Lalibela Marks Camp

• Lalibela Marks Camp offers superb Big Five game-viewing
• Malaria-free reserve across 5 eco-systems
• Mark’s Camp is a child-friendly game lodge
• Full programme of children’s activities

Lalibela private game reserve comprises three lodges within 7,500ha of Big Five malaria-free bushveld - romantic Tree Tops Tented Camp, Lentaba Safari Lodge and family friendly Marks Camp.

Lalibela spans five eco-systems, (valley bushveld, savannah grassland, fynbos, riverine forest and acacia woodland), resulting in a huge diversity of fauna and flora. African wild dogs, spotted hyena and more lion have also been reintroduced to Lalibela. Game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle with an experienced game ranger bring you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from mighty elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo to tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Night drives focus on the elusive bat-eared fox, aardvark, black-backed jackal and aardwolf. All of the animals, including the predators, are free-roaming throughout the entire reserve.

Between game drives, you can relax in the large lounge, bird watch from the viewing decks or laze around one of the two swimming pools, one for all ages and one more secluded pool which is reserved for adults.  Mark's Camp also has an outdoor dining boma for fireside dinners and open-air brunches, as well as a rather festive dining area. Food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialties, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes.

Accommodation

Lalibela Marks Camp is all about family safaris. It lies approx 30 mins drive into the reserve from the reception lodge. The main lodge is decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style.  The lodge sleeps up to 20 guests in 8 chalets, four of which are family chalets.  Each comfortably furnished chalet has an en suite bathroom with a ceiling fan for those warm summer nights. Each opens up onto a private deck with views over the waterhole. They have a choice of three family rooms and a two bedroom family chalet. The family rooms have a small children’s area with two built in beds separated with a reed partition from the parent's bedroom. There is also a larger two bedroom family chalet with a small sitting area which can also accommodate extra children so this is ideal for a family with 3 or more kids or a family party.

Families at Marks Camp

Each family is different and children require varying degrees of attention, which is why the emphasis at Lalibela Marks Camp is to be as flexible as possible to ensure memorable family holidays.

Children under the age of 8 are not allowed on adult game drives, but are fully supervised and entertained with their own special 'kiddies drives' and various other games and activities. During the day, activities for children are filled with creative African arts and crafts and bush skills : from candle making and beading to tracking spoor around the lodge, making plaster cast moulds of the spoor and painting them. There is also a specially designated play area, with paddling pool and jungle gym.

An overview of Lalibela’s children's programme:

In the early morning Lalibela’s child minders come on duty so that parents can leave for their morning game drive. The children are given a chance to wake up, get dressed and be ready for the day. Parents are welcome to stay behind and accompany their children on the kiddies game drive if they prefer. Breakfast is served and then it is time for the activities of the morning, starting with a short game drive with their own game ranger and in their own special game viewing vehicle, taking care to avoid any close encounters with the dangerous game. The middle of the day offers time for the family to spend together. Before the adults go out on their afternoon game drive, high tea is served for both adults and children. After heading out on their kids game drive, the children return to the lodge an hour earlier for an early supper before getting creative with some arts and crafts activities.