MalaMala Rattray’s Camp on MalaMala Game Reserve offers incredible sightings of Africa’s wildlife; including 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).
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp Accommodation
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is the epitome of classic style and good taste. There are 8 luxury suites for a maximum of 16 guests; although two suites may be used as triple rooms. Each luxurious, freestanding and spacious suite of 128m2; 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.
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp accommodation private plunge pool
Additional suite features
“His” and “hers” bathrooms featuring a ball and claw foot bath and double shower Outdoor shower for a nature experience with a difference Outdoor and indoor dining area 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.
No children under 16 years; unless the camp is reserved exclusively; children 12 years and older will be welcome.
MalaMala offers an authentic and iconic African safari experience; while MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is the crème de la crème of the luxury safari industry.
Delicious meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations; including the “boma,” the deck, the dining room; or in the privacy and comfort of your own suite.
Features
Camp facilities at MalaMala Rattray’s Camp
A beautifully appointed library which contains 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 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 well-appointed safari boutique with quality clothing, jewelry, and artifacts A small fitness facility with stationary bicycle, treadmill, multigym 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 at all the MalaMala Game Reserve camps.
Weddings are also available at all MalaMala Camps. For more info; go to the MalaMala Safari Wedding page.
Activities
At MalaMala Rattray’s Camp, your wildlife safaris are the number one priority and you will surely not be disappointed. Game drives are conducted twice a day (early morning, and late afternoon into the evening) 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.
Private photographic safaris are also available; at an additional cost; in open 4 wheel drive vehicles; allowing for total freedom of movement. The ability to leave the road; because it is a private concession; to track down Africa’s unique animals including the legendary Big Five; therefore makes MalaMala one of the best photographic safari destinations.
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp Photographic 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
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)
05h30
Wake up call by your ranger heralds the dawn.
06h00
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.
09h30
Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you in the air-conditioned 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.
13h30
Lunch is served although some prefer to sleep through after their late breakfast.
16h00
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 sundowners 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.
20h00
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.
20h30
Dinner is served in the boma or; alternatively; when the weather is suitable; a candlelit dinner is served on the safari deck overlooking the Sand River. While seated around a log fire under the starry African sky, enjoy the superb food and excellent wines; yet another highlight of the MalaMala experience.
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp Accommodation Rates and Special Offers
1st January 2021 until 31st December 2021: US$1 320 per person sharing or US$1 980 per single.
Please note that from 1st January 2022, MalaMala will be changing to South African Rand rates (ZAR)
1st January 2022 until 31st December 2022: ZAR21 500 per person sharing or ZAR32 250 per single.
Rates Include/Exclude
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 of US$15 in 2021 and ZAR185 in 2022 per person per day Personal telephone call cost
STAY 4 / PAY 3 Promotion Valid from 1st November to 15th December 2021, 10th January until 31st March 2022, and 1st November until 15th December 2022. Book four consecutive nights at any MalaMala Game Reserve camp and receive one of the nights complimentary 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; 2 nights at MalaMala Rattray’s Camp and 2 nights at MalaMala Main Camp and; one of the nights at MalaMala Main Camp will be free. Arrival and departure date must fall within the validity dates
