Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Off N2 National Road 90 Km From Port Elizabeth on the N2 towards Grahamstown, Sidbury 6013 South Africa
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Avg. RÂ 22,005 /night, 1/24 - 1/25
RÂ 22,301
per night
RÂ 21,940
per night
RÂ 21,579
per night
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About
#1 of 2 guest houses in Sidbury
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
This private game reserve's location in the Eastern Cape means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna. Lalibela has 6 lodges, all offering decor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service and unforgettable game viewing. The 3 main aspects of any African safari are the game-viewing, the accommodation and the food – at Lalibela we take special care to ensure that heartfelt service combines with these three “ingredients” to make your Big 5 African safari experience a memorable one.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Walking tours
Airport transportation
Concierge
Gift shop
Secured parking
Internet
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Bottled water
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu
Location
Off N2 National Road 90 Km From Port Elizabeth on the N2 towards Grahamstown, Sidbury 6013 South Africa
Getting there
Port Elizabeth Airport
82.5 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
Reviews
5.0
906 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Lalibela Game Reserve hotel is lauded for its inviting atmosphere, adorned with stylish African decor that offers a homely ambiance. Reviewers frequently commend the hotel's immaculate cleanliness and value, noting the luxurious details that make the cost worthwhile.
The service at Lalibela receives high marks for its personalized attention and warmth, while the well-appointed rooms with striking views are a hit for comfort and style. Amenities, including pools and dining facilities, add to the lavish experience, often exceeding guest expectations.
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Exceptional
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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Detailed Reviews
What a perfect way to end our holiday. We didn't want to leave. You provided me with the birthday of a lifetime and one I will never forget.
From the moment we arrived at reception we were looked after impeccably, and nothing was too much trouble. Our rooms were divine, and unexpectedly cool due to the air conditioning, looking straight out over the bird filled tree tops. The pool, bar and restaurant areas were fabulous, and we loved the fact that all the lights were made from antelope horns and ostrich eggs. The food was excellent and we enjoyed tasting local African dishes.
Ticha was our wonderful knowledgeable ranger, who taught us so much about so many of the animals he located for us. We watched cheetah stalking the impala, elephants bathing and playing in a water hole, and young giraffe testing their strength against each other.
Lalibela was magical! Thank you
From the moment we arrived at reception we were looked after impeccably, and nothing was too much trouble. Our rooms were divine, and unexpectedly cool due to the air conditioning, looking straight out over the bird filled tree tops. The pool, bar and restaurant areas were fabulous, and we loved the fact that all the lights were made from antelope horns and ostrich eggs. The food was excellent and we enjoyed tasting local African dishes.
Ticha was our wonderful knowledgeable ranger, who taught us so much about so many of the animals he located for us. We watched cheetah stalking the impala, elephants bathing and playing in a water hole, and young giraffe testing their strength against each other.
Lalibela was magical! Thank you
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LalibelaManagement, Guest Relations Manager at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 04 Mar 2020
Dear Tiona Thank you for your lovely review of Lalibela Game Reserve. We are so pleased that you ended your holiday on a high note and that you had a memorable birthday celebration during your stay with us. The antelope horns and ostrich eggs add an African touch to the lodge giving it a true, authentic safari feel. We will pass your compliments on to our chef. It is great that you were able to experience some of our South African dishes on offer. We hope you will return to Lalibela in the future for another visit. We would love to welcome you back. Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I spent 3 nights at Mark's Camp in chalet 1 which is very close to the main lodge area but very private. Sadly it didn't have a view.
When I arrived at the main gate of Lalibela someone was waiting to show me the way to Reception where check in was quick and easy. I was then transported to Mark's Camp and my car left under cover near reception.
My room was very comfortable and I was pleased to have a hand held shower head as well as the dreaded rain shower. There was air conditioning and when returning to the room after dinner the staff had switched it on and the room was lovely and warm. Wifi was not available in the room, only in the communal areas.
The food was mostly very good, plentiful and varied. However, I was surprised to see it served buffet style although there were staff actually serving the food. I found most guests queued for food ignoring any distancing but I waited until no one else was being served.
Drinks were not included in my deal but were very reasonably priced.
There were 2 comfortable lounge areas both with roaring fires and it was easy to find a space away from other guests.
There are two swimming pools at Mark's and the lower one is for over 16s only. It overlooks a waterhole but there were no animals to be seen there whilst I lounged by the pool.
