Lalibela Reserve<br/>Eastern Cape South Africa

South Africa

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Select Your Stay From Lodges at This Reserve
“Venture into a wild canvas where every sunrise and star-lit evening rekindle your spirit—this is Lalibela.”
Conservation Focus
Eco
Family & Generational
Group
Honeymoon
My Epic Africa Stay Partners
Photography + Safari
Solo
Safari
Luxury

Stays

Tree Tops Safari Lodge: five canopy suites nestled above a valley. <br/>
Lentaba Lodge: ten hillside stone-and-thatch villas in a private garden. <br/>
Mark’s Camp: eight rustic Pan‑African chalets—family friendly. <br/>
Kichaka Lodge: ten safari-colonial suites with private plunge pools. <br/>
Inzolo Lodge: four exclusive rock‑ledge suites—intimate hideaway. <br/>
Mills Manor: a private-use Edwardian villa for groups up to ten. <br/>.

Adventures

Open-vehicle Big‑Five safaris at dawn and dusk. <br/>Guided bush-walks revealing the micro‑wildlife. <br/>Night safaris under starlit skies. <br/>Birdwatching – including Knysna turaco & Loerie. <br/>Starlit boma dinners beside crackling fires. <br/>Wellness moments at spa & rim-flow pools. <br/>.

Features

Malaria-free wilderness in 10,500 ha reserve. <br/>All tourism profits reinvested in conservation & communities. <br/>Zero‑plastic policy & invasive‑tree eradication. <br/>Exclusive wildlife encounters—no public roads inside. <br/>Private plunging pools & alfresco showers. <br/>Personalized service from expert community guides. <br/>.

Only Here

Whether you’re a honeymoon couple gazing from your plunge pool, a family tracing wildlife tracks, an adventurous solo traveler pursuing lions at first light, or a multigenerational group celebrating together—Lalibela blends wild heart with deep soul. You’ll carry the feeling of this place long after your journey ends.

View Our Video

Rooted in Wild, Evolved by Heart

Lalibela invites you into a living conservation story—from rewilding former farms to nurturing wildlife corridors and human resilience. Ideal for families seeking discovery, couples craving romance in the bush, wellness-focused guests drawn to peaceful spas and starry skies, conservation-minded travelers, and solo explorers hungry for soul‑stirring immersion.

Why Stay Here

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Choose Your Experience

Lalibela isn’t just a stay—it’s a journey. From early-morning game drives where elephant herds bath in light, to intimate fireplace dinners under constellations, each moment is curated for immersion. You'll discover bushcraft on foot, taste communal meals in open-air dining, and unwind in spa sanctuaries enveloped by nature. This is where raw landscapes meet refined hospitality.
Family Safari Program
Details +
Less -
“Wild Wonder For All Ages.”

Lalibela offers dedicated programs for families with children, making it one of the top malaria-free safari destinations for multi-generational travel. From kid-friendly game drives to interactive wildlife education, this experience is tailored for bonding in the bush, ensuring young explorers grow up with a love for the natural world.

Big Five Safari Drives
Details +
Less -
“Track the Wild, Witness the Iconic.”

Experience the thrill of spotting lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino during expertly guided open-vehicle safari drives at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve. With no public roads and a free-roaming ecosystem, every drive offers intimate and uninterrupted wildlife encounters in a malaria-free, biodiverse environment—ideal for first-time safari-goers and seasoned adventurers alike.

Guided Walking Safaris
Details +
Less -
“Feel the Earth Beneath Your Feet.”

Step off the vehicle and into the bush on foot with Lalibela’s guided walking safaris—a deeply immersive experience where you’ll learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and connect to nature’s rhythms. These walks allow you to explore the African wilderness in its purest form, guided by expert rangers who bring every footprint and birdsong to life.

Birdwatching & Biome Discovery
Details +
Less -
“From Fynbos to Forest – Discover Nature’s Layers.”

Explore five unique biomes that create a sanctuary for over 260 bird species and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply in awe of wild beauty, this experience offers a window into South Africa’s ecological richness, where endemic species thrive in carefully protected, varied habitats.

