Lalibela Wildlife Reserve

Lalibela is in South Africa's Eastern Cape, roughly 90 minutes by road from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), which has daily direct flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The reserve also pairs naturally with a Garden Route self-drive from Cape Town.

Yes. The Eastern Cape is entirely malaria-free, so no antimalarial prophylaxis is needed for a stay at Lalibela. This makes it a popular choice for families travelling with young children and for guests who prefer to avoid antimalarial medication altogether.

Yes. Lalibela is a Big Five reserve, home to lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino, all reintroduced and supported through the reserve's long-running rewilding and land restoration programme since the late 1990s.

Lalibela grew from land acquired and rewilded since the late 1990s, reintroducing the Big Five to former farmland. The reserve is also recognised for its role in cheetah conservation and as a habitat for the endangered blue crane, South Africa's national bird.

Lalibela has six lodges: Kichaka Lodge (premium, waterhole-facing), Inzolo Lodge (secluded and intimate), Tree Tops Safari Lodge (elevated tented camp for couples), Lentaba Lodge (relaxed hillside villas), Mark's Camp (family-friendly) and Mills Manor (exclusive-use manor house for groups).

Mark's Camp is Lalibela's dedicated family-friendly lodge, welcoming children of all ages with Pan-African stone and thatch suites, including four family units. Mills Manor also suits families or groups seeking an exclusive-use private villa.

Tree Tops Safari Lodge, with its elevated canvas canopy suites among indigenous forest, and Inzolo Lodge, secluded within a peaceful valley, are both particularly well suited to couples and honeymooners seeking privacy and quiet.

All lodges include full board and two daily open-vehicle game drives as standard. Individual lodges may offer additional features, such as Kichaka Lodge's heated plunge pool suites overlooking an active waterhole.

Beyond open-vehicle safaris, guests can join Big Five walking safaris with armed rangers, gentler soft walks focused on birdlife and smaller bush details, and enjoy lantern-lit boma dinners and lodge dining under the stars.

Yes. Lalibela offers guided Big Five walking safaris accompanied by experienced guides and armed rangers, allowing guests to track iconic wildlife on foot. Softer walks are also available in areas without large predators.

Total guest numbers across all six lodges at Lalibela rarely exceed forty, making it one of the more intimate private reserves in the Eastern Cape safari circuit.

Lalibela offers year-round wildlife viewing. Drier winter months from May to September bring thinner vegetation and easier sightings, while the greener summer months from October to March offer lush scenery, newborn wildlife and strong birding.

Yes. Its malaria-free setting, close proximity to Gqeberha, established Big Five populations and range of lodges, from family-friendly to secluded and romantic, make Lalibela an accessible and welcoming introduction to an Eastern Cape safari.

Lalibela safaris typically cost from R10,500 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, ANd 24/7 support from our team.