I was very lucky to have most of my game drives alone with the ranger. My guide was Ticha and he was an excellent and knowledgable guide. Many thanks to him! The game viewing was good
Mark's Camp is child friendly and I am not! That is the reason for my rating of 4 stars instead of 5. One does not get a choice of camp if on the SA residents special. If any children are booked, Mark's Camp gets filled before allocating guests to Lentaba Camp. Unfortunately for me, a couple with a young baby arrived on my 3rd day and the baby grizzled and cried during lunch. In my opinion, parents should take a crying baby away from a meal table, especially a communal one. Thankfully the baby was not on the game drive.
The final really nice touch was to be presented with a beautiful coffee table book with lovely pictures of the staff, the reserve and the animals. A great souvenir.
I really enjoyed my stay at Lalibela apart from the baby blip and will certainly return if the opportunity presents itself. Hopefully next time will be to a non child friendly camp!!!
When I arrived at the main gate of Lalibela someone was waiting to show me the way to Reception where check in was quick and easy. I was then transported to Mark's Camp and my car left under cover near reception.
My room was very comfortable and I was pleased to have a hand held shower head as well as the dreaded rain shower. There was air conditioning and when returning to the room after dinner the staff had switched it on and the room was lovely and warm. Wifi was not available in the room, only in the communal areas.
The food was mostly very good, plentiful and varied. However, I was surprised to see it served buffet style although there were staff actually serving the food. I found most guests queued for food ignoring any distancing but I waited until no one else was being served.
Drinks were not included in my deal but were very reasonably priced.
There were 2 comfortable lounge areas both with roaring fires and it was easy to find a space away from other guests.
There are two swimming pools at Mark's and the lower one is for over 16s only. It overlooks a waterhole but there were no animals to be seen there whilst I lounged by the pool.
I was very lucky to have most of my game drives alone with the ranger. My guide was Ticha and he was an excellent and knowledgable guide. Many thanks to him! The game viewing was good
Mark's Camp is child friendly and I am not! That is the reason for my rating of 4 stars instead of 5. One does not get a choice of camp if on the SA residents special. If any children are booked, Mark's Camp gets filled before allocating guests to Lentaba Camp. Unfortunately for me, a couple with a young baby arrived on my 3rd day and the baby grizzled and cried during lunch. In my opinion, parents should take a crying baby away from a meal table, especially a communal one. Thankfully the baby was not on the game drive.
The final really nice touch was to be presented with a beautiful coffee table book with lovely pictures of the staff, the reserve and the animals. A great souvenir.
I really enjoyed my stay at Lalibela apart from the baby blip and will certainly return if the opportunity presents itself. Hopefully next time will be to a non child friendly camp!!!
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lalibela Game Reserve, Guest Services / Front Office at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 07 Jun 2021
Dear Guest Thank you for taking the time to review Mark's Camp on Lalibela Game Reserve. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay with us. Thank you for your feedback. We would love to welcome you back for another visit in the near future. Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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+1
Well what can I say, this place is amazing. Rene and all the staff were fantastic and couldn't do enough for you. We were in room 1 which had a great view. The rooms are beyond plush, beautifully presented and come with everything you could need even an an electric blanket which was a great addition on an evening. The food was amazing with a great selection. Unfortunately I was ill whilst there but the staff very kindly prepared some separate foods for me once I felt up to it which was really appreciated and kept me supplied with ginger ale and water. Our ranger Walker was great and very knowledgeable. We managed to see loads of animals , including lions, rhinos, elephants, and cheetahs which had just caught their dinner. Great little pool area. This is the ultimate relaxation spot. Just come prepared for early morning drives, so much delicious food you'll need a bigger size in clothes by the time you leave, and the very best hospitality. Would highly recommend and will definitely return.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â They're all anazing
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LalibelaManagement, Guest Relations Manager at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 13 Feb 2020
