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 decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style.
The chalets open up onto your own private viewing deck with views over the surrounding bush.
The en-suite bathroom has a shower and "his & hers" basins.
These rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child under the age of 7 years.
Children are accommodated on the day bed at the foot end of the parents bed.
Mark’s Camp is discretely fenced for children’s safety.
At Mark's Camp we have 3 family rooms which can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children (under 18) and 1 family suite which can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children (under 12).
The en-suite bathrooms have a shower and "his & hers" basins. Family rooms have partitioned sleeping areas for parents and children.
The family suite consists of 2 separate bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. The children’s beds in the lounge area double as a lounge when not needed as beds.
We also offer a special children’s programme for children aged 2 and older, which includes special activities and meals. For those under 2 years of age, we provide experienced child-minders & nannies.
Mark’s Camp is discretely fenced for children’s safety.
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Pool, Secure Parking
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card
There is a huge demand for families wanting a safari holiday in a malaria-free area, because of the risks associated with taking children to a malaria-infested area.
Lalibela’s location makes us ideal for families travelling with children, who are wanting to combine a family safari with the Garden Route and Cape Town.
We have devised a children’s programme which we feel optimises the safari experience with quality family time. Game drives are a family experience at Mark’s Camp, so families with children 2 years and older will go out on the game drives together. As Mark’s Camp is a family-friendly lodge, different families with children of similar ages will go out on the game drives together and will share a vehicle.
Children under the age of 2 years are not permitted on game drives. They would have to stay at the lodge with a child minder.
Other features of the children’s programme include arts and crafts educational activities, games, bush skills & walks, African stories, special child-friendly food and babysitting during certain hours (including adult dinner and game drives).
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 & leopard) as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal & lynx.
Unique to our area of South Africa, we are blessed with vast areas Savannah Grassland, the biome that has by far the highest carrying capacity – this means that we are able to sustain truly vast herds of plains game like zebra, impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbuck and eland. This, in turn, allows us to sustain a remarkable density of free-roaming lions.
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 & leopard) as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal & lynx.
Unique to our area of South Africa, we are blessed with vast areas Savannah Grassland, the biome that has by far the highest carrying capacity – this means that we are able to sustain truly vast herds of plains game like zebra, impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbuck and eland. This, in turn, allows us to sustain a remarkable density of free-roaming lions.
Game viewing is carried out during the morning and evening when you are guided by your game ranger in an open game viewing vehicle. If you have a particular interest, please mention it to your ranger; who will be happy to merge your plans with those of the group.
The game drives will take between three and four hours, with a sundowner stop at sunset and a coffee stop in the morning. The evening game drives usually return to the lodge after dark. Game drive times are seasonally adjusted. It is always advisable to bring warm clothing along, even in summer. Please do not forget to bring your binoculars, cameras and sunhat along.
Optional late-night game drives by arrangement with the lodge at an additional cost.
Big 5 Walking safaris:
Guests have the option of booking a Big 5 Walking safari during their stay at Lalibela. This will take place on the main reserve where guests may encounter Big 5 animals on their walk. Walks are led by our qualified rangers.
- Big 5 walks (Ages 16-65).
- Weather dependent therefore you are required to book during your stay.
- Bush walks are an additional cost. Guests to settle direct with the lodge.
Soft Walking Safaris (Non-Big 5 area):
Not only did the “Big 5 area” of Lalibela increase in size, but the acquisition of an additional 2,000 hectares adjacent to the existing Big 5 area, means that Lalibela now has a pristine wilderness range that will be used as a breeding area, and to reintroduce endemic game species to the Eastern Cape.
In this new predator-free area, “soft” walking safaris have been introduced. This breeding area offers a more relaxed “on foot” safari experience for the whole family where you can get up close and personal with game such as zebra, giraffe, warthog and various antelope in a safe environment.
- Soft walks in Non-Big 5 area (All ages).
- Weather dependent therefore you are required to book during your stay.
- Bush walks are an additional cost. Guests to settle direct with the lodge.