Request Agent
Need assistance? Our team is here to help you plan
MalaMala Camp
MalaMala is the oldest and most historical private game reserve in South Africa and the first to transition from hunting to photographic safaris. Tucked behind the Sand River, MalaMala Private Game Reserve lies between Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park. MalaMala Camp setting features an impressive lounge, air-conditioned dining room, cozy bar, library, fitness facility, and massage service. Expansive wooden decks provide a great space for relaxation from which to watch passing wildlife. A pool with a spectacular view is perfect for summer afternoons while meals are enjoyed under starlit skies, on the deck, or in the enclosed dining room. MalaMala Camp is an unfenced oasis in the middle of the bush comprising 19 luxury suites and unrivalled views of the Sand River. Here couples and families can expect incredible scenery, delectable dining and world-class service.
With expert rangers and trackers, your twice-daily game drives promise to be unforgettable adventures filled with wild wonders. Africa’s Big 5 as well as giraffe, zebra, antelope, cheetah, wild dog, hippo, and warthog will leave you mesmerized and intrigued. When not traversing the bush on a 4×4 safari drive, join your guide on a walking safari. This gives you an opportunity to learn about the flora and see smaller mammals, insects, and birds up close, providing exclusive photo opportunities. In addition to MalaMala Camp, the reserve is also home to two other luxury lodges, Sable Camp and Rattary’s Camp.
Wildlife:
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted.
- 6-seater vehicles.
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Infinity swimming pool
- African themed dining room
- Library
- Open-air traditional African Boma
- Safari deck
- Buffalo Bar & lounge
- Spa treatments
- Gym
- Safari boutique
Highlights:
- Pristine riverfront location
- A wooden safari deck is situated under a Jackalberry tree with views of the Sand River.
- A large filtered infinity pool provides views across the river.
- Accommodation options include 10 luxury suites, 8 luxury rooms, and 1 single luxury suite.
- Private decks or verandahs offer views of the Sand River or a nearby waterhole.
- Evening meals are served in a traditional African Boma around a fire and under the stars.
- The lodge is family-friendly and suitable for all ages with age restricted game drives.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Location:
- MalaMala is located on the eastern side of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and shares fenceless borders directly with the Kruger national park as well as Londolozi, Nottens, &Beyond, Umkumbe and Cheetah Plains game reserves.
- Sabi Sands lies in South Africa’s far north-eastern corner in the Mpumalanga province. The private reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger, sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
Getting There:
- MalaMala private airstrip is the closet airstrip, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
- Skukuza (SKU) is the closet commercial airport to MalaMala, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Skukuza or MalaMala private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutess.
- Road transfers from Skukuza to MalaMala take 45 minutes and are arranged in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
Child Policy:
- MalaMala Camp welcomes children of all ages.
- Children under 6 years are not permitted on game drives (unless parents have booked a private vehicle), in the boma for dinner.
- Children under 12 years sharing with an adult pay 40% less than the adult rate
Special offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offer.
- Special offers are valid 10 Jan – 31 Mar & 01 Nov – 15 Dec.
- South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, in-room minibar, selected alcoholic beverages, and private airstrip transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, commercial airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below
- Rates are charged per person, per night
- Single supplement of 50% applicable
- Rates displayed are valid to 31 December 2025
Accommodation Options
MalaMala Main Camp is home to 8 luxury rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, coffee facilities, a minibar, and private veranda’s with spectacular wildlife scenery. Four inter-leading rooms are available for a luxury Read morefamily stay with babysitting services available at an additional fee. Less
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Price R 22,680 per per, per night
MalaMala Main Camp is home to 19 luxury suites featuring en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, coffee facilities, a minibar, and private veranda’s with spectacular wildlife scenery. Four inter-leading rooms are available for a luxury Read morefamily stay with babysitting services available at an additional fee. Less
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Peak season R 24,000 per per, per night
Best-price guarantee
Enquire at MalaMala Camp