Dear Guest Wow, thank you for the amazing review. It was a pleasure to host you at Lalibela Game Reserve. Thank you for the compliments to the accommodation, food and the game drives. We shall pass on your words of thanks to Rene, Walker and the rest of the team. Being able to see all those animals on the game drives is very special. That is very true - when you come on safari you need to prepare yourself for bright and early mornings and delicious food in abundance! All diets get placed on hold as the food is too good to stay away from. :) We do hope that you will return for another visit in the future. We would love to welcome you back! Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband, two daughters (ages 3.5, 1.5), and I stayed at Mark's Camp for two nights in March 2020. We knew that child care would be provided for our youngest as she was too young for a game drive. Our understanding was that the 3.5-year-old would go on game drives with the other children too young to go on the adult game drives. As it turned out, our girls were the youngest at the camp. I was surprised about how they were going to accommodate us and would have appreciated a heads up via email before we arrived about the situation. But it ended up working out fine. We had a private game drive every time and used the child-friendly game vehicle (with roof, sides on the truck). Our oldest daughter came with us twice; the other times she stayed back with her sister and Lena, the babysitter (who was amazing!!) I can't say enough about our game ranger, Craig. He was so knowledgeable and made us lovely gin & tonics at sunset. The food was delicious and ample. On our first day/night, the camp was pretty full of couples and families. On our second night, we were the only ones there, so my husband and I were given a private, plated dinner. Our girls enjoyed the games available in the fireplace room, adjacent to the dining room, and appreciated being able to order food off the kids' menu. Yes, it was expensive. But absolutely worth it for the trip of a lifetime! We saw so many animals, including giraffes, elephants, rhinos, hippos, lions (eating a wildebeest!), and many more.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LalibelaManagement, Guest Relations Manager at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 25 Mar 2020
Dear Daniele Thank you for your lovely feedback about Lalibela Game Reserve. We are so glad to hear that it was a bucket list trip for your family. We do apologise that the children's programme was not communicated to you before your arrival however we are happy to hear that you were still able to go on the game drives with your daughter. Craig is a fantastic ranger and has been part of the Lalibela team for several years. He has a vast amount of knowledge and is extremely passionate about his job! We are so glad that you and your husband were able to have a private dinner together where you could spend quality time with each other. We would love to welcome your family back for another visit, so we do hope that you will return one day. Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Marks camp in a family room which consisted of a twin bedroom, master bedroom and a small internal lounge and outside relaxation area in July 2022 with our two children aged 10 & 14 for 4 nights.
The lodge itself had a more rustic feel than Shamwari (where we spent 2 nights) which was more modern eco luxury. Both were equally nice.
The 3 hour game drives went out at 6:30am and 3:30pm which meant a 5:30 wakeup call. It was very cold in the morning but Guy our ranger provided us with hot water bottles which were great. Guy is a fantastic ranger and looked after us extremely well and educate us and our children about the various animals we saw on the drives. The kids really liked Guy and he was a perfect companion to discuss their mutual admiration for the various different animal dung. He also manged to get them to try eating termites as well as various edible plant roots. Its great to have a ranger that is almost as excited as you to see the animals even when he sees them everyday.
Like Shamwari we saw 4 of the big 5 but no leopard but as in Shamwari we decided a Cheetah being a spotted cat counted as a Big 4.9.
Each game drive had a break for tea/ coffee, beer/ wine where we could get out and stretch our legs as well as have a comfort stop behind a tree.
I did a game walk while at the camp with two rangers, one who was armed, which was very enjoyable despite the fact we didnt see any of the big 5 while walking but did get very close to zebra, water buck etc and as close as you would like to be to hippos on the edge of their watering hole.
Food is excellent buffet style, less fine dining more home cooking and it was delicious.
As for the actual game drives we were amazed at the differences between Shamwari and Lalibela being direct neighbours. Shamwari is significantly larger but we found Lalibela felt larger with larger plains and the experience was more wild with more driving off the beaten track. Also the herds of antelope here were much larger than Shamwari. There was a herd of 60+ buffalo here although no springbok which were at Shamwari. Also there are wildebeest at Lalibela but not at Shamwari so we were glad we did both lodges and both had a different feel, both equally enchanting.
There is a small communal pool next to the watering hole but it was too cold to use at this time of year.
We loved our stay and will definitely be back.
One suggestion for the management team is to have hot water bottles for the bedrooms for this time of year. Our first night was extremely cold and the rooms are designed to be kept cool with AC for the hot season but not to be heated. Just a suggestion. See you all soon!
The lodge itself had a more rustic feel than Shamwari (where we spent 2 nights) which was more modern eco luxury. Both were equally nice.
The 3 hour game drives went out at 6:30am and 3:30pm which meant a 5:30 wakeup call. It was very cold in the morning but Guy our ranger provided us with hot water bottles which were great. Guy is a fantastic ranger and looked after us extremely well and educate us and our children about the various animals we saw on the drives. The kids really liked Guy and he was a perfect companion to discuss their mutual admiration for the various different animal dung. He also manged to get them to try eating termites as well as various edible plant roots. Its great to have a ranger that is almost as excited as you to see the animals even when he sees them everyday.
