Experience a Free Big Five Walking Safari!
You would have heard of the term “slack-packing”…… At Lalibela, we have come up with our own Big 5 slack-packing experience.
Guests who book stays of 3 or 4 nights have the option of dividing their stay between 2 lodges. Lentaba, Tree Tops and Inzolo Lodges are all joined by a thickly wooded valley that is rich in biodiversity. At no additional cost, guests have the option of moving between Lentaba Lodge and Inzolo or between Tree Tops and Inzolo on foot and with an experienced guide.
Some more information about the walk and the programme:
- Your walk leaves Lentaba Lodge or Tree Tops after brunch (so after your morning game drive)
- Your luggage is transported to Inzolo Lodge, so you only need to have a day pack for camera, water etc
- The walk is not arduous and there is actually a slight decline in the topography as one heads towards Inzolo
- Being in a thickly wooded valley, the walk is generally in shade so one is not exposed to the harsh sun too much
- Whilst you will be in a Big 5 area, the risk of confronting elephants, buffalo, rhino and lion are actually quite limited due to the fact that they tend to spend less time in the vegetation type that the valley is comprised of
- The point of the walk is not to cover the distance as fast as possible but rather to immerse yourself in nature and to allow your guide to explain the wonders of nature by showing you spoor, leopard scratchings on trees, birdlife etc etc
- The walk can take anything between 5 and 7 hours as there are plenty of stops along the way
- The staff at Inzolo set up a table in the valley and you will enjoy a late lunch (About 80% of the way so you only have a short walk after lunch to get to Inzolo)
The fineprint:
- This offer applies to guests staying at Tree Tops or in a luxury room at Lentaba Lodge (Tree Tops, Inzolo and Lentaba luxury rooms are common-rated)
- There is no additional charge
Are you interested in staying for 2 nights and still want to do a Big 5 Walking Safari? Read more about our Standard Big 5 Walking Safaris.
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
DANSouthAfrica
2022-01-13
Truly Superb!
We've recently returned from 2 nights at this amazing and special game lodge. Our experience overall was absolutely wonderful. From the welcome at the gate, throughout our stay, the Lalibela team were exceptionally warm, friendly, courteous and extremely helpful. The lodge is beautiful, right in the heart of nature, with an abundance of magnificent wildlife. Our guide, Ticha, was exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly and had a great sense of humour too. The meals were delicious and plentiful, and our food allergies were catered for seemingly effortlessly. Our rooms were very comfortable and luxurious, with quality linen and fittings - all beautifully co-ordinated. A huge thank you to ALL for making our stay truly magical. We will be sure to be back.
liannec864
2022-01-04
A wonderful and welcome break
It was such a pleasure to travel to the beautiful countryside that was only an hour from home (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha). Our room was great, with every amenity one could need.
Our ranger, Woody, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. One could absolutely see that he loves his job, and his environment, and cares for it deeply.
We have been to a number of game reserves over the years, but I can truly say I have never experienced the "vibe" of Lalibela before - not to sound silly, but it was almost as if all the animals were happy and relaxed 🙂 . There was an overwhelming feeling of peace and contentment, and this surely must be as a result of the passionate conservation practised.
Well done and thank you!
Sebdec
2022-01-02
Keep up the good work
We were in the Kichaka lodge for 3 days. This was the most beautifull experience of our life. Perfect Guide Andrew and a wonderfull hospitality in the Lodge by Chistina. Also the hotel is quietly, very beautifull and clean. The staff does everything for the guests. Also the food was very good!
Li S
2021-12-21
Great stay at Kichaka Lodge at Lalibela
We recently stayed at Lalibela and had the best time.
All the safaris we went on were interesting thanks to our entertaining and thoughtful guides. They answered all our questions and helped us see so many animals, including lions and rhinos and cape buffalo and zebra and so many beautiful antelope and birds.
We were housed in Kichaka Lodge which was beautiful and so comfortable. The staff was excellent and made sure we were well cared for.
We highly recommend the experience!
Frank M
2021-11-30
Erwartungen übertroffen- Krönender Abschluss unserer Garden Route Tour
Empfang war sehr nett und informativ (Einführungsfilm über Lalibela). Unser Gepäck wurde in einen Jeep verladen und unser Auto in einem separaten Bereich eingeparkt. Nach Abschluss der Anmeldeformalitäten wurden wir zur Lentaba Lodge gefahren.
Die Begrüßung auch hier wieder sehr nett und uns wurde einiges bzgl. Sicherheit erklärt und die unterschiedlichen Bereiche gezeigt.
