"Wildlife Odyssey at Lalibela Reserve"
Lalibela Game Reserve Tourism
Lalibela Game Reserve, situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, spans over 10,000 hectares and encompasses five distinct ecosystems. Home to the renowned "Big Five" – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard – the reserve also hosts other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal, and lynx. Beyond game drives, visitors can partake in guided bush walks, birdwatching, and stargazing sessions.
The core elements of a quintessential African safari experience – game-viewing, accommodation, and food – are expertly fulfilled within Lalibela. Notably, the reserve is devoid of public roads, allowing the Big Five to roam freely throughout its expanse, providing guests with an authentic and unrestricted encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Lalibela's commitment to conservation is evident through successful reintroduction programs, contributing to the preservation of these iconic animals.
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Things to do in Lalibela Game Reserve
1. Game Drives
Lalibela Game Reserve is one of several reserves in the Eastern Cape. Game drives happen when animals are most active – early mornings and late afternoons. These guided drives last 3 to 4 hours, (Read More) with a sunset break and morning coffee stop. Evening drives return after dark for dinner. Drive times change with the seasons for the best experience.
2. Walking Safaris
Lalibela Game Reserve offers both traditional walking safaris and family-friendly "soft" walking safaris led by skilled rangers. Families can get up close to wildlife like zebra, giraffe, warthog, and (Read More) antelope in a secure setting. These walks last 2 to 3 hours and are best enjoyed in the cooler mornings.
3. Children's Program
Children aged 2 and up stay engaged with enjoyable and educational activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, rock painting, and board games between meals and game drives. Weather permitting, g (Read More)uided nature walks and soccer games are offered. Adults can either join these activities or unwind at the lodge while their children are entertained.
Must Know Before You Travel to Lalibela Game Reserve
- Advance Reservations: Ensure you make reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure accommodations and preferred activities. It can be booked through their official website.
- Local Transports: The reserve offers comfortable safari vehicles for game drives and tours.
- Shuttle Service: The reserve can arrange private shuttle services from the airport and nearby cities for an extra fee.
- Night Game Drives: Late-night game drives can be arranged through the lodge for an extra cost. These drives focus on nocturnal species and start after dinner.
- Walking Safaris: Booking Big 5 Walking Safaris & Soft Walking Safaris requires a minimum 2-night stay with overnight accommodation. These safaris are also subject to weather conditions.
- Timings: Lalibela's check-in time is from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
- Tariff Inclusive: The stay includes accommodation, meals, beverages during game drives (excluding premium wines and spirits), and two drives per night of stay.
- Additional Costs: The tariff excludes an $8 Conservation and Community Fee, transfers, gratuities, and personal expenses.
- Child Policy: Children under 2 years are not permitted on game drives, and no children under 18 years are allowed on Big 5 Walks.
- Private Villa Options: For exclusivity, consider booking Tree Tops and Inzolo Lodge as private villas.
- Conservation Participation: Consider participating in the "Pack with a Purpose" initiative by bringing items for donation to local community projects.
- Big 7 Experience: Lalibela Game Reserve, home to the Big 5, is just an hour from Port Elizabeth. Algoa Bay, off the coastline, is the world's fifth Whale Heritage Site. Combine the two and enjoy a 2-day Marine and Bush Safari for a Big 7 experience.
- Environmental Responsibility: Support the reserve's conservation efforts by minimizing waste and following recycling practices.
- Guides' Expertise: Make the most of local guides' knowledge to gain insights into the wildlife, plants, and ecosystem of Lalibela.
- Network Connectivity: Be prepared for limited or no mobile network connectivity within the reserve; Wi-Fi is typically available in lodges.
- Water Potability: Tap water might not be potable; consider bottled water.
- ATM Availability: ATM availability within the reserve is limited, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash.
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Accommodation at Lalibela Game Reserve
Lalibela Game Reserve offers various options for lodging.
1. Mills Manor: Mills Manor is an exclusive-use villa ideal for families or small groups seeking a private safari escape. This home-style retreat includes a personal game ranger, vehicle, chef, and housekeeper for a customized experience.
Note - Children under 2 years are not permitted at Mills Manor. It is mandatory to book for a minimum of 6 pax.
Price - Ranges from $400 to $600 per person per night depending on the season.
2. Kichaka Lodge: Kichaka's main lodge, built with stone and thatch, seamlessly integrates into the landscape and provides views of a prominent water hole frequented by various wildlife such as hippos, giraffes, and elephants.
Note - Kichaka Lodge does not accommodate children under the age of 16 years.
Price - Ranges from $450 to $750 per person per night depending on the season.
3. Lentaba Safari Lodge: Lentaba, the "hillside lodge," offers accommodation for 20 guests in ten private thatched chalets (5 luxury and 5 classic). These chalets are nestled in lush indigenous gardens, seamlessly blending with the surrounding bush.
Note – Lentaba Lodge does not accommodate children under the age of 12 years.
Price - Ranges from $370 to $550 per person per night depending on the season.
4. Tree Tops Safari Lodge: Tree Tops Safari Lodge is a unique tented camp with luxury safari tents perched on thatched platforms at the "tree top" level. Connected by raised walkways, the tents offer stunning views of the valley below.
Note – Children under 16 years are not allowed at Tree Tops Lodge. However, if booked for exclusive use, children aged 12 to 16 years are welcome.
Price - Ranges from $370 to $550 per person per night depending on the season.
