MalaMala Camp is a haven of understated luxury. Combining warm comfort and superb service with unrivaled views of the Sand River and the surrounding bushveld. The camp is an unfenced oasis in the middle of the MalaMala Game Reserve. Which consistently produces the most exciting wildlife experience on this side of the equator! MalaMala is a 13,200 hectare (33000 acres) reserve in South Africa that shares a 19 kilometer (12 miles) unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. It is strategically located between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve. Both are especially game rich. As a result, in high demand.
Elephants on safari game drive
The occasional antelope or elephant, as well as a plethora of birdlife, can be found among the trees and rolling lawns at camp.
The Safari Industry’s blueprint for the luxury photographic safari, MalaMala has been the custodian of this thriving tract of land since 1927. This makes it the oldest and most historical private game reserve in South Africa.
In the middle of this spectacular scenery on the Sand River; pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp. Revealing a total of 19 x individual accommodation units. There are 10 x luxury suites (85m²) and 8 x luxury rooms (55m²) which either have river views or waterhole views. Four of these are inter leading rooms for family safaris. There is one river view single room of 40m².
The luxury rooms come with an indoor tub. While the luxury suites come with a bath, shower, and outdoor shower. All have large private decks or a verandah.
MalaMala Camp accommodation
The rooms also have 24 hour temperature control, direct dial telephones, a mini bar, and a small safe. Plus tea and coffee making facilities. Bathroom amenities, insect repellent, and hairdryers are on hand.
Disabled Accommodation
MalaMala takes great pride in being one of the few safari destinations that can provide a fully fitted disabled suite. Designed following the Disabled People’s Information Service of South Africa and in line with international standards. A disabled bathroom is located in the master bedroom and can easily accommodate a wheelchair-bound visitor. Including a wheel-in shower with all the requisite fittings. There are no loose rugs or carpets that will hinder the movement of a wheelchair. In addition; desk or table surfaces are adjusted to the correct level of a wheelchair.
The separate lounge area may be transformed into a bedroom if a disabled guest requires help from an accompanying aid. For game drives, a safe, disabled friendly vehicle is used. Wheelchairs have access to a ramp in the camp that leads to the front seat of the vehicle. Right next to the ranger. Cushions, blankets, and straps are available.
MalaMala Camp Family Safari Accommodation
MalaMala Camp welcomes children of all ages. Kids 4 years and younger are not permitted in the boma for dinner. Or on game drives, unless a private vehicle has been reserved. A babysitting facility is available at a nominal fee. Each child between the ages of 4 and 12 receives a MalaMala backpack with an interactive checklist. Children enjoy a fun, yet educational bush experience.
On request, family rooms can accommodate a third adult or two children.
Children on safari
Camp Highlights
An impressive air-conditioned lounge, dining room, and historic bar A library with air conditioning, satellite television, internet access, and a DVD player Observe the parade of animal life at the Sand River’s edge from the large wooden safari deck. The perfect vantage point in the shade of a Jackalberry tree. A large filtered infinity pool with spectacular river views. A traditional reed enclosed “boma” under an ancient Jackalberry tree for evening meals around the fire A safari boutique shop with quality clothing, jewelry, and artifacts A small fitness center that includes a stationary bicycle, treadmill, multi-gym machine, rowing machine, and other equipment. There is also a steam room. A massage service is available on request. Mobile Phone coverage and Wireless internet access are available.
Feel free to explore the camp but please do not walk beyond the camp perimeters unless accompanied by a ranger.
MalaMala Camp Activities ↓
Game drives
Open 4 wheel drive safari game drives are available twice a day. These take place in the early morning, and in the late afternoon which continues into the early evening. The rangers are in constant radio contact with one another. They use headsets so as not to interrupt the sounds of the African bush. This enables them to keep informed about the whereabouts of wildlife. The vehicles are able to leave the road. Thus providing guests with close up game viewing and also fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights, bring the bush to life at night.
In order to give you the best sightings at MalaMala Camp; only six guests travel in each safari vehicle. However; subject to availability and on request exclusive use of a safari vehicle can be arranged. This service attracts a fee per empty seat per day out of the six seats.
