Lalibela Lentaba Lodge

Small and personal thatched safari lodge and chalets overlooking a bushveld valley in Lalibela game reserve, just an hour from Port Elizabeth.

Lalibela Lentaba Lodge occupies a commanding hillside position overlooking a tree lined valley within Lalibela game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. It’s here where you’ll find a scattering of luxurious and secluded thatched chalets evenly spaced amongst the indigenous gardens, merging seamlessly with the surrounding bushveld. Twice daily game drives take you deep into the bush on the lookout for the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo, along with lynx, jackals, and hyenas.

Each of the detached chalets includes open-plan living space and some also have stand-alone baths looking out over the surrounding scenery. It’s the height of rustic luxury with private observation decks and floor to ceiling French windows, maximising the valley views. A perfect spot to continue the wildlife viewing in between game drives.

Follow the walkways and paths from the rooms and you’ll come to the main lodge. The wood and thatched theme continues here with African artwork and carvings adorning the walls. There's a small pool and expansive viewing deck that also doubles as a communal space to catch some sun. This is also where you can dine in a stately fire-lit hall or enjoy an alfresco evening around the traditional African boma circle.

As dusk drops, and fires spark and crackle, a spotlight falls on the waterhole. This is the time to sit with an after-dinner drink as the animals congregate around the water’s edge. Chatting to fellow wildlife lovers about their safari experiences is always an enjoyable way to end the day.

There’s a maximum of 20 guests at Lalibela Lentaba Lodge creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere. We’d recommend staying here for at least two nights to really make the most of the opportunities to observe the animals and to simply relax in nature.