Strategically sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is MalaMala Game Reserve. The oldest and one of the largest (13 200 ha/33 000 acres) private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. The unfenced borders between the Kruger National Park on one side, and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the other; allow animals to migrate unhindered to the perennial Sand River. Which flows; north to south; through MalaMala for 20 kilometers (13 miles). It has been around since 1927 and it was the first private photographic safari destination in South Africa. This well-preserved wilderness is a honeypot for the most sought-after wildlife species. As well as a host of smaller creatures and is home to the luxurious MalaMala lodges.
It is a near impossible task to bring to life a MalaMala safari through the written word. Although it regularly provides the subject matter for a wide collection of international and local wildlife documentaries. Including National Geographic. The annual statistics published by the property serve to prove the frequency and consistency of Big 5 sightings experienced. In fact; it is renowned internationally for the quality of its leopard viewing. 99% of guests at MalaMala experience more than one leopard sighting a day. Many of which involve other predators and most certainly prey.
Leopard
The reserve supports a variety of habitat types, each sustaining different plant and animal species. These vary from the dense riverine forest, acacia bushveld, open grassland, and rocky outcrops.
MalaMala activities
There are no ‘typical days’ at MalaMala. Each is different. Based on the wild animals and their movements. Rangers will take full advantage of cheetah hunting. Or a leopard feeding in a tree. There is no rushing back to camp like at some other lodges. To give you an idea of a day at MalaMala Game Reserve; see the guide on MalaMala Rattray’s Camp.
Photographic safaris are conducted in open vehicles. Furthermore, as it is private land; vehicles are able to leave the road and track down Africa’s unique animals. Including the legendary Big Five. Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalo.
Wild dog
So why / how does MalaMala experience such phenomenal viewing success?
Simply put; it’s due to the size of MalaMala, which at 33000 acres (13 200 hectares) lies mostly undisturbed. The unfenced eastern boundary with the Kruger National Park allows wildlife to move freely onto MalaMala. And, many of the territorial animals such as leopards, lions, and rhinos will have territories overlapping on both reserves.
MalaMala’s river frontage, running north to south, is the lifeblood of the reserve. It acts as a natural drawcard for animals, especially in the dry winter months. The wildlife moves from the Kruger National Park, across MalaMala, to the river and back again. This results in two-way traffic across the reserve.
The land to the east of the river has no human habitation. No access roads, no electricity pylons, and no telephone poles. This area is left exclusively to the wildlife. There is no shared traversing on 70% of the MalaMala property allowing guests to enjoy exclusive, uninterrupted game drives. There is no time limit on sightings and no “queue to view” on this enormous tract of land. The camps; MalaMala Main Camp and Sable Camp only accommodate 6 guests per safari vehicle. While MalaMala Rattray’s Camp limits the number of guests per safari vehicle to 4.
MalaMala has practiced sound environmental management policies for years. Well before responsible tourism became the contemporary it is today.
Lions by camp
Weddings & Honeymoons
We can also arrange weddings at MalaMala. For more information, see MalaMala Safari Wedding.
Following the exhausting wedding preparations and the excitement of the “Big Day”, MalaMala is the perfect place to escape for your honeymoon. No cell phones, no traffic, no clutter; just pure peace, silence, and unspoiled rugged bushveld.
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
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