MalaMala is an award winning and record breaking private game reserve located in the Sabi Sands, South Africa. MalaMala is renowned for its world class game drives with frequent Big-5 sightings, as well as its exceptional hospitality and luxurious accommodation offerings.
MalaMala is often described as the best of the best. The overall safari experience at MalaMala certainly scores 5-stars in every department and is undoubtedly a first choice amongst travellers, locals, journalists, photographers and safari enthusiasts alike. Below are 10 reasons to go on safari to MalaMala Game Reserve.
1. It’s size
MalaMala Game Reserve is 13 200 hectares in size, making it one of largest private game reserves in South Africa. Not only is it one of the largest private game reserves, MalaMala also has the lowest density of humans and highest density of wildlife.
2. MalaMala’s river frontage
The Sands River is a perennial river that runs through the MalaMala Game Reserve and other parts of the Sabi Sands. MalaMala boasts 20 kms (13 miles) of Sand River frontage, which in turn attracts animals all year round from the Kruger National Park and surrounding unfenced private reserves. This is where MalaMala’s prime game viewing takes place and the main reason why its game drives are ranked some of the best in the world.
3. Direct boarder with the Kruger National Park
MalaMala is one of the few private game reserves that shares a ‘direct’ unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. More accurately MalaMala shares a 19 km unfenced border with Kruger National Park.
4. MalaMala superior game drives
MalaMala is known to offer the most exciting and consistently exceptional game drives in South Africa. Big-5 sightings are common and it is reportedly said that nowhere else in the country offers as frequent sightings of all of the Big-5, according to top wildlife photojournalists. Open 4×4 game drives in modified land rovers are scheduled twice a day in the early hours of the mornings and late afternoons. Game drives are planned around the daylight hours and activity of the animals.
5. Strict traverse rules
There is no shared traversing on 70% of the MalaMala reserve, thus providing guests with an exclusive, uncrowded game viewing experience. Sightings are limited to three vehicles and strict protocols are in place to ensure that the animals are relaxed and behave naturally. Considering MalaMala’s lengthy presence (existence since 1927), animals have become accustomed to the vehicles. MalaMala rangers use headsets so that there are no radio interruptions during the game drives.
6. Experienced rangers
MalaMala rangers all have accredited field guide qualifications and are exceptionally experienced, knowledgeable and caring towards the environment. The MalaMala team has extensive knowledge on how to manage sightings with the utmost respect for the animals. Most rangers have studied natural sciences at university and as a result the rangers are specialists in many different scientific fields.
7. MalaMala Wildlife
MalaMala is dubbed as being one of the most densely populated Big-5 private game reserves in the Sabi Sands and in South Africa. With record numbers of Big-5 sightings, MalaMala promises to provide exciting wildlife sightings to those visiting the reserve. Other wildlife that can be found in the reserve include but are not limited to are hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other antelope species. Cheetah and wild dog sightings are a big focus in the reserve and although cheetah sightings are common, they are also very inconsistent.
Below are the Big-5 stats at MalaMala Game Reserve:
- On average approximately 20 to 25 different individual leopards are seen every month at MalaMala, ranking the reserve home to one of the world’s densest leopard populations.
- Up to six large lion prides roam their territories within the reserve and 83 different individual lions have recently been seen in MalaMala Game Reserve.
- Buffalo are abundant in the area and are frequently seen in the reserve. The largest recorded number of Buffalo at MalaMala Game Reserve is estimated to be in the region of 1 200 individual buffalo.
- Elephant numbers have dramatically increased since the fences were taken down between the Kruger National Park. Up to 500 elephants have been recorded at MalaMala at a time.
- Rhino is present at MalaMala, however due to the vulnerability of rhinos regarding poaching in Southern Africa, stats will not be published statistics of sightings in the reserve.
8. History & Experience
MalaMala Game Reserve has been in existence since 1927 and it was the first private game reserve in South Africa to transit to photographic safaris and prohibit hunting. It is also one of the first to prioritise the conservation of the reserve and protecting the ecosystems. MalaMala has over 5 decades of safari experience making it the most experienced and knowledgeable in the region.
9. Three unique luxury lodges
MalaMala Game Reserve is home to three luxury safari camps namely; MalaMala Camp, Sable Camp and Rattray’s Camp. Each camp is unique in its own way, with MalaMala Camp being the entry level camp and family friendly option. Rattray’s Camp on the other hand offers a more high end experience with ultra luxurious, secluded accommodation with private plunge pools. All of the three camps at MalaMala are renowned for their warm African hospitality and outstanding service.
10. Conservation efforts
Since the very beginning, MalaMala has played a vital role in preserving and protecting the environmental integrity of the reserve. In effort to reduce the human footprint in the reserve, the bed densities and vehicle number are limited and kept to a minimum. MalaMala continues to carry out various conservation projects throughout the year and is also deeply involved in anti-poaching programs.
MalaMala is also involved in a partnership with the N’wandlamhari Community and provides significant income through various channels. This income is applied to the social and economic development of the community.
Book at MalaMala and find out more details and prices here: MalaMala Game Reserve
