MalaMala Private Game Reserve is 13300 hectares of pristine African wilderness sharing 19km of unfenced border with the world renowned Kruger National Park. Known for the most thrilling game viewing in the southern hemisphere, and for the very best in leopard viewing, MalaMala has been the sight of much internationally acclaimed wildlife footage, making it the ideal destination for the photo safari of a lifetime.
Lion Sands is part of the Open Africa Safari Collection, a selection of hand-picked safari lodges that are committed to the conservation of African wildlife, the environment and the development of local communities while offering authentic big game safari experiences. All our partners share revenue with Open Africa (at no extra cost to the traveller) thereby empowering you to be a responsible tourist. For enquiries and bookings please e-mail bronwen@openafrica.org.
Home to some of the largest concentrations of African wildlife, the Greater Kruger Region offers the best in traditional African safaris, and is world renowned for top class luxury accommodation, as well as the ultimate in Big 5 game-viewing. Set within this incredible region of South Africa, MalaMala Private Game Reserve brings guests the opportunity to view magnificent African wildlife including the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and even the scarce and endangered wild dog. MalaMala is also recognized as the top destination for viewing African leopards in their natural habitat.
Authentic Big Game Africa Safaris:
MalaMala Game Reserve has an assortment of habitats within its borders, ranging from riverine forests to bush and dry savannah grasslands. As such, the reserve has great diversification of wildlife including a bountiful array of birdlife. The Sand River which runs through MalaMala Private Game Reserve is a large attraction for all animals but particularly to elephant, buffalo and antelope. From the safari decks of the MalaMala camps, guests can watch these gentle herbivores taking a drink from the banks of the river.
Twice daily guests are taken out on safari drives, and traverse the unspoilt African landscape. With the use of a Land Rover, rangers often leave the road to track a wild animal but the environmental impact of game drive vehicles is kept to a minimum by the large land to guest ratio of 200ha. With the use of careful environmental management, guests can truly experience Africa as it has existed for centuries.
MalaMala has been the subject matter of many wildlife documentaries and publications, so rest assured that MalaMala Game Reserve will provide for the photographic safari holiday of a lifetime.
When not out on safari, guests can enjoy a guided bush walk with their ranger, relax at the pool, or browse through our well-appointed safari boutique. A small gym and steam room are available for those feeling energized, and massages services are available on request. MalaMala camps are also equipped with satellite television, internet connectivity and mobile reception.
Children’s Program:
MalaMala Game Reserve offers a great program to entertain and educate younger children. On arrival parents, children and rangers can design and arrange some activities especially suited to the children and dependent on their age and enthusiasm. Some of the programs on offer include animal tracking, survivor challenges, game walks, cooking in the wild, and other educational bush skills such as warning signs in the bush, radio communication, and first aid. Children are at all times under the supervision of a skilled and experienced ranger.
Children are provided with a Kiddies Kit (a backpack with all the bush essentials) and are also given ‘ration packs’ on their days out in the bush. MalaMala Main Camp is the ideal safari destination for families with children and is well equipped with kiddies movies and games, as well as providing a special kiddies menu.
Special Occasions:
MalaMala Private Game Reserve is a great location for incentives for corporate companies. The MalaMala staff are expertly trained in hospitality, and the reserve is well equipped with facilities for these kinds of getaways. Some of the popular activities for groups are Bush Cocktails enjoyed at a remote destination in the veld, Reptile Demonstrations and Inter-vehicle Competitions on safari drives.
MalaMala Private Game Reserve also offers an intimate wedding destination for a romantic and simplistic ceremony that will be remembered forever. MalaMala can organize the Ministers and a photographer, as well as the flowers, cake and the actual ceremony in a special bush location. Newlyweds and guests can enjoy the traditional Shangaan wedding songs from our staff choir, Champaign and snacks followed by a special wedding safari drive before heading back to camp to enjoy a lovely reception. MalaMala Private Game Reserve is also the perfect honeymoon destination as it offers exclusive, private and luxurious accommodation coupled with the most relaxing and warm environment with staff to vater for every desire including in-room dining in MalaMala’s opulent suites.
