About Lalibela Game Reserve
Lalibela Game Reserve’s location in the Eastern Cape means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 ecosystems (valley bushveld, savannah grassland, fynbos, riverine forest and acacia woodland), resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna. Lalibela brings you the charm of authentic Africa and is a perfect blend of the formal and informal. Lalibela has three lodges - Lentaba Lodge, Mark’s Camp and Tree Tops - all offering decor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service and unforgettable game viewing. At Lalibela food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialties, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes.
The Lodges of Lalibela
At all three lodges, secluded thatched chalets are placed where magnificent indigenous gardens merge into the surrounding bus. Each en-suite unit has a private observation deck to make the most of the views. The lodges also boast a large lounge, viewing deck and a sunny swimming pool where you can spend a lazy afternoon. They also have an outdoor dining ‘boma’ for fireside dinners and open-air brunches, as well as a stylish indoor dining area. One of our lodges has family suites and a special children’s programme.
Marks Camp
The stone and thatch chalets and main lodge of Mark’s Camp are decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style. This lodge sleeps up to 20 guests in four individual chalets and three family chalets. Each comfortably furnished chalet has an en-suite bathroom and there is a ceiling fan for those warm summer nights. The chalets open up onto a private deck with views over the waterhole. Between game drives, guests can relax in the large lounge, bird watch from the viewing decks or laze around the swimming pool. Mark’s Camp has an outdoor dining boma for fireside dinners and open-air brunches, as well as a gracious indoor dining area.
Lentaba Lodge
Lentaba, the “lodge on the hillside”, sleeps 16 people in eight secluded thatched chalets, placed where magnificent indigenous gardens merge into the surrounding bush. Each en-suite unit has a private observation deck to make the most of the views over the valley bushveld. Each chalet also has a ceiling fan. The main lodge, decorated in traditional safari style, boasts a large lounge, viewing deck and a sunny swimming pool where you can spend a lazy afternoon. The outdoor dining “boma” has a commanding view of a waterhole which is spotlit after dark for night game viewing. There is also a stylish indoor dining area. Brunch is served al fresco on the main viewing deck.
Tree Tops
Tree Tops opened in 2004. Tree Tops 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. The rooms, with their canvas walls and thatched roofs have huge window areas and give guests the feeling of being right in the bush. Each room has a private veranda where guests can sit and relax in privacy. As with our other lodges, Tree Tops has a large lounge and open-air dining deck with a view over a small waterhole. Guests can sun themselves around the swimming pool or relax in the shaded gazebo. Special care and consideration was taken during the construction of Tree Tops to minimise the impact on the pristine vegetation in the valley. Tree Tops currently sleeps 8 people in 4 rooms and an additional 4 rooms will be built during the winter of 2005.
Safari Cuisine at Lalibela
We believe that warm hospitality and memorable food are as important as the game-viewing element of you safari experience. At Lalibela food is true African safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting new contemporary African dishes. Dining at Lalibela is unforgettable whether it is brunch on a sunlit deck, or a safari cuisine dinner in an indoor dining room or outdoor boma. All meals and all drinks are included in the rate. There is a special menu and dining area for children under 8. Vegetarian meals can be provided by prior arrangement.
Wildlife at Lalibela
Game drives in an open vehicle with an experienced game ranger brings you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from mighty elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo to tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Lalibela is also home to cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope, such as eland, kudu, bushbuck and wildebeest. On thrilling night drives under the vast African sky, we search for the elusive bat-eared fox, aardvark, black-backed jackal, aardwolf and the curious spring hare. You get two game drives for each night that you stay at Lalibela: one in the late afternoon and one early the following morning.