Dann am Nachmittag die erste „Safari“ mit Roan. Es war unglaublich und wir haben viel wissenswertes über die jeweiligen Spezies und die Renaturierungs -Massnahmen erfahren. Fährten wurden uns erklärt und letztendlich haben wir bis zum Ende 2,5 tägigen Aufenthalts viele unvergessliche Eindrücke gesammelt. Dazu zählten Begegnungen mit Nashorn, Löwen, Büffel, Elefanten, Hippo‘s, Giraffen und viele andere. Häufig auch mit Jungtieren. Die Sundowner während der Abendsafari umgeben von Giraffen, Impalas und Zebras waren unbeschreiblich. Roan hat einen super Job gemacht.
Das Service Personal der Lodge war sehr aufmerksam und wir haben uns sehr wohlgefühlt.
Einziger kleiner Punkt, der gestört hat war der Generator, der aufgrund von einem Stromausfall die ganze Nacht lief und leider oberhalb unserer Hütte stand.
zimdougal
2021-11-18
Fantastic family trip
Fabulous trip to Lalibela with the family. The kids had a brilliant time and huge thanks to the staff and especially Jonty.
The game drives were very relaxed and perfect for our young kids. The food was great and the staff were very friendly.
Can't wait to be back again next year.
Elisa F
2021-11-07
Obrigado!!!
Sem palavras para agradecer pelos dias incríveis que passamos com a família Lalibela. Tudo foi lindo e maravilhoso e vai estar guardado pra sempre em nossos corações. Um ambiente muito acolhedor e tudo integrado com a natureza . Podemos desfrutar de uma gastronomia excelente, muitos detalhes que fazem toda a diferença .Deixo aqui nosso muito muito obrigado ...
Fernanda & Andreas
Robyn S
2021-11-04
Those Bookclub girls
What a treat! A group of old friends, who travel together once a year, and I have to say, this was our finest weekend yet.
We arrived at Lalibela and after an efficient check in, we climbed on the game vehicle and headed to Mark's Camp, which is well positioned above a watering hole. En route we got a glimpse of some of the delights we would later see on our game drives. After a delicious lunch, we retired to our beautifully appointed rooms and relaxed before our late afternoon game drive. Our knowledgable and personable guide, Jonty, was lovely, making sure we saw lots of game, and that we all got just the right shot for our photographs.
Dinner was a magnificent affair, looked after efficiently by Wendy and Dumisane, we ate well, before retiring for a good sleep in our comfortable beds.
Our early morning game drive was once again just wonderful! I have to say that to see such a healthy ecosystem, with a good balance of predators and herbivores was fantastic; the size of the herds of antelope is testament to a healthy reserve and indeed the conservation heart of Lalibela. Well done Team!
This trip saw my love of the bush reawakened, and I am already looking at my calendar trying to see when I will be able to return.
Nicole Schmidt
2021-10-20
Incredible guides and beautiful landscapes!
For our first trip to Lalibela Game Reserve we only had enough time to spend one spontaneous night, but we had an incredible time! It was mid winter so the weather was a bit temperamental, we got caught in the rain on our evening game drive, got soaked (we were provided with cozy ponchos and hot water bottles) and loved every minute of it! The lions were rather close to camp as we could hear them roar from inside our rooms! The following morning we were treated to a lion hunt talk about an experience! In the short time there we were able to witness a very diverse and lush landscape rich in plant and animal life! Our first guide Ticha was very knowledgeable.
I can’t believe this gem is only 90km out of Gqeberha. We couldn’t resist returning to explore your beautiful reserve for a little longer!
When we returned for our second time we were blessed with fantastic weather (especially considering it was winter!) so I spent my mid mornings lounging by the pool gazing at the hippo lazing in the waterhole.
We were fortunate enough to go on a private night drive and happened to come across 2 pairs of brown hynena (they are one of my favorite animals so naturally I was over the moon)
The morning and evening games drives didn’t disappoint either we were lucky enough to catch the mum cheetah and her 2 cubs in 2 hunts as well as a sneaky pair of male lions stalking a family of warthogs. Our guide on our second trip,Ruan, went above and beyond to make this trip for my mum’s birthday memorable. His knowledge about bird life and his passion for his job is what truly stood out! Will highly recommend a trip to Lalibela!
Richard W
2021-10-15
Fantastic trip
One of the best game reserve experiences I've had. Conservation efforts are heart warming. Facilities are perfect. Staff were happy and accommodating. Took grandkids and grandparents and all had a memorable time together.
