LALIBELA GAME RESERVE
Lalibela Game Reserve’s location in the Eastern Cape means it is not only malaria free, but also spans 4 eco-systems (valley bushveld, grassland, fynbos and riverine forest) resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna. The reserve is situated 1 hrs drive from Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown, making it an ideal game experience extension to the Garden Route.
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 – 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.
Wildlife
Each morning and sunset, game drives in an open vehicle with an experienced game ranger bring you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from mighty elephant, 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.
Escorted bush walks open up the intriguing world of the smaller animals and plants found at Lalibela and offer an opportunity for bird watching. 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 springhare.
Mark’s Camp
The stone, thatch chalets and main lodge of Mark’s Camp are decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style. This lodge sleeps 8 people in four individual chalets. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom and 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. Mark’s Camp can also be as a unit, making it particularly suitable for groups with young children.
Lentaba Lodge
Lentaba, the “lodge on the hillside”, sleeps 16 people in 8 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 views of a waterhole, which is spot lit 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
The newest lodge at Lalibela, Tree Tops opened in October 2004. It differs from the other lodges in that it is a tented camp – 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 verandah where guests can sit and relax in privacy. 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 minimize 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.
