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MalaMala Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve, located in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, is the largest and oldest private reserve in the Sabi Sands, spanning 13,300 hectares. It was the first to transition from hunting to photographic safaris, offering authentic African wildlife experiences.
Bordering Kruger National Park with 20 km of Sand River frontage, MalaMala attracts abundant wildlife year-round. With 70% of the reserve exclusive-use, guests enjoy private, uninterrupted game drives in a pristine environment. Renowned for frequent Big 5 sightings—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—MalaMala also hosts cheetah, wild dogs, giraffe, and rich birdlife. Expert rangers lead off-road game drives and walking safaris, providing close-up wildlife encounters.
MalaMala offers three luxury 5-star camps with family-friendly and adult-only options, all featuring stunning views of the Sand River and outstanding hospitality. Guests can enjoy personalized service, world-class dining, and first-class facilities. Outdoor dining under the stars and fireside meals in traditional Boma’s add to the experience.
Strict traverse rules and limited vehicles ensure an exclusive, intimate safari. Committed to conservation since 1927, MalaMala supports anti-poaching efforts and partners with the N’wandlamhari Community to promote social and economic development. With its unmatched wildlife, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service, MalaMala is a premier safari destination.
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
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air traditional African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Large viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
- Firepit
Highlights:
- 13 200 hectares in size.
- Adult only and family accommodation is available in three luxury camps.
- 20 kms (13 miles) of Sand River frontage, the foundation of MalaMala’s unrivalled game viewing. Wildlife moves to/from the Kruger National Park to the river. This is where MalaMala’s prime game viewing takes place.
- There is no shared traversing on 70% of the MalaMala reserve.
- Exceptional outdoor dining experiences.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
- Renowned for leopard sightings.
Location:
- 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.
Special offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offer.
- South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.
- Special offers are valid 10 Jan – 31 Mar & 01 Nov – 15 Dec.
Packages:
- For extended safari holiday packages, we have a selection of exceptional properties in Cape Town and surrounding areas.
- Designed by our on-trend team of travel experts our packages include internal flights, transfers, accommodation and more.
- Expect efficient and knowledgable, one-on-one planning assistance to create your dream itinerary.
Packages:
- For extended safari holiday packages, we have a selection of exceptional properties in Cape Town and surrounding areas.
- Designed by our on-trend team of travel experts our packages include internal flights, transfers, accommodation and more.
- Expect efficient and knowledgable, one-on-one planning assistance to create your dream itinerary.
Accommodation:
- MalaMala offers accommodation across three luxury 5-star safari camps, each uniquely designed and strategically positioned along the Sand River with breathtaking views. Each camp provides a distinct experience with specific age restrictions.
- For further lodge details, select an option below.
MalaMala Camp
MalaMala Private Game Reserve
From R 22,680 per person, per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
MalaMala Camp offers a pristine riverfront location with family-friendly accommodation, including 19 luxury suites and rooms overlooking the Sand River or a waterhole.
All ages are welcome
MalaMala Sable Camp
MalaMala Private Game Reserve
From R 26,200 per person, per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
A small, intimate camp with an elevated position overlooking the Sand River and bushveld, featuring five luxury suites and a two-bedroom unit, each with a private deck and scenic views.
Ages 12 years and older
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp
MalaMala Private Game Reserve
From R 37,200 per person, per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
MalaMala’s flagship camp features eight luxury suites, each with a private verandah, plunge pool, and stunning river views, offering ultra-high standards and meticulous attention to detail.
Ages 16 years and older
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Enquire at MalaMala Game Reserve