MalaMala Game Reserve

Guests enjoying a game drive on MalaMala Game Reserve

MalaMala Game Reserve is the benchmark for the luxury safari industry in Southern Africa. It is one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa and is world-renowned for offering the finest and most consistent Big Five game viewing this side of the equator.

Location, Location, Location - comprising 13 200 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced boundary with the world-famous Kruger National Park (KNP) and lies strategically sandwiched between the KNP and the Sabi Sand Reserve. Importantly, MalaMala has 20 kms (13 miles) of Sand River frontage. This perennial river acts as a magnet for animals in this pristine wildlife area and is the foundation of MalaMala’s unrivalled game viewing and wildlife experience.

MalaMala Game Reserve was the first privately owned and commercially operated game reserve in South Africa and is the model on which all other private game reserves now operate.

MalaMala’s river frontage, running north to south, is the lifeblood of the reserve and acts as a natural drawcard for animals, especially in the dry winter months. The wildlife moves from the Kruger National Park, across MalaMala, to the river and back again, resulting in two-way traffic across the reserve where we conduct our safaris

Due to the superior environmental policies of MalaMala over a long period of time, the land has remained in pristine condition resulting in a prolific abundance of tertiary grasses. This attracts the herbivores which in turn attracts the predators.

Preserving and protecting the environmental integrity of this special piece of Africa has always been at the core of MalaMala’s existence. This philosophy has paid off and international photojournalists and film-makers have made MalaMala their wildlife destination of choice.

Accommodation

There are three luxury lodges in the MalaMala Game Reserve

MalaMala Camp, previously known as “Main Camp,” is the original camp on MalaMala Game Reserve. MalaMala Camp is a haven of understated luxury combining warm comfort and superb service with unrivalled views of the Sand River and surrounding bushveld. It is truly a place of legends where rare photographs, old maps and extraordinary mementos rub shoulders with the works of renowned contemporary wildlife artists.The camp is an unfenced oasis in the middle of the bush.

The lodge has a warm and inviting lounge area – an ideal place to relax or socialise, an elegant, African themed air-conditioned dining room and a traditional reed “boma” for evening meals around the fire. The iconic “Buffalo Bar” featuring historic photographs of the early days of MalaMala and during the warm summer days large filtered infinity pool with magnificent views across the river. To relax during the day there is an expansive wooden safari deck, in the shade of a Jackalberry tree, overlooking the Sand River or visit the air-conditioned library with satellite television and DVD player. If you are fit there is a small fitness facility.To stay in contact complimentary wireless internet connectivity is available.

10 luxury suites, 8 luxury rooms, 1 luxury single suite. Each luxury suite has a private deck or verandah with a view over the Sand River or a waterhole, an en-suite bathroom with private toilet - the suites have both a bath and a shower whilst the luxury rooms only have a shower.Air-conditioning, heating and overhead fan, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini-safe all make your stay comfortable.

Age restriction: Children of all ages are accepted. Children of 5 years and younger are not permitted in the boma for dinner or on game drives (unless parents have booked a private vehicle). A babysitting facility is available at a nominal fee.

MalaMala Sable Camp is a smaller, more intimate version of MalaMala Camp and is ideal for those seeking a more private and secluded safari experience. MalaMala Sable Camp is situated at the southern end of MalaMala Camp in a prime elevated position overlooking the Sand River and surrounding bushveld.

Sable Camp has an elegant, African themed, air-conditioned dining room and safari bar. A traditional reed “boma” for evening meals around the fire and an expansive wooden safari deck, overlooking the Sand River. During the warm summer days relax in thelarge filtered infinity pool nestled in the flood plain below the camp. There is an air-conditioned library with satellite television and DVD player. If you are fit then you will need to go to the gym at MalaMala Camp.To stay in contact complimentary wireless internet connectivity is available.

Sable Camp can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in 7 suites – some of which can accommodate 3 guests sharing. It may also be reserved exclusively for between 14 and 20 guests. 5 luxury suites and the two-bedroom Lion’s Den suite

Lion's Den Suite: two en-suite bedrooms separated by a large sitting room. Family rooms able to accommodate a third adult or two children are available on request. Each luxury suite has a private deck overlooking the bushveld with river or waterhole views, an en-suite bathroom with private toilet - the suites have both a bath and an outdoor shower for a nature experience with a difference. Air-conditioning, heating and overhead fan, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini-safe all make your stay comfortable

Age restriction: no children under the age of 12 unless the camp is reserved exclusively

MalaMala Sable Camp main lodge area

Tucked away in a forest of green, on the banks of the world-renowned Sand River, lies a special place. MalaMala Rattray’s Camp offers an intimate glimpse into an era long lost, when travellers from afar married the magic of the African bush with elegance and refinement. Combining humble opulence and romantic exclusivity with unrivalled game viewing, MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is the premier safari destination for those seeking to experience the wild heart of Africa.

MalaMala Rattrays Camp is the epitome of classic style and good taste. Each luxurious, freestanding and spacious suite offers an atmosphere of lush seclusion and boasts spectacular views of the Sand River where wildlife of all shapes and sizes can be viewed whilst taking a dip in the private plunge pool, cooling off in the outdoor shower or enjoying a massage on the deck.

