Safari Experience

Vehicle-based Safaris

Vehicle-based safaris are the best manner in which to view animals within their natural environment without too much interference and disturbance. Our primary activity on Lalibela is to conduct safaris in a natural environment. All of the vehicles are carefully adapted to the passengers’ safety and comfort with maximum viewing capacity, void of canvas roof coverings. This allows for a panoramic view and generates a sense of freedom and expression – after all, this is what a safari is about!

Safaris on Lalibela are governed by the rhythm and times of nature. Since predators are generally inactive during daylight hours, most hunting is done in the early morning hours and in the evening For these reasons, our safari drives take place to coincide when the wildlife is most active – early mornings and late afternoons.

The duration of a safari drive is approximately 3 to 4 hours, with an authentic African sundowner stop at sunset and a hot beverage stop in the morning. The afternoon safari drives usually return to the lodge after dark in time for dinner, allowing for some nighttime visuals. Safari drive times are seasonally adjusted as the seasons change.

Optional late-night safari drives are available by arrangement with the lodge at an additional cost. These late-night game drives depart after dinner and the main focus is on nocturnal species.

A walking safari is a must when one travels to a wildlife destination. This is an authentic experience whereby one encounters animals on their own level and learns about the various intricate aspects of the surrounding environment. All walking safaris are led by our qualified safari guides and offer a unique and rewarding experience of the African bush. While searching for wildlife, your guide will also point out animal tracks, signs, dung of various animals and birds which will give you a unique understanding of the fauna and flora indigenous to the region.

* No children under the age of 18 years are permitted to participate in a Big 5 Walk.
Children 16 and 17 years of age are permitted at the discretion of the safari guide manager.

Vehicle-based Safaris

Safari game drives are a family outing at Mark’s Camp. Families with children 2 years and older go out on the safari drives together. At Lalibela we try, where possible, to group families together with children of similar ages to venture out on these activities.

Children under the age of 2 years are not permitted on vehicle-based safaris for safety reasons. We do have child-minders available to look after your children whilst parents and older siblings are out on their excursion.

Children’s Activities (for children aged 2 years and older)

Children on safari are accommodated and hosted at Mark’s Camp, our family-friendly lodge. Safari experiences are family events and outings are enjoyed together. Families with children 2 years and older go out on safari drives together. At Lalibela we try, where possible, to group families together with children of similar ages to venture out on these activities.

Children under the age of 2 years are not permitted on vehicle-based safaris for safety reasons. We do have childminders available to look after children whilst parents and older siblings are out on their excursions.

Between meals and safari drives, children over 2 years of age are invited to the Children’s Safari Centre, based at Mark’s Camp, where a number of fun and educational activities will thrill and delight them.

While the adults are more than welcome to join in on the children’s activities, they may also enjoy the peacefulness of the lodge and relax whilst their children are being cared for and educated on the amazing wonders of the African bush. After all, the best learning takes place in a safe and fun environment.

Childminders are on duty, at no charge during the following times:

• During the times that the adult morning and evening vehicle-based safari drives take place.
• During the times that the children’s activities take place.
• During adult meal times.
  Should any additional assistance be required with child/children outside of these hours, the lodge manager will be happy to arrange this at an additional charge.

Children are catered for specifically. The lodge manager will provide a menu each day with options available for children. If children prefer certain meals and have certain dietary requirements, please do not hesitate to inform the lodge manager. Please advise if there are any allergies that we should be aware of.

Dining at Lalibela is a sensual and unforgettable experience elevated with locally sourced and seasoned produce. Whether it is brunch on a sunlit deck, or dinner in the dining room or a traditional outdoor-boma fireside dinner, we believe that warm hospitality and well-prepared food offerings are as important as the game-viewing element of your safari experience. Our chefs curate and produce authentic dishes and cater to the palate and specific needs of guests.

Star Gazing

The night skies in the Eastern Cape have an expansive reach that makes one feel as if you could touch the stars. On a clear night, the southern night skies are a brilliant show of the heavens and to be on safari is just the right place to be to view this expanse.
Our guides will assist to navigate the various planets and constellations, along with interesting facts and folklore of bygone cultures.

Please enquire on your arrival at the lodge should you wish to participate in a star gazing event.

Remember to bring along:

• Warm clothes for cool evening and early morning drives – clothes that may be layered for warmth
• Neutral coloured clothing that will allow one to blend into the environment
• A comfortable pair of walking shoes
• Binocular
• Cameras
• Sunblock & sun hat