Lalibela Game Reserve - Kichaka Lodge

Well all I can say was it was ‘AMAZING!’ All the staff were lovely and nothing was too much trouble. Our guide, Cullam, was a walking encyclopaedia on everything you needed to know about the animals birds and plants. His tracking skills were amazing. We saw everything we would want to see. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, zebra, giraffes, buffalo plus a lot more. We come on safari as part of my 50th birthday celebration. The lodge was informed when I made the booking and on my last night surprised me with a birthday cake and decorated the room and provided a bottle of bubbles.

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.

Die Lodge war vor sicherlich mehreren Jahrzehnten einmal toll und herrschaftlich, ist aber nach unserer Meinung dringend renovierungsbedürftig. Das Preis-Leistungverhältnis passt so keinesfalls, da viele kleine und größere Mängel sicht- und spürbar sind. Das Hauptgebäude ist komplett verraucht, da die offenen Kamine scheinbar die einzigen Heizmöglichkeiten sind. In den Unterbringungen funktionieren die Kühl-/Wärmeeinheiten nur bedingt, d.h. es muss hier Hauspersonal zu Rate gezogen werden. Unseren Safe konnten wir nicht nutzen da der Schlüssel nicht aufzufinden war. Der kleine Aussenpool war erst warm dann wieder kalt usw. Alles in allem eigentlich ein schöner Ort aber hier müsste wieder einmal investiert werden. Das Personal war sehr freundlich

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.

How to express the awesome experience we had. Our guide Des was amazing. Besides getting us to places that would get us a showing of most of the big 5 he was so knowledgeable about all of the animals and birds. The only one of the big 5 we did not see was the leopard. As there is only one in the area I think that was ok. All the personnel at the lodge were awesome as well. So caring and helpful. Natasha the manager worked hard to see all our needs were met. The chef put out awesome meals. We never went hungry. The girls that waited on us Atti & Asi were outstanding and fun. Can’t say enough about this lodge. Make it a priority to visit.

Lalibela exceeded my expectations! Upon arrival we headed out on a drive with our guide Ryno. He was incredibly observant and informed. We saw so much with him in just a few hours. Ryno never hurried us. He cared about sharing the beauty of Lalibela with us. Arriving back at the lodge, Thembi and Rachida greeted us with warm towels and beverages. We had morning and afternoon drives. A nighttime drive and a walk. Each time we went out we discovered something new. Our room was lovely, cozy and quiet. Meals were fantastic. We were even treated to an impromptu performance of the Click Song. I deeply appreciate the hard work of Ryno, Rachida, Thembi, Mariska and the rest of the staff who all work together to make every guests’s experience amazing. They care about this place.