MalaMala Rattray’s Camp on MalaMala Game Reserve offers incredible sightings of Africa’s wildlife. This includes the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). As well as a multitude of smaller creatures.
MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 miles) unfenced border with the world renowned Kruger National Park and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa; of 13 200 ha (33 000 acres).
This is the epitome of classic style and good taste. There are 8 x spacious luxury suites of 128m² each. Two of the suites may be used as triple rooms. Each freestanding suite offers an atmosphere of lush seclusion and boasts spectacular views of the Sand River.
Take a dip in the private plunge pool. Or enjoy a massage on your deck and observe wildlife who come down to the river to drink. Additionally; your indigenous private garden is a haven for birds.
Feel free to explore the camp but please do not walk beyond the camp perimeters unless accompanied by a ranger.
Accommodation with private plunge pool
Additional suite features
“His” and “hers” bathrooms feature a ball and claw foot bath and double shower
Outdoor shower for a nature experience with a difference
Outdoor and indoor dining areas for intimate dining
Air conditioning, heating, and overhead fans
Direct dial telephones
A minibar
Tea and coffee making facilities
A mini safe
Optional satellite television and DVD player.
Children under 16 years are not permitted unless exclusive use of the camp is reserved. In which case children aged 12 and over will be welcome.
All MalaMala camps offer an authentic and iconic African safari experience. While MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is the creme de la creme of the luxury safari industry.
Delicious meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations; including the “boma,” the deck, and the dining room. Or in the privacy and comfort of your own suite.
Camp facilities at MalaMala Rattray’s Camp
A beautifully appointed library that contains rare African books and magnificent works of art
An elegant, air-conditioned dining room
A historic bar featuring photographs of the early days of this unique area and its pioneers
Some meals and teas are served on the large, wooden safari deck
A traditional reed enclosed “boma” under an ancient Jackalberry tree for evening meals around the fire
A large filtered infinity pool with magnificent views across the river
A safari boutique shop with quality clothing, jewelry, and artifacts
A small fitness facility with stationary bicycle, treadmill, multi gym machine, sit-up benches, free weights, mats. And a steam room
A massage service
Mobile phone coverage (MTN) and complimentary wireless internet connectivity are available.
Activities
At MalaMala Rattray’s Camp, your wildlife safaris are the number one priority. Game drives are conducted twice a day (early morning, and late afternoon into the evening). They are in open 4 wheel drive safari vehicles in the 40,000 acre private reserve. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another. To keep each other informed about the location of wildlife. In order not to interrupt the sounds of the African bush; headsets are used. As the vehicles can leave the road; guests will get close up game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights, bring the bush to life at night.
Cute leopard cub
A maximum of only four guests per safari vehicle is the norm at Rattray’s Camp. However; exclusive use of a safari vehicle can be arranged upon request but is subject to availability. This service attracts a fee per empty seat per day out of four at Rattray’s Camp.
Photographic Safari
Private photographic safaris are also available at an additional cost. These are conducted in open 4 wheel drive vehicles allowing for total freedom of movement. The ability to leave the road because it is a private concession, therefore, makes MalaMala one of the best photographic safari destinations.
Sabi Sand photographic safari
Walking Safari
The perspective of the bush is entirely different from that of a vehicle on a walking safari with an armed ranger. Learn to read the signs of the wild, and perhaps come into close contact with the different animal species on the reserve.
A Typical Day on Safari at MalaMala Rattray’s Camp
Although flexibility is possible; an idea of a typical day at MalaMala; would be (for the winter itinerary from June until August; see MalaMala Main Camp):
Summer Itinerary (September until May)
5.30 am
Wake up call by your ranger heralds the dawn.
6 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.
9.30 am
Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you in the dining room or on the expansive safari deck. For the more energetic, join the bush walk after breakfast. Alternatively, relax around the pool, browse through the safari boutique, work out in the small gym or perhaps take a siesta to make up for that early morning wake-up call.
1.30 pm
Lunchtime although some prefer to sleep through after their late breakfast.
4 pm
Meet on the expansive safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack before departing on another unforgettable safari. A cooler box with your sun downers is carried on the Land Rover, and a consensus among your fellow safari guests will determine whether a Gin & Tonic is worth more than a leopard sighting! As darkness approaches your ranger will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight. And will point out elusive nocturnal wildlife; a highlight of the day’s safari. As darkness settles over the bush, look out for the Milky Way and try to find the Southern Cross.
8 pm
Return to camp, allowing time for you to freshen up before meeting your friends and rangers for pre-dinner drinks in the cozy Safari Bar.
8.30 pm
Dinner is served in the boma. Alternatively when the weather is suitable; a candlelit dinner is served on the safari deck overlooking the Sand River. 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 Rattray’s Camp Accommodation Rates
1st January until 31st December 2024: R31 000 per person sharing or R46 500 per single.
1st January until 31st December 2025: R37 200 per person sharing or R55 800 per single.
Rates include
All meals and snacks
Drinks (excluding premium brands)
Game drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles; conducted by an experienced ranger
Nature walks
Transfers to and from the MalaMala airstrip or between MalaMala Game Reserve camps
Limited laundry service
Rates exclude
Airport transfers or any transfers to or from any other camps (non-MalaMala Game Reserve camps)
Sabi Sand Wildtuin entrance fee; if traveling by road
Community Levy per person per day
Personal telephone call cost
MalaMala Rattray’s 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.
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