 8 and older are allowed to join the adults game drive. On the children’s game drive, children are accompanied by our Children’s Programme Coordinator so mom and dad can have peace of mind that their children are well looked after.
The children’s game drives are a sensory experience as it exposes the children to the sights, sounds, smells and feel and taste of Africa. The primary focus is on antelope, birds and insects with the opportunity to see the Big Five from a distance but this is not guaranteed.
Mark’s Camp also offers a babysitting service during selected times. You can read through our children’s programme here.
Luxury accommodation in the heart of the African bush
Lalibela has six different lodges. Each lodge has been designed with careful consideration of the surrounding environment and is unique in its own way. Whether you are travelling as a group, for your honeymoon or with your young children, there is a lodge to suit your specific needs.
Our six lodges are:
- Mills Manor (5-star) – Mills Manor is an exclusive-use home style villa offering an idyllic and private safari getaway for families or small groups. The villa has a relaxed home-away-from-home ambience and comes with a private game ranger and vehicle, chef and housekeeper.
- Kichaka Lodge (5-star) – The main lodge is constructed in natural stone and thatch which blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The lodge was extensively rebuilt in 2020. The décor of the new Kichaka Lodge is a modern uptake of traditional safari and colonial style and the ambiance created is one of comfortable elegance.
- Mark’s Camp – Mark’s Camp is our family-friendly lodge – it has 8 stone and thatch chalets, decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style and it can accommodate up to 18 adults and 8 children.
- Lentaba Lodge – Lentaba, the ‘’lodge on the hillside’’, sleeps 20 people in ten secluded thatched chalets (5 luxury and 5 classic), placed where magnificent indigenous gardens merge into the surrounding bush.
- Inzolo Lodge – Inzolo Lodge has 4 spacious and intimate chalets (each sleeping 2 adults) that are nestled in the valley providing panoramic views over the bush.
- Tree Tops – Tree Tops Safari lodge differs from our other lodges in that it is a tented camp. The luxury safari tents perched high on thatched platforms at ‘’tree top’’ level are joined by raised walkways and offer spectacular views over the thickly-wooded valley
Lalibela is committed to conservation and community upliftment
Our primary focus at Lalibela is the conservation of our indigenous flora and fauna taking into account the community in our area. This is achieved by a huge team of diverse and special people – all who share the vision of long-term sustainability in a fast-changing world.
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.
You can read more about our community and conservation projects here.
So, what are you waiting for? From world-class game viewing to relaxing in one of our luxurious lodges, to making memories with your family, you can look forward to your next safari adventure. Lalibela is ready to welcome you and make your first safari a memorable one!
You can book your stay directly or contact our reservations team on [email protected] or phone +27 41 581 8170 if you have any questions about making a reservation.