There are some truly awesome game reserves around Port Elizabeth ranging from the epic Addo Elephant National Park to excellent private game reserves with top class lodges. Playing right in that space is Lalibela Game Reserve between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. Lalibela is home to the Big 5 as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal & lynx on 7500 hectares with visitors staying in one of three excellent lodges. I spent a night with the Damselfly in late 2012 and did a couple of posts on PE Daily Photo but for some reason uploaded this and forgot about it. While going through the drafts folder to look for something to post today I found it right at the bottom and just can’t let the opportunity go by to show you this beautiful place. My apologies. So here is Lalibela in a photo essay.
Mark’s Camp is Lalibela’s family friendly camp with four twin rooms on one side of the lodge and 4 family rooms on the other. My favourite part of the lodge is the walkway leading down to the swimming pool and deck next to the waterhole.
A different view of the walkway, this time looking towards the pool deck from the lodge. The waterhole is on the left of the deck. Do you now get why I like this so much?
One of the very S P A C I O U S rooms at Mark’s Camp
High tea before the afternoon game drive. Just the temptation is an absolute sin but its a case of have food, will eat. Plus how can you say no to a spread like this? Absolutely divine.
Watching elephants close by with the full moon rising over the horizon. Game drives is always a highlight for me and I will go on each and every one on offer while at a game reserve.
Returning to the lodge after the afternoon / evening game drive with a crackling fire welcoming you to the lodge. The decor around the lodge is authentically African and not plastic Africa like I’ve seen at some lodges before. Just what every international visitor wants.
Good food and friendly people, essential components of a good game reserve along with knowledgeable rangers, memorable animal sightings and a comfortable lodge. This was lodge manager Charmaine waiting for us with dinner us on our return from the game reserve. Any close up pictures of this would be deemed food porn.
Ranger Terry was excellent on both game drives finding the animals and getting us in the best possible position for prime game viewing.
Disclosure: We were invited to Lalibela Game Reserve and stayed on a complimentary basis while our transport was for our own account. I received no additional remuneration to write this post and all views expressed are my own.
This looks like an inviting experience. I'm going to have to check out some game reserves.
Such an amazing looking place! Wish I could be there for the weekend….
This looks so fab! One day I really need to go on a proper safari holiday – love that I can now do this in the Eastern Cape! Got a colleague from London going to Kariega soon – can't wait to hear what they think!
This looks so fab! One day I really need to go on a proper safari holiday – love that I can now do this in the Eastern Cape! Got a colleague from London going to Kariega soon – can't wait to hear what they think!
Must remember this place for Gaelyns trip next year. Seems like a wonderful place to stay.