At MalaMala Rattray’s Camp, wildlife safaris are our number one priority. A maximum of only four guests per safari vehicle is the norm and a flexible operation ensures your adventures into the bush will be intimate and unforgettable. An experienced and proficient ranger will serve as your guide and host, offering a level of service second to none.

Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations including the “boma,” the deck, the elegant African themed dining room or in the privacy and comfort of your own suite. Enjot a drink in the historic bar featuring photographs of the early days of this unique area and its pioneers or visit beautifully appointed library containing rare African books and magnificent works of art. The lodge offers complimentary wireless internet connectivity, has alarge filtered infinity pool with magnificent views across the river, a well-appointed safari boutique with quality clothing, jewellery and artefacts. For the fit there is a small fitness facility.

8 luxury suites for a maximum of 16 guests. Each luxury suite has a private verandah with grand river views, indigenous private garden – a haven for birds, “His” and “hers” bathrooms featuring a ball and claw foot bath and double shower an outdoor shower for a nature experience with a difference. Private plunge pool built into the verandah, an outdoor and indoor dining area for intimate dining.Air-conditioning, heating and overhead fan, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini-safe all make your stay comfortable.

Age restriction: no children under the age of 16.

What makes MalaMala special

Three luxury intimate lodges
Highly experienced and knowledgeable game rangers and trackers
Unrivalled game viewing and wildlife experience
One of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa, sandwiched between the KNP and the Sabi Sand Reserve
Easy access by road and air
No time limit on sightings and no “queue-to-view” on this enormous tract of land

Safari activities

MalaMala offers a truly authentic wildlife experience.

Game Drives The rangers are expertly trained and all have accredited field guide qualifications. Most of the rangers studied the natural sciences at university and as a result they have specialists in many different scientific fields e.g. Ornithology, Entomology and Zoology.
Private Safari Vehicles Exclusive use of a safari vehicle can be arranged upon request, but is subject to availability. Only a limited number of exclusive safari vehicles can be guaranteed at any one time. Prices available on request.
Bush Walks Guests can enjoy informative bush walks for guests over the age of 16 years. Professionally trained guides cater to guests’ preferences and fitness levels pointing out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots, rare birds and sharing details about the rich cultural history of the area.
Photography The photographic experience includes a dedicated photographic ranger to guide you through your safari. Their intuitive knowledge of animal behaviour and skilled positioning of the vehicle affords one enhanced wildlife photographic opportunities. This, coupled with the option of either a sliding, cushioned camera rail or a fixed, cushioned camera rail, affords one the greatest comfort and stability when attempting to capture those quintessential wildlife images you’ve been waiting for.
Children on Safari A MalaMala backpack, which includes an interactive checklist, bird and mammal colouring books, lip ice and water, is given to each child between the ages of four and 12. The ranger who will be hosting the family during their stay at Malamala game Reserve will assess the age, enthusiasm and independence of the children and in collaboration with the parents, various activities like tracking, survival skills and wanring signs of dangerous animals will be offered.

A day at MalaMala

Game drives are planned for mornings and evenings as this is the time when the animals are most active. The game drives last for about three hours and include a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun-downer stop in the evening.MalaMala adjusts safari times accordingly to the seasons in order to maximise game-viewing opportunities and ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable experience.

Summer / Winter
05h30 / 06h30 – Wake-up call by your ranger heralds the dawn.
06h00 / 07h00 – Meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available. The early-morning game drive follows.
09h30 / 10h00 – Return to camp where a hearty brunch awaits you. For the more energetic, join the bush walk after brunch. Alternatively, relax around the pool, take a siesta to make up for that early-morning wake-up call.
15h00 / 15h00 – Meet on the safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack before departing on another unforgettable safari.
20h00 / 19h00 – Return to camp, time for you to freshen up before meeting your friends and rangers for pre-dinner drinks in the cosy Safari Bar
20h30 / 19h30 – Dinner is served in the reed-enclosed boma. Alternatively, when the weather is suitable, a candlelit dinner is served on the safari deck overlooking the Sand River.

Making a difference

MalaMala is one of the few genuine black economic empowered eco-tourism businesses in South Africa and we are committed to the delivery of long-term, tangible benefits to our local Community. MalaMala operates in partnership with the N’wandlamhari Community – they are shareholders in the business and over half of MalaMala’s employees are community-based. The Community derives significant income from MalaMala through multiple revenue streams, each applied to different aspects of the Community’s social and economic development.

Bursary Programme: The Trust has a comprehensive bursary programme to provide funding for community-based students to attend a wide range of academic and training institutions. These include hospitality and tourism academies, technical colleges, cooking schools and conservation academies, to name a few. The qualifications gained at these institutions are essential for community-based students looking to forge a career in eco-tourism.

Internship Programme For many qualified students, finding a job is very difficult without work experience. As a result, MalaMala established an ‘internship programme’ at the camp whereby students develop their practical skills in key departments of the business, including waitressing, housekeeping, and reception. The on-the-job training and experience gained on the internship programme is invaluable in securing employment either at MalaMala or at other eco-tourism and hospitality businesses.

School building projects A significant portion of the Mintirho Trust’s funds are allocated to improving the infrastructure and facilities at schools in the community. An example of the significant contribution to these schools was the building of a new kitchen facility at the Mabida High School. Hygiene and nourishment are essential in the rural areas and this kitchen has completely transformed the landscape of the school, benefitting over 500 learners and staff.