MalaMala Game Reserve is the Safari Industry's blueprint to the luxury photographic safari. In existence since 1927, this massive thriving tract of land produces the most exciting wildlife experience this side of the equator. MalaMala Game Reserve is the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Comprising 13 300 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve.
For over four decades, Michael Rattray has remained focused on his objective to preserve and protect the land over which he is custodian. Allowing nature to move to its innate rhythm, guests experience today what the forefathers of the African Safari would have experienced at the turn of the century. This philosophy has paid off, as experienced by a veritable collection of photojournalists and film-makers who have made MalaMala their destination of choice to capture footage of wildlife viewing that would rival any Hollywood production for thrilling and breathtaking animal encounters.
MalaMala's Camps are the embodiment of an authentic safari experience pioneered at a time when the safari was simple - unassuming camps, vast sweeping plains, the African sky and the bush in all its splendour. Wellness was the feeling after a long day in the wild. Cigars were shared without pomp and ceremony. Guests to MalaMala will still spend hours beneath an inky sky in the traditional boma exchanging stories from the wild - a sumptuous meal, good company and relaxed faces warmed by the crackling fire, accompanied by the nocturnal symphony of sound.
MalaMala has three camps: MalaMala Main Camp, The Sable Camp and Rattray's on MalaMala.
MALAMALA MAIN CAMP
The soul of MalaMala's Main Camp is evident:
- In the sepia photographs in the safari bar, reflecting the history of the area;
- In the massive Jackalberry tree, a silent witness in the boma from the beginning;
- In the faces of the staff, some who have worked for the family for over 30 years;
- In the floodplain beyond the camp which has witnessed the changes year on year;
- In the granite outcrops of Sithlawayise and Campbell Koppies which stand guard over this pristine wilderness area;
- In the Sand River which journeys through this sanctuary supporting the healthy eco system,
- In the generations of wild animals which have found solace in their home territories on MalaMala.
Every aspect of the Main Camp is designed to appreciate and enjoy the view of the surrounding wilds. Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre coloured units tucked into the greenery, which flanks the Sand River. Massive trees and rolling green lawns are filled with birdsong, with the occasional antelope or elephant, which seeks the succulence of greenery. The camp is unfenced - an oasis in the middle of the bushveld.
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Camp Facilities:
- The impressive lounge, air-conditioned dining room and historic bar are conducive to good companionship - safari style
- An air-conditioned library with satellite television, internet connectivity and DVD player - affectionately referred to as the Monkey Club
- A large wooden safari deck, in the shade of a Jackalberry tree - the ideal vantage point from which to observe the collection of animal life at the Sand River's edge
- A large filtered infinity pool with magnificent views across the river
- A well-appointed safari boutique with quality clothing, jewellery and artefacts
- A small fitness facility with stationary bicycle, treadmill, multi-gym machine, rowing machine, sit-up benches, pull-up bar, free weights, mats and a steam room
- A massage service is available on request
- A fully stocked wine-cellar houses a selection of some of South Africa's finest wines
- Mobile Phone coverage and Wireless internet connectivity are available at all the MalaMala Game Reserve camps.
Accommodation:
8 luxury suites, 10 luxury rooms and 1 single room (no single supplement levied) each with:-
- "His" and "hers" bathrooms
- 24-hour temperature control
- Direct dial telephones
- A mini-bar
- A mini-safe
- Bathroom amenities, insect repellent and hairdryers
- Tea and coffee making facilities
Family rooms able to accommodate a third adult or two children are available on request.