Lalibela Game Reserve - Sustainability In Action

<h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerative<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">Conservation‑Led</span> Rewilding</h2>

Guardians of the Wild

Lalibela started through strategic land purchase and rewilding, actively eradicating invasive trees like wattle from over 850 ha and restoring savannah ecosystems. Rigorous wildlife monitoring, anti‑poaching patrols, and habitat protection ensure species from rhino to cheetah thrive.

View Fact Sheet
Book<br/>Now
Dreaming of your perfect Lalibela escape? Let’s design it together.

Whether you want solo reflection in the bush, family adventure, or a romantic safari stay, we’ll craft a custom experience. For African stays, ask about our My Epic Africa safari-planning service—let’s begin your journey now!

Request a personal experience or see our list of sample itineraries.

Choose Your Experience

Lalibela isn’t just a stay—it’s a journey. From early-morning game drives where elephant herds bath in light, to intimate fireplace dinners under constellations, each moment is curated for immersion. You'll discover bushcraft on foot, taste communal meals in open-air dining, and unwind in spa sanctuaries enveloped by nature. This is where raw landscapes meet refined hospitality.
Family Safari Program
Details +
Less -
“Wild Wonder For All Ages.”

Lalibela offers dedicated programs for families with children, making it one of the top malaria-free safari destinations for multi-generational travel. From kid-friendly game drives to interactive wildlife education, this experience is tailored for bonding in the bush, ensuring young explorers grow up with a love for the natural world.

Big Five Safari Drives
Details +
Less -
“Track the Wild, Witness the Iconic.”

Experience the thrill of spotting lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino during expertly guided open-vehicle safari drives at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve. With no public roads and a free-roaming ecosystem, every drive offers intimate and uninterrupted wildlife encounters in a malaria-free, biodiverse environment—ideal for first-time safari-goers and seasoned adventurers alike.

Guided Walking Safaris
Details +
Less -
“Feel the Earth Beneath Your Feet.”

Step off the vehicle and into the bush on foot with Lalibela’s guided walking safaris—a deeply immersive experience where you’ll learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and connect to nature’s rhythms. These walks allow you to explore the African wilderness in its purest form, guided by expert rangers who bring every footprint and birdsong to life.

Birdwatching & Biome Discovery
Details +
Less -
“From Fynbos to Forest – Discover Nature’s Layers.”

Explore five unique biomes that create a sanctuary for over 260 bird species and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply in awe of wild beauty, this experience offers a window into South Africa’s ecological richness, where endemic species thrive in carefully protected, varied habitats.

Lalibela Game Reserve - Sustainability In Action

<h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerative<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">Conservation‑Led</span> Rewilding</h2>

Guardians of the Wild

Lalibela started through strategic land purchase and rewilding, actively eradicating invasive trees like wattle from over 850 ha and restoring savannah ecosystems. Rigorous wildlife monitoring, anti‑poaching patrols, and habitat protection ensure species from rhino to cheetah thrive.

View Fact Sheet
Book<br/>Now
Dreaming of your perfect Lalibela escape? Let’s design it together.

Whether you want solo reflection in the bush, family adventure, or a romantic safari stay, we’ll craft a custom experience. For African stays, ask about our My Epic Africa safari-planning service—let’s begin your journey now!

guests |
From $ pp/night

The lodge offers sweeping views, elevated dining, and relaxed luxury in the heart of the reserve. A great fit for couples or small groups who value privacy with an African ambiance.

Details +
Less -
guests |
From $ pp/night

Kichaka Lodge is a modern, five-star safari experience with gourmet dining & personalized service. Ideal for honeymooners or luxury-seeking couples who want to combine romance with wildlife adventure.

Details +
Less -
guests |
From $ pp/night

Each suite opens to a private deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering unobstructed views of the wilderness. Designed for those seeking silence, solitude, and an intimate connection with nature.

Details +
Less -
guests |
From $ pp/night

Designed for couples and solo travelers seeking intimacy and quiet, it’s an eco-luxury escape that brings the sounds and sights of the wild right to your door. A true forest-canopy retreat within a Big Five safari setting.

Details +
Less -
guests |
From $ pp/night

The Mills Manors Private Residence offers total seclusion in the heart of the Eastern Cape bush. Ideal for multi-generational travel or milestone celebrations in a malaria-free Big Five reserve.