Helicopter Excursions:
This spectacular experience shows guests the mighty African landscape from a bird’s eye view, and traverses over spectacular river canyons, mountains and two waterfalls. Guests also have the option of stopping at a high altitude picnic spot for a tasty snack set over a breath-taking viewpoint.
Accommodation in MalaMala Private Game Reserve:
MalaMala Main Camp:
MalaMala Main Camp is set just beyond the floodplains of the Sand River, and from within a shady canopy of trees it overlooks the golden savannah where African wildlife frequents the river to drink and graze. Rolling lawns and ancient trees encompass the traditionally thatched camp, and provide a treat to the meandering antelope or elephant which traverses into the camp seeking a taste of the lush greenery. Main Camp has is perfect for families, and children of all ages are welcome.
The unfenced camp is a restful sanctuary where guests can feel the heartbeat and rhythm of life in the bush. Roving pathways straddle the camp and lead guests to quite spots of tranquility under the cool shade of the garden overlooking the sunny plains of Africa. Perhaps the most memorable of spots being the large infinity pool set against the infinite African landscape and endlessly blue sky. The camp living area and bar are a sumptuous twist of style and history – showcasing relics of the past in the most luxurious of settings. The living area is also equipped with a deck and exquisite view.
MalaMala Private Game Reserve is one of the only game reserves in southern Africa equipped with a luxury suite for disabled persons. This suite is situated at MalaMala Main Camp, and is designed in accordance with Disabled Peoples Information Service of South Africa.
Rates for Luxury room from US$675 ad for the Luxury suite from US$750 per person per night sharing.
Rates include:
Safari drives, nature walks, all meals and beverages excluding drinks from the bar, luxury air-conditioned bedroom, ‘his’ and ‘hers’ en suite bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, mini-safe, bathroom amenities, insect repellant and hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities.
Rattray’s Camp:
Rattray’s on MalaMala is the newest and most exclusive edition to MalaMala’s portfolio of accommodation. The 8 luxury khayas (Zulu word describing home) are elevated on a site overlooking the Sand River. The camp captures the refinement and elegance of an era long past – combining crystal and leather in a sophisticated colonial opulence. The history of Africa is not lost, however, and the luxury of the camp is painted on a canvas of rich African history and wildlife.
Each khaya is fitted with an outdoor shower, heated plunge pool, veranda, private garden and a magnificent river view. Indoor and outdoor dining facilities are also available, as well as intimate in-room dining. Camp facilities include an outdoor deck area overlooking prime game locations, a large infinity pool, a beautifully designed bar, opulent dining facilities and an exclusive library containing rare African books and works of art.
Rates from US$975 per person per night sharing.
Rates include:
Safari drives, nature walks, all meals and beverages excluding drinks from the bar, luxury air-conditioned Khaya, private veranda and heated plunge pool, outdoor shower, ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ en-suite bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control , mini-safe, bathroom amenities, insect repellant and hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities.
Sable Camp:
Set on the southern end of MalaMala camp and overlooking the Sand River, Sable Camp is more private and intimate than Main Camp, making it perfect for romantic safari honeymoons and intimate getaways. Surrounded by the bushveld, each suite is individually designed underneath a cozy roof of traditional thatch. Wake up in the morning to small antelope grazing on the lawn outside your door, and watch the African landscape come to life as you enjoy breakfast on the Sable Camp deck.
The bar and dining area are designed in a traditional African fashion, combining luxury with romantic lighting and warm, richly-coloured décor. As the sun starts to set, compliment the day with an exquisite meal and a bottle of South Africa’s finest wine from the exclusive wine cellar. Retire after a day of game viewing and relaxation in one of the luxury suites, and on chilly nights enjoy the warmth of a glowing fireplace.
Rates from US$800 per person per night sharing.
Rates include:
Safari drives, nature walks, all meals and beverages excluding drinks from the bar, luxury air-conditioned bedroom, ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ en suite bathrooms, 24-hour temperature control, mini-safe, bathroom amenities, insect repellant and hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities.
