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Mala Mala Private Game Reserve was one of the first privately owned game areas to make the transition from hunting to photographic safaris. The area in which it sits is known for its huge variety of wildlife which roams freely across the unfenced borders into the adjacent Kruger National Park. The greatest attraction is the Sand River, a non perennial river that during drier months draws wildlife to its banks. Characterised by large fig trees and shady palms, the dense riverbanks provide the perfect habitats for leopards and game viewing.
Location:
MalaMala Game Reserve is situated in the province of Mpumalanga and shares a common border of 19km / 12 miles with the Kruger National Park.
Accommodation and facilities:
There are three lodges within the Mala Mala Reserve all of which have been specifically located to ensure the most authentic and prolific game experiences:
Mala Mala Main Camp - comprises eighteen luxury thatched, air conditioned suites, each affording spectacular views of the surrounding bush and complete with ’his and hers’ bathrooms. The spacious Buffalo Lounge displaying bronzes, works of art and animal trophies leads onto an expansive wooden deck which provides an elevated view of animals watering in the Sand River. Dinner is announced by the beating of African drums and is served beneath the stars in an enclosed reed boma. Mala Mala prides itself on good service, combined with exhilarating game drives and guided walks. This is also one of the few safari destinations that offer a fully equipped, disabled suite as well as a suitably equipped Landrover for game drives.
Sable Camp - this is the ideal retreat for the more reclusive traveller who prefers privacy. The Sable Camp accommodates fourteen guests in five luxury suites and the Lions Den - a two bedroomed, luxury suite accommodating four guests. This fully air-conditioned, beautifully appointed camp has a truly colonial feel enhanced with modern comforts. A library with satellite television and internet connectivity give one the option to stay in touch with the world whilst the intimate safari bar, swimming pool and large wooden deck surrounding the camp provide the platform from which to admire the unimpeded views that make the Sable Camp experience so rich and interactive.
Rattray’s Camp – consists of eight luxurious suites or khayas (Zulu for ‘home’) each occupying its own elevated site overlooking the Sand River. Each khaya is an inclusive home, resplendent with the finest furnishings, lavish ’his and hers’ bathrooms and a secluded outdoor shower. All are fronted by a private veranda with a filtered plunge pool. The elegant main building incorporates a viewing deck, an air-conditioned library, an attractive bar and an adjoining wine cellar stocked with a sundry range of South Africa’s finest wines. Breakfast and lunch are served in the cool, air-conditioned dining room or on the adjoining deck, whilst the traditional reed boma and its tall, sweeping jackalberry tree make for unmatched outdoor evening dining.
Activities:
Only guests accommodated at one of the Mala Mala camps may traverse this immense tract of privately owned game land. Photographic safaris are conducted in open 4 x 4 vehicles which allows for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa’s ’Big Five’ - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.
Special attractions:
After dark, spotlight safaris provide the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt and walking safaris with an armed ranger can be arranged on request.