Like Shamwari we saw 4 of the big 5 but no leopard but as in Shamwari we decided a Cheetah being a spotted cat counted as a Big 4.9.
Each game drive had a break for tea/ coffee, beer/ wine where we could get out and stretch our legs as well as have a comfort stop behind a tree.
I did a game walk while at the camp with two rangers, one who was armed, which was very enjoyable despite the fact we didnt see any of the big 5 while walking but did get very close to zebra, water buck etc and as close as you would like to be to hippos on the edge of their watering hole.
Food is excellent buffet style, less fine dining more home cooking and it was delicious.
As for the actual game drives we were amazed at the differences between Shamwari and Lalibela being direct neighbours. Shamwari is significantly larger but we found Lalibela felt larger with larger plains and the experience was more wild with more driving off the beaten track. Also the herds of antelope here were much larger than Shamwari. There was a herd of 60+ buffalo here although no springbok which were at Shamwari. Also there are wildebeest at Lalibela but not at Shamwari so we were glad we did both lodges and both had a different feel, both equally enchanting.
There is a small communal pool next to the watering hole but it was too cold to use at this time of year.
We loved our stay and will definitely be back.
One suggestion for the management team is to have hot water bottles for the bedrooms for this time of year. Our first night was extremely cold and the rooms are designed to be kept cool with AC for the hot season but not to be heated. Just a suggestion. See you all soon!
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Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lalibela Game Reserve , Guest Services / Front Office at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 11 Aug 2022
Dear Guest Thank you for your incredible and detailed review of Lalibela Game Reserve. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Mark's Camp. Guy is a wonderful game ranger and is so passionate about sharing his knowledge with our guests. 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. We hope to welcome you back to Lalibela soon! Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Before going into detail for readers, I just want to say a massive thank you to all the lovely staff at Lentaba Lodge at the Lalibela Game Reserve. A extraordinary standard of service with warmth, kindness and enthusiasm from the moment we arrived. We will never forget. THANK YOU!
So, put simply, you won’t be disappointed with your stay at Lalibela. My family and I stayed at the Lentaba Lodge for 3 nigh and had the time of our lives. The perfect mix of activity and relaxation in unbelievable surroundings.
From the the moment we arrived at the entrance gates we felt such an open and welcoming atmosphere. This was extended to our game drives with the incredible Teacha. An amazing understanding of the animals, flora and the history of the park made sure we all left the reserve with a wealth of new knowledge. Not to mention his driving skills and the fact he has the eyes of a hawk! Teacha showed incredible patience when we wanted to take photos and made sure that we found time for all of the animals. Stand out moment were with the gears of 20 elephants and watching a lion drag stroll casually down the path right in front of us!
Back at the lodge I want to say a big thank you to Thembaletu and MZ. They made sure our glasses were never empty and I made us feel soar ease throughout our stay. To those in the kitchen and the behind the scenes, I salute you! My gift field is pescatarian and they made sure her needs were catered for each day. Every meal was so special. I will be scouring the shelves for kudo when I get back to London. Don’t imagine I’ll have much luck though...
For anyone looking for an authentic safari experience made possible by friendly staff and true experts in the field of animal conservation I cannot recommend Lalibela enough. Comfort, service and warmth in abundance. Thank you!
So, put simply, you won’t be disappointed with your stay at Lalibela. My family and I stayed at the Lentaba Lodge for 3 nigh and had the time of our lives. The perfect mix of activity and relaxation in unbelievable surroundings.
From the the moment we arrived at the entrance gates we felt such an open and welcoming atmosphere. This was extended to our game drives with the incredible Teacha. An amazing understanding of the animals, flora and the history of the park made sure we all left the reserve with a wealth of new knowledge. Not to mention his driving skills and the fact he has the eyes of a hawk! Teacha showed incredible patience when we wanted to take photos and made sure that we found time for all of the animals. Stand out moment were with the gears of 20 elephants and watching a lion drag stroll casually down the path right in front of us!
Back at the lodge I want to say a big thank you to Thembaletu and MZ. They made sure our glasses were never empty and I made us feel soar ease throughout our stay. To those in the kitchen and the behind the scenes, I salute you! My gift field is pescatarian and they made sure her needs were catered for each day. Every meal was so special. I will be scouring the shelves for kudo when I get back to London. Don’t imagine I’ll have much luck though...
