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MalaMala Rattray’s Camp
Nestled in the forest on the banks of the Sand River, lies MalaMala Rattray’s Camp. This Sabi Sands safari 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. An infinity pool at MalaMala Rattray’s Camp 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.
Mala Mala Game Reserve 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. With the expert rangers and trackers at MalaMala Rattray’s Camp, 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 Rattray’s Camp, the reserve is also home to two other luxury lodges, Sable Camp and Mala Mala Main 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
- Historic bar & lounge
- Spa treatments
- Gym
- Safari boutique
Highlights:
- MalaMala’s flagship camp offers ultra-high standards and meticulous attention to detail.
- Eight luxury suites accommodate up to 16 guests, with triple sharing in two suites.
- Each suite features a private verandah with a plunge pool and stunning views of the river.
- Indigenous private gardens provide a tranquil haven for birdlife.
- Evening meals are served in a traditional African Boma, around a fire and beneath the stars.
- A large filtered infinity pool offers expansive views of the river.
- Adult only camp, age restricted to 16 years.
- 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:
- Rattray’s Camp welcomes guests from 16 years
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
Eight luxurious suites exude elegance and refinement within the lush seclusion of the bush. Each freestanding unit features scenic views of the Sand River where wildlife gather to drink. Private verandas with plunge pools offer exclusive relaxation. Read moreUnits further offer ‘his and hers’ bathrooms with bathtub, double shower, outdoor showers, private outdoor and indoor dining area, air-conditioning, a minibar and coffee facilities. Less
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Price $ 2,232
per person, per night
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