Why

Step into a 10,500-hectare (26,000-acre) sanctuary where nature thrives and wildlife roams freely. This malaria-free reserve offers an exclusive safari experience in the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

Here, the BIG Five, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard, share the landscape with cheetah, hyena, jackal, and caracal, providing extraordinary encounters for wildlife enthusiasts. Without internal roads or fences, animals move naturally across an unbroken wilderness, ensuring an undisturbed, intimate safari adventure.

Lalibela welcomes family, friends, or as a couples to a world of exploration and tranquility, with lodges designed for comfort and open-vehicle safaris suitable for children aged 2 and above.

Wildlife Encounters

• Morning and evening safaris are seasonally timed to maximize wildlife sightings.
• Evening safaris extend into the night for a thrilling nocturnal perspective.
• Off-road driving is permitted to track Big Five and other exceptional wildlife.

Additional Activities

• Big Five guided walks (Ages 18–70)
• Gentle bush walks in non-Big Five areas (All ages)
• Night drives under the African sky

When

The dry winter months, May to September, are ideal for safari adventures:

• Wildlife sightings are at their peak as animals gather around water sources.
  
• Mild temperatures make open-vehicle safaris comfortable.
  
• Sparse vegetation offers unobstructed views and superb photography opportunities.
  
  

Summer months (November to March) bring lush greenery and occasional rain, creating a stunning, scenic landscape, though wildlife spotting can be more challenging.

Where - Location

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, near Addo Elephant National Park and the historic town of Grahamstown (Makhanda). The reserve is about 90 km (1 hour) from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and 250 km from the Garden Route, making it easily accessible while remaining wonderfully secluded.

The reserve features valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos, riverine forests, and acacia woodland, creating a diverse habitat for the Big Five and other remarkable wildlife.

Directions

Self-drive: Take the N2 highway from Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown. After 51 km (32 miles), follow signs for N2 Grahamstown. Cross the Bushman’s River, and 13 km (8 miles) later, you’ll see Lalibela’s sign on the left.

Transfers: Private road transfers can be arranged between Port Elizabeth Airport or city hotels and the reserve.

Air access: Lalibela has a landing strip for light aircraft, providing an elegant option for guests seeking convenience and exclusivity.

Where - To Stay

Lalibela offers a collection of luxury lodges and exclusive-use villas, each designed to immerse guests in the beauty and serenity of the bush:

Kichaka Lodge

• 10 suites | Sleeps 20 | Adults only (14+)
• Private decks with plunge pools and outdoor showers
• Five-star spa, rim-flow pool, and panoramic views of the waterhole
• Elegant indoor and outdoor dining, cocktail bar, and library

Mills Manor

• 5 rooms | Sleeps 10 | Minimum 6 guests
• Exclusive-use Edwardian mansion with private chef and safari guide
• Swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, and sweeping valley views

Tree Tops Safari Lodge

• 5 suites | Sleeps 10 | Adults only (14+)
• Elevated walkways connecting thatched canvas suites
• Indoor/outdoor dining, lounge, bar, fire pit, and pool

Inzolo Lodge

• 4 suites | Sleeps 8 | Adults only (14+)
• Secluded valley location overlooking an active waterhole
• Spacious terrace and viewing deck with uninterrupted vistas

Lentaba Lodge

• 10 villas | Sleeps 20 | Adults only (12+)
• Traditional African safari décor with private decks and bush views
• Main lodge with lounge, viewing deck, and pool
  

Mark’s Camp

• 8 suites/family units | Sleeps 18 adults + 8 children
• Discreetly fenced for children, family-friendly safaris
• Indoor/outdoor dining, two pools, lounge with fireplace

Inclusions for all lodges:

• Luxury accommodation
• All meals and drinks (excluding premium brands)
• Two open-vehicle safaris per night