For anyone looking for an authentic safari experience made possible by friendly staff and true experts in the field of animal conservation I cannot recommend Lalibela enough. Comfort, service and warmth in abundance. Thank you!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LalibelaManagement, Guest Relations Manager at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 03 Mar 2020
Dear Jonny Thank you for your fantastic review of Lalibela Game Reserve. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay at Lentaba Lodge. Ticha is a wonderful guide and has been part of the Lalibela family for several years. He has a lot of knowledge about the plants and animals found on Lalibela and he loves sharing his knowledge with his guests. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to Thembalethu and MZ as well as our executive chef who oversees the kitchen. At Lalibela we will always go out of our way to accommodate guests with dietary requirements. We hope that you manage to find kudu in London. If you don't find any, you will have to come back and visit us again! :) Thank you for your recommendation. We appreciate it greatly. Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is my third time at Lalibela Game Reserve. I can only sing high praises for this reserve. From the very helpful admin when making my booking to each staff member I cannot praise them highly enough. The rooms were large and the bed was the most comfortable bed ever. My daughter in law wanted to pack it up and take it home with her (LOL) Rooms were extremely well equipped with a real powerful hairdryer. Much attention to detail. Even a night treat on your bed.
Food was excellent, Pre breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner. snacks and drinks on the game dives. So much to eat!!
Two 3 hour Game drives everyday, nice warm blankets for the chilly mornings and evenings. A welcome warm drink on return from your evening game drive.
While it is a small private game reserve it nevertheless has the big five and a nice amount of Game to see. We saw everything even a freshly taken cheetah kill and the new born lion cub were the highlights of our trip.
Our experience of the wonderful game life, birds and nature was magical and memorable. Our Game ranger was such a star, going the extra mile in making sure we saw all we wanted to see and particularly accommodating and making the children's experience fun. They learned so much.
Very experienced and knowledgeable Game rangers. Staff are so friendly and so kind and playful with children. They have programmes for the young ones. Our children (8 and 5) had a most wonderful experience. So much fun.
The setting at Marks Camp is very peaceful, a lovely outside bar, a pool near a water hole and another children's pool by the main dinning area. We were treated with a visit from the buffalos at Mark's Camp water hole.
All in all cannot rate this highly enough from the comfort of the rooms, to the food and especially to the genuinely friendly staff, not one downside. Have been to several Game Reserves in the area, all of which were wonderful but in my experience Lalibela is tops. Lalibela offers Luxury accommodation at affordable prices
Food was excellent, Pre breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner. snacks and drinks on the game dives. So much to eat!!
Two 3 hour Game drives everyday, nice warm blankets for the chilly mornings and evenings. A welcome warm drink on return from your evening game drive.
While it is a small private game reserve it nevertheless has the big five and a nice amount of Game to see. We saw everything even a freshly taken cheetah kill and the new born lion cub were the highlights of our trip.
Our experience of the wonderful game life, birds and nature was magical and memorable. Our Game ranger was such a star, going the extra mile in making sure we saw all we wanted to see and particularly accommodating and making the children's experience fun. They learned so much.
Very experienced and knowledgeable Game rangers. Staff are so friendly and so kind and playful with children. They have programmes for the young ones. Our children (8 and 5) had a most wonderful experience. So much fun.
The setting at Marks Camp is very peaceful, a lovely outside bar, a pool near a water hole and another children's pool by the main dinning area. We were treated with a visit from the buffalos at Mark's Camp water hole.
All in all cannot rate this highly enough from the comfort of the rooms, to the food and especially to the genuinely friendly staff, not one downside. Have been to several Game Reserves in the area, all of which were wonderful but in my experience Lalibela is tops. Lalibela offers Luxury accommodation at affordable prices
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lalibela Game Reserve , Guest Services / Front Office at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 07 Oct 2020
Dear Annette Thank you for your amazing review of Lalibela Game Reserve! Wow, we are so glad to hear that this was your 3rd stay with us! We are so happy that you got to see the newest edition to the reserve, the lion cub! It is adorable! It is not everyday that you get to see a herd of buffalo having a drink at the waterhole below the swimming pool. We are so glad to hear that your family had a wonderful time. This is what quality family time is all about, making life long memories. We hope that you and the family will be back for another visit. We would love to welcome you back for the 4th time! Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay at Lentaba Lodge on Lalibela Game Reserve was everything we had hoped for and more. The service was the best we’ve received from any establishment in SA - we felt like everyone genuinely wanted us to be looked after and have the best possible experience.
