MalaMala – Game Reserve of Distinction

Only guests accommodated at one of the MalaMala Game Reserve camps may traverse this immense tract of privately owned game land. Our photographic safaris are conducted in open 4-wheel drive vehicles which allows for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa's Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo.

After dark at Mala Mala, spotlight safaris provide the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt and walking safaris with an armed ranger can be arranged on request. The success of the Mala Mala safaris can be measured by the fact that more than 76% of our guests are members of our exclusive 'Big Five Club', which means that they have had contact sightings of the Big Five.

This phenomenal rate of viewing success is directly attributed to the fact that MalaMala comprises 33000 acres or 16000 hectares of pristine game viewing land, making it the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa , with human density and impact on the land being kept to an absolute minimum. Another reason is the unfenced border between MalaMala and the Kruger National Park, which allows herds of animals to migrate unhindered to the perennial Sand River which flows north to south through the MalaMala Game Reserve for 13 kilometres or 20 miles.

Your MalaMala Game Ranger will be your host in camp and take care of your every need while sharing his knowledge and love of the bush with you. These highly qualified, formally trained men, with university degrees in the natural sciences, are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of ecology. They are ably assisted by Shangaan trackers who accompany the game drives. The trackers are equipped with an intimate bush knowledge and instinct, which will give you a fascinating insight and bring you into closer contact with the African bush.

The Big Five were recorded on all but 47 days in 2002. The Big Five were recorded on all but 62 days in 2001. February and March 2000 saw the closure of all camps at Mala Mala due to the worst ever recorded floods. Despite this, the Big Five were seen on 239 days in 2000 (February & March excluded)   

Rates for MalaMala Main Camp (Per person per day sharing) – approximately US$ 500

Single supplement US$ 250  

Rates for Harry’s Camp (Per person per day sharing) – approximately US$ 275

Single supplement US$ 137.50

Rates include:

• Luxury accommodation.

• All meals and snacks, teas and coffees.

• Game drives in open 4- wheel drive safari vehicles, conducted by qualified rangers and experienced trackers.

• Spotlight game drives at night.

• Game walks accompanied by qualified rangers and experienced trackers.

• Tourism Levy.

• Bush laundry services (min. 2 nights only).

• Transfers to and from the Mala Mala Airfield.