The Reserve

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve is located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, close to Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant National Park. The reserve spans over 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breathtaking diversity of flora and fauna. Lalibela is proud to be part of a cluster of photographic safari game reserves in the Eastern Cape. Together, they make up the Indalo Protected Environment, which is a legally protected conservation area.

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 such as cheetah, brown hyena, jackal and caracal. Often referred to as a Big 7 region, Lalibela’s prime location affords one the opportunity to view the Great White Shark and Southern Right Whale.

Due to vast areas of Savannah Grassland, this biome has by far the highest carrying capacity. This means the reserve is able to sustain vast herds of plains game such as zebra, impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbuck and eland.

An African safari is not complete without 3 primary components – exceptional game-viewing, bespoke accommodation and delicious, wholesome food. At Lalibela, we take special care to ensure that heartfelt service combines with these three “ingredients” to assure a memorable African safari experience.

Mark's Camp

Mark’s Camp is our family-friendly lodge. Decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style, Mark’s Camp can accommodate up to 18 adults and 8 children. Each comfortably furnished chalet includes an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and ceiling fans for those warm summer nights. All chalets open up onto private viewing decks.

There are 3 room types at Mark’s Camp:

One of the appealing features of Mark’s Camp, is the abundance of birdlife which can be viewed from the chalets, pool decks or central lounge area.

With a large waterhole in front of the lodge, it is not uncommon for guests to view an abundance of wildlife from the safety and seclusion of the lodge. Mark’s Camp has an outdoor dining boma for fireside dinners and open-air brunches, as well as a gracious indoor dining area.

Conservation, Research and Land Management

Lalibela is passionate about conservation. Ongoing projects include the removal of alien Black Wattle trees, erection of boundary fences, construction of animal enclosures for reintroduction into the reserve, rehabilitation and relocation of animals, collaring of animals for monitoring and research purposes to name a few. At times, it is necessary to perform veterinary procedures on high-profile species like lion, cheetah and rhino. During these procedures, veterinarians take great precautions to ensure the safety of the animals and will only dart wildlife when it is absolutely necessary. Some of our wildlife are fitted with tracking collars for safety and monitoring purposes. The tracking collars are a vital part of conservation efforts as they not only provide our conservation team with a better understanding of animal behaviour and movements across the reserve but also assist our anti-poaching team in protecting our wildlife.

Safari Experience - Malaria-free Safari in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

The safari element of a holiday to Africa is often the highlight of a journey or holiday. We are committed to ensuring that our guests relax, indulge and engage in an exceptional and memorable safari experience.

In addition to the larger, more known wild animals, Lalibela has various lesser-known species and our field guides delight in exposing our guests to these – the curious spring hare is as fascinating as the mighty African elephant!

Guests visit Lalibela in order to combine experiencing great game-viewing with great food together with the chance to completely and utterly unwind. The safari element of a holiday to Africa is generally the highlight and we certainly do our utmost to ensure that our guests are able to relax, indulge and engage in an exceptional and memorable 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.

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.

Walking Safaris (additional cost)

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.

Safari Cuisine

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.

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

Families with children under the age of 12 are welcome at Lalibela and are accommodated at our family lodge, Mark’s Camp. Our family rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children (under 18 years). 

We also offer an exciting children’s programme for children aged 2 years or older. For those under 2 years of age, we provide experienced childminders.

Vehicle-based safaris are a family experience at Mark’s Camp. Families with children 2 years and older, venture out on these activities together and where possible, children of a similar age, share a vehicle. Children under the age of 2 years are not permitted on these drives and so we have ensured that childminders are available to take care of children at no additional charge during the following times:

Between meals and game drives, children over 2 years of age are kept busy with a number of fun and educational activities i.e. arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, rock painting, track and bird identification and board games.

Weather permitting, children can enjoy and learn about nature on a guided walk and run around and play a fun game of soccer.

While the adults are more than welcome to join in on the children’s activities, they can also enjoy the peacefulness of the lodge and relax while their children are being entertained.

Children under 8 have special meals with food more suited to young children. The lodge manager will provide a daily children’s menu. If children prefer certain meals or have specific dietary requirements or allergies we need to be aware of, please let us know at the time of making a reservation or upon arrival at the lodge.

Children under the age of 12 years, pay 50% of the adult rate. Children 12 years and older are classified as adults and pay the full adult rate, including the conservation and community levy. This rate includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, children’s activities as described and any childminding during the above times. Children under the age of 2 years stay free of charge.