5. Mark’s Camp: Mark's Camp is our family-friendly lodge, featuring 8 stone and thatch chalets adorned in a casual Pan-African design. It can host up to 18 adults and 8 children.
Price - Ranges from $350 to $500 per person per night depending on the season.
6. Inzolo Lodge: Inzolo Lodge offers 4 spacious chalets, each accommodating 2 people, nestled in the valley with panoramic bush views.
Note - Children under 16 years are not permitted at Inzolo Lodge. However, if booked exclusively, children aged 12 to 16 years are welcome.
Price - Ranges from $370 to $500 per person per night depending on the season.
1. Mills Manor: Mills Manor is an exclusive-use villa ideal for families or small groups seeking a private safari escape. This home-style retreat includes a personal game ranger, vehicle, chef, and housekeeper for a customized experience.
Note - Children under 2 years are not permitted at Mills Manor. It is mandatory to book for a minimum of 6 pax.
Price - Ranges from $400 to $600 per person per night depending on the season.
2. Kichaka Lodge: Kichaka's main lodge, built with stone and thatch, seamlessly integrates into the landscape and provides views of a prominent water hole frequented by various wildlife such as hippos, giraffes, and elephants.
Note - Kichaka Lodge does not accommodate children under the age of 16 years.
Price - Ranges from $450 to $750 per person per night depending on the season.
3. Lentaba Safari Lodge: Lentaba, the "hillside lodge," offers accommodation for 20 guests in ten private thatched chalets (5 luxury and 5 classic). These chalets are nestled in lush indigenous gardens, seamlessly blending with the surrounding bush.
Note – Lentaba Lodge does not accommodate children under the age of 12 years.
Price - Ranges from $370 to $550 per person per night depending on the season.
4. Tree Tops Safari Lodge: Tree Tops Safari Lodge is a unique tented camp with luxury safari tents perched on thatched platforms at the "tree top" level. Connected by raised walkways, the tents offer stunning views of the valley below.
Note – Children under 16 years are not allowed at Tree Tops Lodge. However, if booked for exclusive use, children aged 12 to 16 years are welcome.
Price - Ranges from $370 to $550 per person per night depending on the season.
5. Mark’s Camp: Mark's Camp is our family-friendly lodge, featuring 8 stone and thatch chalets adorned in a casual Pan-African design. It can host up to 18 adults and 8 children.
Price - Ranges from $350 to $500 per person per night depending on the season.
6. Inzolo Lodge: Inzolo Lodge offers 4 spacious chalets, each accommodating 2 people, nestled in the valley with panoramic bush views.
Note - Children under 16 years are not permitted at Inzolo Lodge. However, if booked exclusively, children aged 12 to 16 years are welcome.
Price - Ranges from $370 to $500 per person per night depending on the season.
Wildlife in Lalibela Game Reserve
Lalibela Game Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife and birdlife, offering an immersive safari experience. Among the notable animals found in the reserve are the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard), as well as cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lynxes. Additionally, impalas, kudus, nyala, wildebeests, blesboks, waterbucks, springboks, elands, hartebeests, and bushbucks thrive in the reserve's varied ecosystems.
The avian diversity is equally captivating, with a multitude of bird species gracing the skies and trees. These include southern ground hornbills, crowned eagles, grey herons, and a variety of kingfishers.
The avian diversity is equally captivating, with a multitude of bird species gracing the skies and trees. These include southern ground hornbills, crowned eagles, grey herons, and a variety of kingfishers.
Conservation at Lalibela Game Reserve
- The focus at Lalibela Game Reserve is on conservation, spanning indigenous flora, fauna, and waste reduction.
- All surpluses generated are directed towards land, animal, and community conservation. Ongoing projects align with the vision of sustainability, including recycling initiatives for glass, plastic, tins, paper, and cardboard.
- Vegetable peels are used as pig food, while alien wattle trees are removed to restore savanna grassland, fostering high wildlife carrying capacity.
- Removal of the invasive Optunia species is also ongoing.
- A water purification plant ensures safe water for consumption through reverse osmosis.
- Wildlife conservation involves veterinary procedures, tracking collars, and anti-poaching efforts.
- Anti-poaching teams work tirelessly to protect wildlife, ensuring ranger safety, training, and equipment provision for safeguarding endangered species.
Best Time to Visit Lalibela Game Reserve
How to Reach Lalibela Game Reserve
How to Reach Overview
The closest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport. Just 90 kilometres from Port Elizabeth, the reserve is a convenient 1-hour drive away, with road travel being the recommended option.
How to reach Lalibela Game Reserve by flight
The nearest major airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), approximately 130 kilometres away from the reserve. The airport serves both domestic and limited international flights. From there, you can either rent a car or arrange for a transfer service to reach the reserve. The travel time by road from the airport to Lalibela is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
How to reach Lalibela Game Reserve by road
Lalibela is conveniently located on the N2 National Road between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, ensuring easy accessibility. It's just a 1-hour drive (90 km) from Port Elizabeth.
How to reach Lalibela Game Reserve by train
While there are rail services available in South Africa, the options for travelling to Lalibela Game Reserve directly by rail might be limited. The nearest railway station is in Port Elizabeth, which is connected to various major cities in the country.
How to reach Lalibela Game Reserve by bus
Public transport options within the immediate vicinity of the reserve might be limited. Hiring a car or arranging a transfer service is often recommended for convenience and accessibility.
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