Over the past few months I’ve been bombarded with emails from different websites and companies hawking their products and hotels. I usually do them the solid of at least checking out what they are trying to sell me and thank them for the opportunity, but kindly decline. Simply put, most of these emails are for pure crap.
Enter Lalibela Game Reservation.
Gail Davis sent me an email asking me if it was OK for her to send me some information about the reservation and after doing some research, I obliged. While this place isn’t near where the USMNT is playing (at least so far), it might be worth checking out if you are looking to extend your trip beyond soccer to see the sights of South Africa. Just as a disclaimer of sorts, I’m posting this information simply to help you and because I actually think it may be a cool place to visit (aka there is no sneaky TYAC profit-sharing going on here).
Here’s what Gail had to say:
Lalibela Game Reserve is situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape (close to the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth). The reserve spans five ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of plants, animals & birds. Lalibela has three lodges all offering décor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service and unforgettable game viewing. Open vehicle game drives bring you face to face with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope. Food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes. A special children’s programme is offered at one of the lodges.
Home to the Big 5, all of the animals, including the predators, are free roaming throughout the entire reserve.
Overnight stay programme:
An overnight stay at Lalibela includes an afternoon/sunset game drive, followed by a safari cuisine dinner prepared by our chefs. The following morning, after a light breakfast, guests have a morning game drive before returning to their lodge for a large brunch.
Accommodations
Lentaba Lodge – Eight stone & thatch rooms with private viewing decks.
Mark’s Camp – Four standard stone & thatch rooms & four family suites. Dedicated children’s programme offered.
Tree Tops – Tented camp with five luxury air-conditioned safari tents perched on thatched platforms.
Several World Cup matches are being played in Port Elizabeth and you can enjoy luxury accommodation and Big 5 game viewing while still being able to watch the games being played in Port Elizabeth (road transfers will be available between Port Elizabeth and Lalibela) and around the country – we are offering unlimited access to view games on the 5.5 meter (18 foot) TV screen at our conference venue!
The rates at all of the lodges at Lalibela are R3,300 per person sharing per night. This rate includes accommodation, all meals, all drinks at the lodge and on game drives and 2 game drives a day. No minimum stay or number of people.
We also have transfers available – they will be R400 per person per way and available every day for transfers between Port Elizabeth and Lalibela (for arrivals and departures and World Cup games).
Daytrips are also available at a net rate of R750 per person. This includes a three hour game drive and lunch. Drinks are an extra charge. There are a minimum number of packs for daytrips – 20.
If you have any questions about Lalibela, feel free send Gail Davis an email at enquiry@lalibela.co.za.