The food was plentiful and delicious all the time, and the service in the dining room and bar area was quick and friendly. Drinks prices are really good here too!
Our cottage was spotlessly clean, well equipped and comfortable with lots of space to really relax and enjoy the views. Absolutely loved the spacious bathroom with sliding door that opens up giving you a view from your bathtub.
The game drives were each unique and informative. We managed to see most of the animals and experience these magnificent creatures fairly close up but still respecting their space.
Everyone at the reserve speaks about it with passion and pride and make you feel like they are really happy to have you there. There is so much good to say about Lalibela - what a gem!
The food was plentiful and delicious all the time, and the service in the dining room and bar area was quick and friendly. Drinks prices are really good here too!
Our cottage was spotlessly clean, well equipped and comfortable with lots of space to really relax and enjoy the views. Absolutely loved the spacious bathroom with sliding door that opens up giving you a view from your bathtub.
The game drives were each unique and informative. We managed to see most of the animals and experience these magnificent creatures fairly close up but still respecting their space.
Everyone at the reserve speaks about it with passion and pride and make you feel like they are really happy to have you there. There is so much good to say about Lalibela - what a gem!
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Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lalibela Game Reserve, Guest Services / Front Office at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 11 Mar 2021
Dear Ingrid Thank you for your wonderful review of Lalibela Game Reserve! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay at Lentaba Lodge. From the food, to your room, to your game drive experience, we are happy to know that your entire stay was everything that you hoped for and more! Each one of our staff members are so passionate about our little piece of paradise. We would love to welcome you back for another visit soon. Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
An amazing 4 nights at Lalibela Game Reserve. We stayed at Lentaba Game Lodge for 3 nights and then did a walking safari with Craig to Tree Tops for the fourth night in early March. Wow what an experience that was !
The lodges were just simply out of this world. The rooms were spotless, with completely private decking for sunbathing or relaxing after your morning's game drive.
I have been on safari many years ago in Kenya, but the knowledge of the rangers here made this an especially special experience. They really care for the animals here and always ensure that no more than 2 vehicles are present where the animals are so as not to spook them.
We saw Elephants with their babies, lions hiding in the grass (we nearly ran over them, they were so well hidden!) Cheetah chasing antelope for dinner, hippos basking in the water, huge herd of buffalos and a herd of rhinos, I think we counted 11, again with their babies. We saw 2 giraffes fighting which was so comical to watch, masses of antelope of all breeds & sizes, Zebra that make the most unusual noises as well as tropical birds, warthogs, giant tortoise plus more. Thank you Peter our ranger who was just brilliant, so entertaining and kept us all safe. Sundowners with your choice of tipple, out on the African Plain watching the sunset, surrounded by nature, is an experience I will never forget. I felt so honoured & privileged to be able to see these beautiful animals in their natural environment. It warmed my soul.
Thank you Lalibella
The lodges were just simply out of this world. The rooms were spotless, with completely private decking for sunbathing or relaxing after your morning's game drive.
I have been on safari many years ago in Kenya, but the knowledge of the rangers here made this an especially special experience. They really care for the animals here and always ensure that no more than 2 vehicles are present where the animals are so as not to spook them.
We saw Elephants with their babies, lions hiding in the grass (we nearly ran over them, they were so well hidden!) Cheetah chasing antelope for dinner, hippos basking in the water, huge herd of buffalos and a herd of rhinos, I think we counted 11, again with their babies. We saw 2 giraffes fighting which was so comical to watch, masses of antelope of all breeds & sizes, Zebra that make the most unusual noises as well as tropical birds, warthogs, giant tortoise plus more. Thank you Peter our ranger who was just brilliant, so entertaining and kept us all safe. Sundowners with your choice of tipple, out on the African Plain watching the sunset, surrounded by nature, is an experience I will never forget. I felt so honoured & privileged to be able to see these beautiful animals in their natural environment. It warmed my soul.