Disabled Accommodation: A fully equipped disabled suite is available
Age Restriction:
- Children of all ages accepted
- Children under 12 years of age, sharing with an adult, pay the quoted child tariff
- Children of 4 years and younger are not permitted in the boma for dinner, or on game drives (unless parent's have booked sole use of a vehicle)
- A babysitting facility is available at a nominal fee
Capacity on Game Drives: 6 guests per safari vehicle
THE SABLE CAMP
Imbued with the spirit of MalaMala, the Sable Camp is a more intimate version of the Main Camp and the choice for those seeking a more private and intimate safari. Situated at the southern end of the MalaMala Camp in a prime elevated position overlooking the Sand River and surrounding bushveld, Sable Camp accommodates a maximum of 14 guests. It may also be reserved exclusively for between 10 & 18 guests – but book early! Each of the individually decorated, spacious and comfortable suites under traditional thatching occupies an idyllic vantage point and provides a platform from which to admire the panoramic view.
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Camp Facilities:
- Air-conditioned library with satellite television, internet connectivity and DVD player
- Air-conditioned safari bar and dining-room
- A large wooden safari deck - the ideal vantage point from which to observe the steady flow of animal life at the Sand River’s edge
- A filtered swimming pool nestled in the flood plain below the camp
- A massage service is available on request
- A fully stocked wine-cellar houses a selection of some of South Africa’s finest wines
- The safari boutique & fitness facility are located in the MalaMala Main Camp which is situated close by.
- Mobile Phone coverage and Wireless internet connectivity are available at all the MalaMala Game Reserve camps.
Accommodation:
5 luxury suites each with:
- "His" and "hers" bathrooms
- 24-hour temperature control
- Direct dial telephones
- A mini-bar
- A mini-safe
- Bathroom amenities, insect repellent and hairdryers
- Tea and coffee making facilities
Family rooms able to accommodate a third adult are available on request.
Lions Den Suite: 2 en-suite bedrooms (with facilities as above) separated by a large sitting room.
Age Restriction: No children under the age of 12
Capacity on Game Drives: 6 guests per safari vehicle
RATTRAY'S ON MALAMALA
Rattray's on MalaMala offers a glimpse of an era long past, when distant travellers to Africa married the magic of the wild with an elegance and refinement that have been immortalized in Karen Blixen's epic tale, 'Out of Africa'. The epitome of regal colonial safari-style, the newest addition to the MalaMala portfolio is a culmination of over 40 years of experience within the Rattray Family.
Rattray's on MalaMala bears the style of crystal and leather, with beautiful furnishings that are a treat to the connoisseur of the finer things in life, captured over generations on a land that remains as old as time. Each suite or khaya (the Zulu for "home") functions as an inclusive home, resplendent with handselected furnishings, lavish his-and-hers bathrooms, a secluded outdoor shower and a private heated plunge pool..
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Camp Facilities:
- A beautifully appointed library containing rare African books and magnificent works of art
- An elegant, African themed air-conditioned dining room
- A historic bar featuring photographs of the early days of this unique area and its pioneers
- A large wooden safari deck where meals are served - and an awesome game viewing experience in itself!
- A large filtered infinity pool with magnificent views across the river
- A well-appointed safari boutique with quality clothing, jewellery and artefacts
- A small fitness facility with stationary bicycle, treadmill, multi gym machine, sit up benches, free weights, mats and a steam room
- A massage service is available on request
- A fully stocked wine-cellar houses a selection of some of South Africa’s finest wines
- Mobile Phone coverage and Wireless internet connectivity are available at all the MalaMala Game Reserve camps.
Accommodation:
- 8 luxury khayas for a maximum of 16 guests
- Private verandah with grand river views
- Indigenous private garden - a haven for the birds
- "His" & "hers" bathrooms featuring a ball and claw footed bath, double shower, & under floor heating
- Outdoor shower for a nature experience with a difference
- Heated plunge pool built into the private verandah
- Outdoor and indoor dining area for intimate in-room dining
- 24-hour temperature control - air-conditioning, heating and overhead fans
- Hairdryer
- Direct dial telephones
- A mini-bar
- A mini-safe
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Optional satellite television, laptop computer with wireless internet connectivity and DVD player
Age restriction: No children under the age of 16
Capacity on Game Drives: 4 guests per safari vehicle
