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Kichaka Lodge, set between two streams in a lush bushveld valley, is an exclusive five star luxury lodge just one hours drive from Port Elizabeth in the malaria free Eastern Cape. Kichaka lies within the Lalibela private game reserve which covers five ecosystems, giving a breathtaking diversity of fauna and flora. You see a wide variety of game, including the Big Five, as well as wild dog, hyena and cheetah, all ranging freely over the reserve. Enjoy morning or afternoon-night game drives and guided walks. Between safari activities, indulge in a massage or beauty treatment in their spa room overlooking the waterhole.
Each 70m² suite has a lounge area with large glass sliding doors on two sides that open wide, effectively making these rooms feel like part of the surrounding bush. Facilities include air-conditioning, king-sized beds with percale cotton linen, wifi connectivity, underfloor heating, minibar, tea/coffee facilities.
The main lodge is constructed in stone and thatch which blends seamlessly with the surrounding African landscape. It overlooks a large water hole popular with hippo, giraffe, elephant and other game. There's a heated rim-flow pool on an adjacent terrace which seems to melt into the waterhole below. You can dine outdoors under the African skies, or indoors in the elegant dining room. Above the lounge is a library/meeting room. This room provides a quiet place to curl up with your favourite book but can double as a comfortable, fully catered meeting room if needed.
The immediate camp area around the game lodge is secured by discreet electric fencing to ensure safety of guests and to deter elephants from destroying the trees. Being protected in this manner, Kichaka guests are able to walk freely around the camp and enjoy the local flora and birdlife.
The three water-facing suites are styled in the same luxurious design as the main lodge, featuring elegant décor and high-end finishes. Bathrooms are indulgently fitted with free-standing baths, rain showers, and double vanities. Each suite boasts a private deck with a heated plunge pool and outdoor shower, thoughtfully positioned to make the most of uninterrupted views over the waterhole.
Room Amenities: 3 elegantly appointed suites featuring extra-length king-size beds dressed in Percale cotton linen, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, fully stocked mini-bars, and hair dryers for your comfort and convenience.
The seven bush-facing suites are decorated in the same luxurious style as the main lodge, with the finest bathroom fittings offering true indulgence—enormous baths, rain shower heads, and his-and-hers basins. Each suite features a private deck with a heated plunge pool and an outdoor shower, all thoughtfully positioned to maximize the sense of being immersed in the bush.
Room Amenities: 7 elegantly appointed suites featuring extra-length king-size beds dressed in Percale cotton linen, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, fully stocked mini-bars, and hair dryers for your comfort and convenience.
Property Facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Pool, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Beach, Big 5, Canoeing, Game Viewing, General Sightseeing, Golf, Hiking, Historical Tours, Marine Adventures, River Cruises
Lalibela is a dedicated conservation project spanning approximately 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres), home to the iconic Big 5—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—as well as other remarkable predators such as cheetah, hyena, jackal, and lynx.
Unique to this region of South Africa, we are privileged to host vast expanses of Savannah Grassland, the biome with the highest carrying capacity. This rich environment supports large herds of plains game including zebra, impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbuck, and eland, which in turn sustains an impressive population of free-roaming lions.
Game viewing takes place during the early morning and late afternoon, led by experienced game rangers in open safari vehicles. Should you have specific wildlife interests, please inform your ranger, who will gladly tailor the experience to accommodate your preferences while aligning with the group’s itinerary.
Typical game drives last about three hours, featuring a refreshing coffee stop in the morning and a scenic sundowner break at sunset. Evening drives often return after dark, with times adjusted seasonally. We recommend bringing warm clothing even in summer, along with essentials like binoculars, cameras, and a sunhat.
For guests seeking an extended adventure, optional late-night game drives are available by prior arrangement at an additional cost.
Big 5 Walking Safaris:
Experience an exclusive Big 5 Walking Safari within Lalibela’s main reserve, guided by expert rangers. This immersive walk offers close encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, teaching tracking, animal behavior, and the sights and sounds of the bush.
Suitable for guests aged 18 to 70.
Weather dependent; bookings must be made during your stay.
Additional cost, payable on departure at Reception.
Soft Walking Safaris (Non-Big 5 Area):
Lalibela’s expanded 2,000-hectare predator-free breeding zone offers soft walking safaris in a safe, relaxed environment. Ideal for families and all ages, enjoy up-close views of zebra, giraffe, warthog, and antelope, with an educational and gentle bush experience.
Open to all ages.
Weather dependent; bookings must be made during your stay.
Additional cost, payable on departure at Reception.
Reconnect with yourself in the tranquil setting of the Kichaka Lodge Spa, where wellness meets wilderness. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding environment, the spa is constructed from natural stone and thatch, capturing the essence of safari chic while offering a peaceful escape between game drives.
Perched above a waterhole, the spa boasts floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding bush and the nearby hippo hollow—creating a serene backdrop as you indulge in luxurious treatments.
The spa features a general treatment room, a dedicated couple’s treatment suite, a steam room, and a sauna, providing a complete wellness experience. Treatments include a range of massages and facials with each designed to restore balance and enhance relaxation. Whether you're easing muscle tension after a game drive or simply unwinding, our experienced and highly trained therapists will tailor each session to your needs using a holistic, healing approach.
This peaceful retreat is the perfect complement to your safari adventure—allowing you to fully relax, recharge, and connect with the rhythms of nature.
Please note: Spa treatments are offered at an additional cost and can be booked directly with the spa therapist at the lodge.
