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Kichaka Lodge, Eastern Cape | Timbuktu Travel
Eastern Cape

Kichaka Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Kichaka Lodge

A stone-and-thatch hideaway where wildlife comes calling at your front door.
Perched within the wilds of the Lalibela Wildlife Reserve, this five-star retreat proves that sometimes the best view in the house belongs to the hippos. Built from local stone and thatch, the lodge sits beside a bustling waterhole that serves as nature's own theatre. Elephants lumber down for their evening tipple whilst you sip yours at the cocktail bar, and the hippos provide a rather unconventional but thoroughly entertaining soundtrack to dinner. The interiors strike that delicate balance between safari nostalgia and contemporary comfort - think carved wooden sculptures alongside plush sofas that invite you to sink in and stay awhile.
Eastern Cape , South Africa
From $990 per person/per night
10 Rooms
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Property details

The property

The main areas flow effortlessly from indoor to outdoor spaces, with the cocktail bar positioned perfectly for waterhole surveillance (purely for scientific purposes, naturally). The dining room opens onto expansive terraces where meals are served with views that change by the hour, depending on which creatures have decided to drop by. The spa boasts panoramic vistas that make it rather difficult to concentrate on relaxation when there's a parade of game wandering past your treatment room window. There's also a well-equipped gym for those who prefer their cardio with a view, and a private library that's ideal for losing yourself in a good book between wildlife viewings.

The rooms

Each of the 10 suites is positioned for maximum privacy and optimal game viewing, with private decks that feel like your own personal observation post. The heated plunge pools are perfect for a dawn dip whilst watching the early morning wildlife parade, and the outdoor showers provide that authentic bush experience without sacrificing an ounce of luxury. Inside, natural textures and refined finishes create spaces that feel both sophisticated and utterly comfortable. The bathrooms are particularly indulgent affairs with deep soaking tubs positioned to catch glimpses of the reserve beyond, whilst in-room coffee stations ensure you're properly caffeinated for whatever the day's wildlife encounters might bring.

Why we love it

Why we love it

Watching the daily drama unfold at the waterhole from your rim-flow pool. It's like having front-row seats to the world's most exclusive wildlife documentary, except the popcorn comes with a rather good wine list.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Book your boma dinner during a full moon - the additional light transforms the evening into something rather magical, and the wildlife seems to put on an extra special show when the moon is bright.
Something to think about

Something to think about

The waterhole can get rather busy during peak wildlife viewing times, which means your peaceful morning coffee might come with a side of trumpeting elephants. Not exactly a hardship, but worth knowing if you're hoping for complete tranquillity.
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How to book Kichaka Lodge

How do I book Kichaka Lodge?

Kichaka Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Kichaka Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Kichaka Lodge?

Stays at Kichaka Lodge start from around $990 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Kichaka Lodge

South Africa

Eastern Cape

A tip top safari destination with a cultural heart within reach of Cape Town and the Garden Route.