Lalibela Game Reserve Mark's Camp

“Safari” is the Swahili word for “journey” and ours was truly an unforgettable journey. Our family spent four nights at Mills Manor on Lalibela Game Reserve. It was an unforgettable experience. The team looking after us was sensational. The staff at the Manor made sure we felt special and Ruan our guide used his knowledge and experience to ensure we had the best game drives. We love the the conservation ethos of the reserve that gives you a wonderful opportunity to encounter and experience wildlife and untamed nature safely and respectfully. We felt privileged to be there. Can’t recommend our stay highly enough.

We had 2 nights at the Lentaba lodge and it was absolutely brilliant. As soon as we arrived we were looked after so well. The first night we were the only 2 guests and all the staff were fantastic and so friendly. They would do anything for you. We missed the safari on the first day as the weather was not good, but Siwi made up for it with the other 3 we did. He made sure we saw as many animals as possible. It was a wonderful experience. The food they served was really good and we enjoyed it very much. We could have easily stayed longer as it was such a great experience.

We have just returned to England from our garden route holiday and three day safari at Marks Camp. Our experience from first arriving at the reception area was the impressive attention to detail, the attractive African art and above all the welcoming staff. We were driven to our lodge and met the fabulous staff who helped us to settle in. The setting was beautiful with a pool overlooking the bushy hills, somewhere to relax and observe wildlife including a hippo snoozing in the drinking hole just beyond the security fence! Our room was so clean with daily towel changes and refreshments. The food was delicious and freshly cooked. We loved the beautiful lights in the shared areas and together with the African artefacts the whole ambiance was delightful. On our first afternoon we met our guide Ruben. He explained the important safety points of being in an open topped vehicle. We took this chance to say how much we liked all wildlife, especially birds. For the next three days we had the most memorable experience of our lives. Ruben’s knowledge of mammals,plants, fungi and birds was astonishing for such a young guide. His talented spotting skills enabled us to see so many species during the time spent with him and enabled us to learn so much. We are both in our 70s and were not sure what to expect of the experience, but immediately we met him we felt safe. He is such an asset to your team and his natural inquisitive nature as well as his easy, approachable style made us relax and enjoy the inevitable big five and the tiny creatures such as termites as well as learning to read animals’ body language, their behaviour and about how tracking through footprints was done. Thanks to your entire staff we had such an amazing time and hope to return soon.

There is a lot of choice of reserves in the western and eastern cape, this one was an absolute find! From the moment you arrive to the final wave goodbye you are taken back by the attentiveness of the staff, the settings and decor of the facilities and not least of all the total enjoyment from the morning and evening safari drives. Our guide was Cullen ‘Cully’ big shout to him for his enthusiasm and passion for the wildlife and reserve.

We stayed at Lentaba Lodge for 3 nights. Lovely welcome and fabulous staff. So helpful. Gorgeous restaurant overlooking a watering hole. We watched an elephant cooling himself with water when we arrived. Room was simple and stylish, had a bath because I could, with a view and lovely bath salts! The room did have a faint smell of something musty, not sure what it was. Food was generally very good, but a few meat dishes were a little tough. Good choice at all meals and nice variety across the days. For high tea they were great at providing me gluten and dairy free cake. Huge portions though! For my husband's 60th birthday they made him a cake. Again it was huge and we shared it with others and because they very kindly made it gluten and dairy free so I could eat it, I had it for high tea and dessert the next day! Rose wine and sparkling wine wasn't included in the all inclusive, classed as premium which seemed strange for a wine country. Ranger Cayde was outstanding, we saw the big 4. No leopard but lots of cheetahs. Close encounters with eles, rhinos, giraffe, antelope, buffalo, lions and cheetahs. We counted 36 animals. Awesome learning about animal behaviour. Having a G&T at sunset in the bush was awesome.

This was my second visit here and it was every bit as good as my first. Amazing location in the middle of nowhere with amazing staff looking after you. Book.. you won’t regret it.