Lalibela Game Reserve

A private Big 5, malaria-free game reserve with 3 stylish and reasonably-priced lodges just an hour east of Port Elizabeth

You’ll have heard about the fantastic safaris of the Kruger and neighbouring parks, but you may not realise that some smaller reserves at the eastern end of the Garden Route now offer near equal game-viewing (thanks to major programmes of animal relocation) in an easily accessible, malaria-free part of the country.

Lalibela is amongst the best of them, a 7500 hectare slice of land close to the N2 coastal highway, which spans 5 different ecosystems. Its existing herds of antelope, zebra, elephant and giraffe have recently been joined by those superstars of the bush, the much-touted Big 5. It's also one of the few genuinely child-friendly safari lodges in the country, whose 3 guest lodges have been attractively sculpted into their natural habitat, each with its own particular charm. You're guaranteed a lot of big game excitement on your drives, and the lodge's all-inclusive packages are a fistful of rands cheaper than neighbouring Shamwari, making it exceptionally good value.

Highs

• Malaria-free game viewing in a huge area of fenced reserve. You’re bound to see a lot of animals - ideal for safari first timers
• You’re within easy reach of Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route
• One of the lodges (Mark's Camp) offers an excellent programme of game drives and activities designed specifically for kids
• A highly sociable, ‘happy family’ vibe seems to permeate all the lodges
• The all-inclusive packages are excellent value

Lows

• On game drives to the southern end of the reserve, you can see and hear the busy N2 coastal highway
• Lalibela feels a bit ‘packaged’ in parts, with its buffet-style dinners, evening shows of African dance and staff dressing as faux Zulu warriors, but most guests enjoy this side of it
• Our game rangers were more enthusiastic than they were knowledgeable, putting the safari accent on "let’s have fun". But they do get kiddies fired up with their bush talk
• Kids won't like the long gap in the middle of the day without food (bring snacks!)