Cape hunting dogs or Wild dogs
Walking Safaris
Visitors may head out on foot with their armed rangers. The perspective of the bush is entirely different on a walking safari than in a game drive vehicle. Guests will learn how to read the signs of the wild. Perhaps even come into close contact with the different animal species on the reserve.
Photographic Safaris
Private photographic safaris are also available; at an additional cost. The photographic experience includes a dedicated photographic ranger to guide you through your safari. Their intuitive knowledge of animal behavior and skilled positioning of the vehicle provides enhanced wildlife photographic opportunities. Coupled with the option of either a sliding, cushioned camera rail or a fixed, cushioned camera rail. This affords one the greatest comfort and stability when capturing the best wildlife images.
A Typical Day On Safari at MalaMala
A flexible operation ensures your safari to MalaMala will definitely be intimate and unforgettable. However; to give you an idea here is an example of the typical winter itinerary for a day at MalaMala (for the summer itinerary see MalaMala Rattray’s Camp).
Winter itinerary (June to August)
6 am
A wake up call by your ranger heralds the dawn.
7 am
Meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck; as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available before the early morning game drive departs.
11 am
Return to camp and relax around the pool, take a siesta, and visit the boutique shop or gym. For the more energetic, join the bush walk before lunch.
1 pm
Lunch is available or else continue your nap.
3 pm
Before leaving on another unforgettable safari, gather on the deck for drinks and a light snack. The Land Rover is equipped with a cooler box containing sun downers. A vote among your fellow safari guests will decide if a G&T is worth more than a leopard sighting! An African sunset is a memorable and often rather emotional sight. As dusk approaches; your ranger will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight. And will point out elusive nocturnal wildlife. Night drives are a highlight of the day’s safari and you can look out for the Milky Way. Or try to find the Southern Cross.
7 pm
Return to camp in time to freshen up before heading to the cozy safari bar for pre-dinner drinks. Dinner in the boma or a candlelit dinner on the safari deck overlooking the Sand River when the weather permits. Enjoy the superb food and excellent wines while seated around a log fire under the starry African sky. Yet another highlight of the MalaMala experience.
MalaMala Camp Accommodation Rates
2024 MalaMala Camp Accommodation Rates
Rates per night from 1st January until 31st December 2024
Per person sharing
Single
Children under 12 years sharing
Luxury Suites
R20 000
R30 000
R12 000
Luxury Rooms
R18 900
R28 400
R11 300
Single Suite
N/A
R20 000
N/A
2025 MalaMala Camp Accommodation Rates
Rates per night from 1st January until 31st December 2025
Per person sharing
Single
Children under 12 years sharing
Luxury Suites
R24 000
R36 000
R14 400
Luxury Rooms
R22 680
R34 080
R13 600
Single Suite
N/A
R24 000
N/A
MalaMala Camp Rates Include / Exclude
Rates include All meals and snacks Drinks (excluding premium brands) Game drives conducted by an experienced ranger in open 4 wheel drive safari vehicles; Nature walking safaris Transfers to and from the MalaMala airstrip or between MalaMala Game Reserve camps There is a limited laundry service
Rates exclude Airport transfers or any transfers to or from any other camps (unless MalaMala Game Reserve camps) Sabi Sand Nature Reserve entrance fee if traveling by road Community Levy per person per day Personal telephone call costs
MalaMala Camp Special Offers and Packages
Stay 4, Pay 3 Promotion
Valid from 10th January until 31st March and 1st November until 15th December every year. Book 4 consecutive nights at any MalaMala Game Reserve camp and receive one night for free! The four nights can be at any of the three camps (Rattray’s, Main Camp, or Sable Camp) and the complimentary night is applied to the lowest rated night. For example: Spend 2 nights at MalaMala Main Camp and 2 nights at Rattray’s Camp. As Main Camp is cheaper, one of the nights at MalaMala Main Camp will be free.
Weddings are also available at all MalaMala Camps. For more info; go to the MalaMala Safari Wedding page.
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge offers luxury all inclusive accommodation in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa – perfect for honeymoons and even weddings
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the western Sabi Sand Game Reserve, for an incredible Greater Kruger National Park safari. Lots of offers and packages including family and honeymoon.
