Lalibela Game Reserve - Kichaka Lodge

What can I say, absolutely amazing. We had a late afternoon flight and as soon as we entered the reserve we saw the most fantastic welcome by the impalas and zebras and the experience just improved from there. A big shout out to our guide Des, and Shaun and the rest of the staff, all made us most welcome and could not have done more to make an experience of a lifetime for my wife and I and our teenage daughters. We had the pleasure of two drives per day, the first a few minutes from arrival and included a male lion attack on a hyena. We also had fabulous experiences with a black rhino, white rhinos, giraffes, a family of elephants, a herd of buffalo, a female lion hunt, curious warthogs, sunbathing hippos, the highlight for me was coming face to face with a bull elephant on our last day 😬. As for the sunsets, absolutely incredible, made special evening by Des stopping in the perfect spot with either a hot chocolate or gin and tonic 👏 The lodges were luxurious and well cared for, food and drink well above expectations and extremely courteous and helpful staff. Congrats to all the team and a huge thank you. We cannot recommend highly enough and will definitely return. THANK YOU

When you first arrived, we were excited by the location and view of the reserve. We stayed for 3 nights with 6 game drives( morning and early evening game drives). The staff were very friendly and helpful. The meals were never-ending and had good choices and tasted delicious. The accommodation was mind-blowing with a large king-size bed, large bathroom, and patio with a plunge pool. The bed was comfortable, and we were woken by the birds in the morning. You do not need an alarm clock for the early morning game drives. The game drives are the highlight of the stay, and our ranger was very informative and left us with memories that live with us for a lifetime. To see the animals in their own environment is an amazing experience. We also did a walking game drive, which was not included but was again an amazing experience. You then learn about the small 5. Overall, I would recommend the Lalibela Lodge for an experience of a lifetime.

Our stay at Kichaka Lodge exceeded expectations. The staff are very attentive and friendly, accommodation was outstanding and food excellent. The highlight was the 6 game drives we did with Calem - his knowledge of the local animals, birds and plants is extraordinary and nothing was too much trouble.

From the moment you arrive at the reception and are taken down to the lodge you know this is going to be very special. The lodge had sitting rooms, library area, open fires, bar area and a beautiful restaurant. When the weather improved we also ate outside on the veranda looking at the waterhole and the hippos. All very high quality and spotlessly clean. The food is exceptional and apart from very high end drinks, wine, beer and some spirits are all included. The rooms are just as pictured, all just a few minutes walk from the lodge. Giant bed, sitting area, superb bathroom and a deck with heated plunge pool. Despite all this luxury what makes this place very special are the staff. From cleaning, to waitress, to chef, everyone makes you feel so special. They are so friendly and willing to make sure you enjoy your stay. Special mention to Sam. But best of all, Woody. Woody met us as soon as we arrived at reception and explained he would be our guide on game drives. He was excellent, a fountain of knowledge about the animals in the reserve, including all the birds and flora. We also went one on a night drive with him, he's also a knowledgable astronomer. I also need to note that during our stay, one of our group had a special birthday, cake was made by the staff and all the kitchen staff came and sang happy birthday. On our last night sparkling wine was left in our rooms, bath run and candles. Sadly we didn't take advantage of this as we went on a night drive. (Cheetahs and elephants in the dark and South African night sky) A very special place that created many special memories.

This resort exceeded my expectations on every level. The accommodations are beautiful. We stayed in the Aloe bungalow. The room is beautifully appointed with a massive bathroom. The private hot tub is great but the real treat is the outdoor shower. The meals are all five star with great variety. But the very best thing about the lodge is the service and 2 safaris every day. We had the most wonderful guide, Des, who is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife on the game reserve. We spotted all of the animals multiple times while we were there including juveniles of almost all of the species. Thank you Des - you made this a trip of a lifetime!!