Thank you Lalibella
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lalibela Game Reserve , Guest Services / Front Office at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 26 Apr 2023
Dear Debbie, Thank you for taking the time to review Lalibela Game Reserve. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Lentaba Lodge and Tree Tops lodge and that you enjoyed the walking safari between the two lodges. Our rangers have a wealth of knowledge to share with all our guests. It sounds like you had some incredible game viewing and that you were really spoilt with some special sightings like the elephants with their babies and the cheetah hunting its prey. The sundowner stop is truly magical. We couldn't think of a better way to end the day than with a refreshing drink in hand, overlooking the landscapes of Lalibela as the sun goes down. We hope to welcome you back to Lalibela in the future! Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We had the good fortune to have a 2 night 3 day mini break last weekend at Lentaba Lodge which is an easy 1 hour drive from Port Elizabeth . It was our first mini holiday post COVID lockdown and was a wonderful and relaxing experience. The first day was particularly hot with the temperature in the car showing 42C just as we arrived to the reception . Lentaba is a lodge where you can do as much or as little as you like and it is very enjoyable and decadent to relax in and around the lodge and enjoy a pot of tea or G & T whilst soaking up the Eastern Cape Bush ! I would highly recommend to go and take advantage of the incredible rates currently being offered to locals. The photos are only off an iPhone but give an idea of what you will see ! Also a special shout out to Ticha our very knowledgeable guide from Zimbabwe . Can’t wait to try Kichaka the newly renovated luxury lodge next time . Cheers
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Date of stay: November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lalibela Game Reserve , Guest Services / Front Office at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
Responded 25 Nov 2020
Dear Peter Wow, thank you for your wonderful review of Lalibela Game Reserve! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay with us. Thank you for choosing Lalibela as your first holiday post COVID! We are happy to hear that you were able to have a relaxing weekend away. Thank you for sharing your photos with us. We will be sure to let Ticha and the Lentaba Lodge team know that you had a wonderful stay. We would love to welcome you to the newly renovated Kichaka Lodge! We are so proud of this beautiful lodge. It has been our silver lining for what was a very challenging 2020. Kind regards, The Lalibela Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dear Nina
Thank you for your question. We have some lovely lodges to choose from. Please can you send us an email and one of our team members will advise you which option would be the best in terms of our availability. We would love to make your wedding anniversary special. We look forward to hearing back from you.
Kind regards,
The Lalibela Team
Dear Guest
Thank you for your question.
The morning game drive will leave around 06h00 while the afternoon game drive leaves at about 16h00. Both the drives are about 3 hours long. The exact times will be discussed with you on arrival. These are just an estimate.
Kind regards,
The Lalibela Team
Dear Alissa
Thank you for your question.
We have five different lodges on Lalibela Game Reserve. The lodges are situated about a 30 minute drive apart. This means that meals and game drives are done from each of the respective lodges. Each lodge is separate from the others. There is no opportunity for guests staying at different lodges to meet up. There are common areas at each of the lodges where guests staying at that specific lodge can meet up. Our game viewing vehicles can seat a maximum of ten guests. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions.
Dear Rebekah
Thank you for your question! We can arrange a transfer for you from Port Elizabeth to Lalibela Game Reserve and back. This is however at an additional cost and depends on the amount of people and the pick up and drop of point. If you would like to book a transfer, please can you email us so that we can assist you.
Dear Hannah
Thank you for your question.
Mark's Camp is our family friendly lodge. We have a lovely children's programme on offer to keep the children entertained between the game drives. The children will be able to participate in various fun activities. Children aged between 2 and 7 years old are only allowed to go out on the children's game drive. Children 8 years and older are allowed to go on the adults game drive. One adult is allowed to join the children's game drive if they would like to join the children. A child minder will accompany the children on the game drive to ensure that they are safe at all times.
You are welcome to refer to our website to view our children's programme.
I hope this answers your question.
Kind Regards,
The Lalibela Team
"Yes it is expensive but when you realise the cost of operating the reserve and protecting the animals it has to be worth it "Read full review
"Bring layers. On one drive you can have all temperatures. Also binoculars for sure - you can rent but in case they run out! Ask for Liezel! "Read full review
"We arrived in the evening on our first night so missed our afternoon drive - ideally get there by 1ish so you don’t miss out!"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
RÂ 16,355 - RÂ 21,986 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
lalibela game reserve hotel eastern cape
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeSidbury
NUMBER OF ROOMS
45
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lalibela Wildlife Reserve
What are some of the property amenities at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Lalibela Wildlife Reserve have airport transportation?
Yes, Lalibela Wildlife Reserve offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa.