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Lalibela private game reserve comprises three lodges within 7,500ha of Big Five malaria-free bushveld. Game drives in an open vehicle with an experienced game ranger bring you face to face with a range of game, from mighty elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo to tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Night drives focus on the elusive bat-eared fox, aardvark, black-backed jackal and aardwolf. All of the animals, including the predators, are free-roaming throughout the entire reserve which spans five eco-systems, (valley bushveld, savannah grassland, fynbos, riverine forest and acacia woodland), resulting in a huge diversity of fauna and flora. African wild dogs, spotted hyena and more lion have also been reintroduced to Lalibela.
Between game drives, you can relax in the large lounge, bird watch from the viewing decks or laze around one of the two swimming pools, one for all ages and one more secluded pool which is reserved for adults. Mark's Camp also has an outdoor dining boma for fireside dinners and open-air brunches, as well as a rather festive dining area. At Lalibela, food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialties, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes.
Mark's Camp is all about family safaris. It lies approx 30 mins drive into the reserve from the reception lodge. The main lodge is decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style. The lodge sleeps up to 20 guests in 8 chalets, four of which are family chalets. Each comfortably furnished chalet has an en suite bathroom with a ceiling fan for those warm summer nights. Each opens up onto a private deck with views over the waterhole. They have a choice of three family rooms and a two bedroom family chalet. The family rooms have a small children's area with two built in beds separated with a reed partition from the parent's bedroom. There is also a larger two bedroom family chalet with has a small sitting area which can also accommodate extra children so this is ideal for a family with 3 or more kids or a family party.
Children under the age of 8 are not allowed on adult game drives, but are fully supervised and entertained with their own special 'kiddies drives' and various other games and activities. The kiddies drive generally departs one hour after the adult game drive in the morning with baby sitters getting the kids ready in the morning (once the kids get to know the Lalibela staff). Similarly it returns one hour earlier at night allowing the children to have supper at a reasonable time. During the day, activities for children are filled with creative African arts and crafts and bush skills : candle making and beading to tracking spoor around the lodge, making plaster cast moulds of the spoor and painting them. Younger children eat earlier, whilst parents are out on a game drive and then when parents return from their game drive, the younger children can enjoy roasting marshmallows over the fire and listen to exciting stories of Africa. There is also a specially designated play area, with paddling pool and jungle gym.listen to exciting stories of Africa, its people and the wildlife whilst parents enjoy dinner. There is also a specially designated play area, with paddling pool and jungle gym.
The stone-and-thatch chalets at Mark’s Camp are styled in a relaxed Pan-African décor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for families. Each chalet opens onto a private viewing deck, offering tranquil views of the surrounding bush and the chance to spot wildlife from the comfort of your own space.
Inside, the en-suite bathrooms are well-appointed with showers and his-and-hers basins, combining practical comfort with understated safari elegance.
These chalets comfortably accommodate 2 adults and 1 child aged 7 years or younger. Children are accommodated on a convenient day bed located at the foot of the parents' bed.
To enhance the experience for young guests, we offer a dedicated children’s programme for those aged 2 years and older, including tailored activities and meals. For little ones under the age of 2, we provide experienced childminders and nannies to ensure their comfort and safety.
For added peace of mind, Mark’s Camp is discreetly fenced to ensure the safety of young guests, making it a welcoming and secure choice for families with small children.
At Mark’s Camp, we offer a variety of family-friendly accommodation options designed with comfort and flexibility in mind.
We have three Family Rooms, each accommodating 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults. These rooms feature partitioned sleeping areas, offering parents and children a sense of space and privacy. The en-suite bathrooms are equipped with showers and his-and-hers basins for added convenience.
Our spacious Family Suite is ideal for larger families, accommodating 4 adults and 2 children (under 12 years). It features two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a shared lounge area where the children’s beds double as a seating area when not in use.
To enhance the experience for young guests, we offer a dedicated children’s programme for those aged 2 years and older, including tailored activities and meals. For little ones under the age of 2, we provide experienced childminders and nannies to ensure their comfort and safety.
For added peace of mind, Mark’s Camp is discreetly fenced, offering a secure environment for families with children.
Property Facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Kiddies Pool / Splash Pool, Malaria Free, Pool, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), 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, 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
There is a strong demand from families seeking a safari holiday in a malaria-free area, due to the health risks associated with taking young children to malaria-endemic regions.
Lalibela’s prime location makes it an ideal choice for families traveling with children who wish to combine an unforgettable safari experience with visits to the Garden Route and Cape Town.
To enhance the family safari experience, we have developed a thoughtfully designed children’s programme that balances adventure with quality family time. At Mark’s Camp, game drives are a true family affair—children aged 2 years and older join their parents on game drives. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, families with children of similar ages share vehicles, fostering a friendly and sociable environment.
For the safety and comfort of our youngest guests, children under 2 years of age are not permitted on game drives. Instead, they remain safely at the lodge under the care of professional childminders.
The children’s programme also includes a variety of engaging activities such as arts and crafts, educational games, bush skills and guided walks, and African storytelling. Specially prepared child-friendly meals are served, and babysitting services are available during select times—including during adult dinners and game drives.
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.
