MalaMala has one of the finest game viewing on the African sub-continent and regularly provides the subject matter for a veritable collection of international and local wildlife documentaries (including National Geographic). Many of these documentaries have won international accolades amidst critical acclaim. Several publications are available, showcasing the treasures that make the property one of the most sought-after on any traveler's itinerary.
MalaMala is in the Lowveld's pristine wilderness locations, it is legally protected from human interference. The region, larger than many independent countries, is home to the largest concentrations of free roaming elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, and literally hundreds of other species of wild mammal. Today this area is known to have the greatest diversification of animal species on the African continent. Over two hundred different species occur in abundance whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds.
It is here, strategically sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, that the MalaMala Game Reserve is situated. The unfenced borders between MalaMala Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park on one side, and the Sabi Sand Wildtuin on the other allows animals to migrate unhindered to the perennial Sand River which flows north to south through MalaMala for 20 kilometers (13 miles). This well preserved wilderness is a “honey-pot” to the most sought-after wildlife species, as well as a host of smaller creatures. MalaMala is part of a conservation gene pool that covers 5.5 million acres of land in the heart of the South African Lowveld.
The reserve supports a variety of habitat types; dense riverine forest, acacia-combretum bushveld, open grassland and rocky outcrops, each sustaining different plant and animal species. Drives are varied and full, with a different outlook around each corner.
Size and human habitation: 33000 acres (13 500 hectares) lie undisturbed, but for two safaris which meander through the wild with no more than 6 silent observers per vehicle each day. Human densities which have a direct impact on the environment have been kept to an absolute minimum. Only guests accommodated at one of the MalaMala camps enjoy this privately-owned game land.
MalaMala has practiced sound environmental management policies for years, well before “responsible tourism became the contemporary catch phrase.
Photographic safaris are conducted in open 4-wheel drive vehicles, allowing for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa's unique animals including the legendary Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo.
Did you know?
* MalaMala and Sable Camp only accommodate 6 guests per safari vehicle whilst Rattray’s on MalaMala limits the number of guests per safari vehicle to 4.
* MalaMala is renowned internationally for the quality of its leopard viewing. 99% of guests spending 2 nights at MalaMala will experience more than one leopard sighting a day – many of which involve other predators and most certainly prey.
THE CAMPS
MalaMala Game Reserve offers a range of accommodation across three camps to appeal to every type of traveler. Families are welcome at MalaMala Main Camp, where “Junior Rangers” are treated to an educational yet entertaining bush experience.
Sable Camp is the exclusive version of the Main Camp and the perfect choice for the traveler who seeks a smaller, more tranquil environment.
Rattray’s on MalaMala is the crème de la crème of the luxury safari industry. The newest addition to the MalaMala portfolio, this elegant reflection of a colonial era embodied in the timeless “Out of Africa” epic promises the ultimate exclusive safari in style, privacy and sublime comfort.
For more information, click here to email Nicki.