Details +
Less -
18 guests |
From $ pp/night

The camp is surrounded by indigenous bush and close to a busy waterhole. With a child-friendly safari program and interleading rooms, it’s ideal for families or first-time safari travelers.

Details +
Less -

Choose Your Experience

Lalibela isn’t just a stay—it’s a journey. From early-morning game drives where elephant herds bath in light, to intimate fireplace dinners under constellations, each moment is curated for immersion. You'll discover bushcraft on foot, taste communal meals in open-air dining, and unwind in spa sanctuaries enveloped by nature. This is where raw landscapes meet refined hospitality.
Family Safari Program
Details +
“Wild Wonder For All Ages.”

Lalibela offers dedicated programs for families with children, making it one of the top malaria-free safari destinations for multi-generational travel. From kid-friendly game drives to interactive wildlife education, this experience is tailored for bonding in the bush, ensuring young explorers grow up with a love for the natural world.

Big Five Safari Drives
Details +
“Track the Wild, Witness the Iconic.”

Experience the thrill of spotting lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino during expertly guided open-vehicle safari drives at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve. With no public roads and a free-roaming ecosystem, every drive offers intimate and uninterrupted wildlife encounters in a malaria-free, biodiverse environment—ideal for first-time safari-goers and seasoned adventurers alike.

Guided Walking Safaris
Details +
“Feel the Earth Beneath Your Feet.”

Step off the vehicle and into the bush on foot with Lalibela’s guided walking safaris—a deeply immersive experience where you’ll learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and connect to nature’s rhythms. These walks allow you to explore the African wilderness in its purest form, guided by expert rangers who bring every footprint and birdsong to life.

Birdwatching & Biome Discovery
Details +
“From Fynbos to Forest – Discover Nature’s Layers.”

Explore five unique biomes that create a sanctuary for over 260 bird species and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply in awe of wild beauty, this experience offers a window into South Africa’s ecological richness, where endemic species thrive in carefully protected, varied habitats.

Lalibela Game Reserve - Sustainability In Action

<h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerative<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">Conservation‑Led</span> Rewilding</h2>

Guardians of the Wild

Lalibela started through strategic land purchase and rewilding, actively eradicating invasive trees like wattle from over 850 ha and restoring savannah ecosystems. Rigorous wildlife monitoring, anti‑poaching patrols, and habitat protection ensure species from rhino to cheetah thrive.

View Fact Sheet
Book<br/>Now
Dreaming of your perfect Lalibela escape? Let’s design it together.

Whether you want solo reflection in the bush, family adventure, or a romantic safari stay, we’ll craft a custom experience. For African stays, ask about our My Epic Africa safari-planning service—let’s begin your journey now!

Lalibela Game Reserve - Sustainability In Action

<h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerative<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">Conservation‑Led</span> Rewilding</h2>

Guardians of the Wild

Lalibela started through strategic land purchase and rewilding, actively eradicating invasive trees like wattle from over 850 ha and restoring savannah ecosystems. Rigorous wildlife monitoring, anti‑poaching patrols, and habitat protection ensure species from rhino to cheetah thrive.

View Fact Sheet
Book<br/>Now
Dreaming of your perfect Lalibela escape? Let’s design it together.

Whether you want solo reflection in the bush, family adventure, or a romantic safari stay, we’ll craft a custom experience. For African stays, ask about our My Epic Africa safari-planning service—let’s begin your journey now!

Choose Your Experience

Lalibela isn’t just a stay—it’s a journey. From early-morning game drives where elephant herds bath in light, to intimate fireplace dinners under constellations, each moment is curated for immersion. You'll discover bushcraft on foot, taste communal meals in open-air dining, and unwind in spa sanctuaries enveloped by nature. This is where raw landscapes meet refined hospitality.
Family Safari Program
Details +
Less -
“Wild Wonder For All Ages.”

Lalibela offers dedicated programs for families with children, making it one of the top malaria-free safari destinations for multi-generational travel. From kid-friendly game drives to interactive wildlife education, this experience is tailored for bonding in the bush, ensuring young explorers grow up with a love for the natural world.

