Written by Courtney Drysdale

‘Conservation for Conservation Sake’ 

Lalibela Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a 10.500 hectare private game reserve that spans 5 ecosystems and is home to various species of wildlife – including the Big 5, eland, blesbuck, zebra, cheetah and a plethora of other wonderful birds and beasts. The reserve offers a unique malaria-free safari experience, with a choice of luxury stays and various activities such as extensive game drives and walking safaris. Lalibela also boasts a fantastic safari cuisine experience for the foodies – ranging from fusion African cuisine to paying homage to traditional African dishes and local specialities, all using the finest ingredients.

Lalibela Game Reserve is committed to conservation and sustainability. In addition to the conservation levy that all guests pay, the owners of Lalibela have pledged that all surplus revenue will be allocated to conservation and community upliftment. The reserve has implemented a range of measures to reduce its environmental impact and protect the area's tremendous biodiversity. Additionally, the reserve has a variety of educational programs and workshops to help educate visitors about the importance of conservation and sustainability.

Read on as we walk through the wilderness of Lalibela Game Reserve to find out why it should be your next sustainable safari destination…

Environmental Conservation

Lalibela's conservation efforts are extensive and a core part of the reserve's identity and how they wish to preserve this beautiful space for future generations. In addition to having a strict ‘zero plastic’ policy, Lalibela has also implemented comprehensive recycling policies for waste materials and grey water. The reserve collects any leftover food scraps and sends them to be converted to biogas or to make feed for local pig farmers. Lalibela has been given recognition by the Dendrological Society of South Africa for the work it has done in removing alien tree species like prickly pear and Australian black wattle. As a result, huge tracks of land (approximately 850 hectares) have been converted from exotic black wattle forest to indigenous savannah grassland.

Lalibela Reserve also has an incredibly proactive approach to wildlife conservation and anti-poaching. Species such as rhino, cheetah and lion are monitored carefully and treated by wildlife vets. Some wildlife are fitted with tracking collars to monitor them and assist the dedicated anti-poaching team that works round the clock to protect the reserve's wildlife. This is a costly commitment but a necessary one. Without dedicated conservation projects like Lalibela, future generations would not be able to enjoy seeing these species in their natural habitat. This is the legacy that Lalibela is committed to fulfilling.

Community conservation

Lalibela’s conservation efforts extend into giving back and uplifting local communities in the area. For conservation to have any chance of success, local populations have to benefit from projects like Lalibela by way of employment and upliftment projects. Some key initiatives include sports development in local communities by supplying equipment, transport, facilities and uniforms for 2 local soccer teams, a netball team, a gumboot dance group and a boxing club. Lalibela is also a part of Pack for a Purpose and funds the Seven Fountains Community Recreation Centre, which assists children with homework, extra-reading classes and projects. The Recreation Centre also holds formal lunches for Old Age Pensioners during holidays like Christmas and Easter. The reserve also provides soup jars or ‘hope jars’ to this community's residents, as well as a feeding scheme and stationery packs for learners in the community. Lastly, Lalibela also drives eco-brick initiatives and works alongside the Ikhala Veterinary Clinic — which visits Seven Fountains Community regularly to treat and sterilise dogs — by also providing dog food twice a week as well as kennels. Community upliftment projects are on-going and guests to Lalibela are welcome to request to be taken to see some of the community upliftment projects.

Lalibela Game Reserve’s sustainability efforts aren’t the only incredible thing about them; they also have an incredible offering of sustainable, luxury stays:

Mills Manor

Experience an Eastern Cape safari escape in this classically adorned Villa that can accommodate up to 10 people. Explore the area on foot or on a game drive, before relaxing beside the pool or watch wildlife wander by the waterhole right outside the manor.

Inzolo Lodge

Inzolo Lodge offers unique and luxury chalets with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding bush. Guests can take part in game drives, bush walks, and guided tours of the reserve, and enjoy a range of delicious meals and enjoy a dip in the pool.

Tree Tops Safari Lodge

Nestled in a valley and surrounded by trees, this safari lodge offers guests an opportunity to connect with nature in luxury en-suite tents. There are various ways to explore the area, or guests can watch animals like nyala and abundant bird life come right up to the lodge.

Marks Camp

Marks Camp at Lalibela Game Reserve offers an authentic safari getaway that's also malaria-free! Guests can explore the reserve or enjoy a gourmet fireside dining experience in the open-air boma.

Lentaba Safari Lodge

Lentaba Safari Lodge is an eco-friendly, luxury lodge surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and offers unforgettable views of the bush in the heart of the Eastern Cape. Guests can enjoy game drives, bush walks and delicious meals prepared with the freshest local ingredients.

Kichaka Lodge

Kichaka Lodge offers a unique and luxurious experience, with stunning views of the bushveld and wildlife. This 5-star safari escape has plenty of safari activities and exquisite dining opportunities sure to delight any traveller.

Excited to experience Lalibela Game Reserve for yourself? Hop on over to our website or check out our trips to book your next sustainable safari adventure and explore the wonderfully wild Eastern Cape!