This private game lodge's location in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 ecosystems (valley bushveld, grassland, fynbos and riverine forest), resulting in a breath-taking diversity of plants, animals and birds. With the recent release of the African lion into the reserve, Lalibela now offers the ultimate Big 5 game viewing experience.

Lalibela brings you luxury game lodge accommodation with authentic African decor and is a perfect blend of the formal and informal. The two lodges, Lentaba Lodge and Mark's Camp, offer service of the highest standard and unforgettable game viewing, including the Big 5. Traditional dishes using local ingredients are prepared by chefs.

The secluded thatched chalets are placed where magnificent indigenous gardens merge into the surrounding bush. Each en-suite unit has a private observation deck to make the most of the views over the valley bushveld.

Awaken to the sound of the birds and enjoy a light breakfast before heading off on a n early morning game drive before we return to the lodge for a sumptuous brunch. The time between brunch and afternoon tea can be taken relaxig around the pool, having a drink or perhaps joining your ranger on a guided bush walk.

Early morning and sunset game drives in an open vehicle with an experienced game ranger bring you face to face with a multitude of game species including the Big 5, ranging from mighty elephant, rhino, lion, cheetah and buffalo to tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Lalibela is also home to hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope such as eland, kudu, bushbuck and wildebeest.

Each outdoor dining 'boma' has a commanding view of a waterhole, which is spotlit after dark for night game viewing.

Our maintenance staff have been hard at work taking down one of our boundry fences. This is being done in order to incorporate new land that we purchased 20 months ago. The land we purchased has been lying fallow all this time and we are happy that it has recovered sufficiently for it to be incorporated into the main Lalibela property. Various game species had been introduced onto the new property during the past 12 months in order to give them the opportunity to establish themselves before being incorporated. In total, 12 kilometres of fencing was taken down.

Our 4th lodge (Idwala) have recently opened. Set on a rocky outcrop covered in thick pristine vegetation, the site for our new lodge boasts wonderful vistas of the surrounding hills. Sticking to our theme of small intimate lodges, it consists of 4 rooms sleeping a maximum of 8 guests. Construction has started on a 5th lodge. This lodge, still nameless, is scheduled to open in October 2006. Set in an area of the property rich in indigenous valley bushveld vegetation, the lodge will be the only 5-star lodge on Lalibela. Extreme care is being taken to keep disruption to the indigenous fauna to an absolute minimum. The reason construction has started so soon before opening is to ensure that all the unavoidable disruption to the fauna takes place now (14 months before opening) in order to give the natural vegetation a chance to fully recover. The lodge will have above-ground walkways to ensure minimal impact on animal and plant life.

We recommend a minimum of a 2 night stay to get the most out of what Lalibela has to offer.