Big Five Safari Drives
Details +
Less -
“Track the Wild, Witness the Iconic.”

Experience the thrill of spotting lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino during expertly guided open-vehicle safari drives at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve. With no public roads and a free-roaming ecosystem, every drive offers intimate and uninterrupted wildlife encounters in a malaria-free, biodiverse environment—ideal for first-time safari-goers and seasoned adventurers alike.

Guided Walking Safaris
Details +
Less -
“Feel the Earth Beneath Your Feet.”

Step off the vehicle and into the bush on foot with Lalibela’s guided walking safaris—a deeply immersive experience where you’ll learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and connect to nature’s rhythms. These walks allow you to explore the African wilderness in its purest form, guided by expert rangers who bring every footprint and birdsong to life.

Birdwatching & Biome Discovery
Details +
Less -
“From Fynbos to Forest – Discover Nature’s Layers.”

Explore five unique biomes that create a sanctuary for over 260 bird species and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply in awe of wild beauty, this experience offers a window into South Africa’s ecological richness, where endemic species thrive in carefully protected, varied habitats.

Why you'll stay forever
Top Features that Define Lalibela Reserve
Conservation-Led Ethos

Lalibela is more than a luxury safari destination—it's a working conservation model. Rewilding initiatives, habitat restoration, and community support programs are at the heart of every stay, allowing guests to contribute directly to South Africa’s natural heritage while enjoying top-tier hospitality.

Malaria-Free Private Reserve

Lalibela is located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a malaria-free zone—making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a safe yet wild safari. The absence of public roads ensures truly private game-viewing and uninterrupted wilderness immersion.

Intimate & Diverse Lodge Options

With only a select number of lodges—ranging from treetop tents to exclusive-use villas—Lalibela offers privacy and personalized service in every stay. Whether you seek romantic seclusion, family bonding, or group celebration, each lodge is thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural surroundings while offering exceptional comfort and soul.

Five Ecological Biomes in One Reserve

From grassy savannas to riverine forest and fynbos-covered hills, Lalibela’s 10,500-hectare landscape hosts five distinct biomes in one reserve. This unique ecological diversity supports abundant wildlife and provides exceptional safari photography and birding opportunities.

MEET
YOUR HOST
Connections Matter!

Meet your dedicated Stay Host and Wild Earth Stay team members during a live consultation and let's plan your perfect journey as a team.

Your host will be joined by members of the Wild Earth team to walk you through your stay and answer your questions live.

From the Wild at Heart

Populated by the CMS. Do not edit.

Name, Date, Source

“Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

KATRYNM, DEC 2022

“Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

KATRYNM, DEC 2022

“Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

KATRYNM, DEC 2022
No items found.

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Where on earth
BE BOLD.
GO SOMEWHERE NEW.
Location
South Africa / Africa
-33.470578, 26.254620
Off N2 National Road, Sidbury, Eastern Cape, 6131, South Africa
NEAREST AIRPORT
25. Airport name Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ); also accessible via Gqeberha.
From PLZ, head 80 km (about 1 hr 10 min) via N2 toward Grahamstown, then turn off at Bushman’s River and follow signs to Lalibela. Port Elizabeth is the preferred gateway.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
April - October
Dry months with optimal wildlife viewing attracted to waterholes, crisp sunny days, and clearer skies for game-spotting and star-gazing.
Where on earth
Your Private Cabin Aways your Choosing
No items found.
Book<br/>Now
Dreaming of your perfect Lalibela escape? Let’s design it together.

Whether you want solo reflection in the bush, family adventure, or a romantic safari stay, we’ll craft a custom experience. For African stays, ask about our My Epic Africa safari-planning service—let’s begin your journey now!

Connections Matter!

Meet your dedicated Stay Host and Wild Earth Stay team members during a live consultation and let's plan your perfect journey as a team.

Your host will be joined by members of the Wild Earth team to walk you through your stay and answer your questions live.

From the Wild at Heart

Populated by the CMS. Do not edit.

Name, Date, Source

“Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

KATRYNM, DEC 2022

“Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

KATRYNM, DEC 2022

“Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

KATRYNM, DEC 2022
No items found.