Mala Mala Game Reserve

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

The original safari destination, the iconic MalaMala Game Reserve has been the flagship wildlife retreat all others try to emulate since 1964 (although its dream location wedged between The Kruger and Sabi Sand Reserve makes it unbeatable). It isn’t just South Africa’s oldest private reserve, it was also the first to introduce photographic safaris – and you’ll wear your camera out with the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and cape buffalo roaming free here. To cap it off, MalaMala Camp, Sable Camp and Rattray's on MalaMala have undergone extensive and breath-taking renovations. The new interiors and guest areas beautifully blend old and new, classic and contemporary – whilst preserving their heritage and authentic African character. The stats keep coming, as it’s also South Africa’s biggest private 'Big Five' game reserve. Its ‘private’ status brings extra experiences like night safaris, but all its game-drives are special, with just 4-6 guests per vehicle and its unfenced border with Kruger National Park making this a wildlife haven. It’s a haven for you too, with its luxury lodges including secluded Rattray’s Camp and historic MalaMala Camp, with their infinity river-view pools, and more intimate Sable Camp.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

The MalaMala Game Reserve is on the largest concession within the Sabi Sands Reserve, a 6-hour drive from Johannesburg. A 1-hour flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport and then a 1-hour transfer through the game reserve. Private charters to their own airstrip available.

Hotel information

MalaMala Camp offers 14 luxury suites, 4 luxury rooms, and 1 single room. Rooms have undergone a stunning refurbishment including beautifully appointed bathrooms, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar and safe, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

All Inclusive includes: all meals, snacks and drinks (excluding premium brands). Game-drives, nature walks and laundry service.

Sable Camp is located at the southern end of the MalaMala Camp and comprises just 5 Luxury Suites plus Lion’s Den which is a double suite, ideal for families, with 2 ensuite bedrooms leading off a central lounge.

Rattray’s Camp offers 8 recently renovated luxury suites accommodating 16 guests only. All luxury suites have river views from a private verandah, plunge pool, "his” and “hers” bathrooms, outdoor shower, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar and safe.

Each camp features an air-conditioned dining room and boma area for dinner. Lounge and historic bar. Infinity swimming pool. Fitness facility. Massage service*. Wooden safari deck overlooking the Sand River for sightseeing. Library. Safari boutique. Complimentary WiFi.

2 nights.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (422)
  • Very good (30)
  • Average (20)
  • Poor (4)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pricey but so worth it!

Sep 29, 2023 rennie22018 Center Valley, Pennsylvania

We had an amazing experience at Mala Mala. The other reviews were spot on! Our guide, Mel, was fantastic and we saw so much more than we expected. The rest of the staff was wonderful as well! An experience of a lifetime!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating It does not get better than this!!!

Sep 18, 2023 Suzanne L Durban, South Africa

This was our second visit to Mala Mala, if possible better than the first!!! Eleven leopards in 4 days, cannot be equalled anywhere in Africa. It was magical from start to finish, Big Five on 3 of the 4 days. We also saw a Honey Badger which is an extremely rare sighting in daylight. Our guide Nick was extra special, he has an intrinsic "feel" for… Read more
This was our second visit to Mala Mala, if possible better than the first!!! Eleven leopards in 4 days, cannot be equalled anywhere in Africa. It was magical from start to finish, Big Five on 3 of the 4 days. We also saw a Honey Badger which is an extremely rare sighting in daylight. Our guide Nick was extra special, he has an intrinsic "feel" for the bush. He always managed to get us in a position where we were close to the sighting and were able to sit for long periods of time just soaking up the animals. We sat with 6 wild dog pups and watched them playing for at least thirty minutes. The sightings are self managed by the rangers and you are never surrounded by vehicles in fact most of the time you are on your own. I must not forget the lodge staff, they are all so friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Francine deserves a special mention, she was our allocated server and what a treasure. Many excellent reviews are given by people who perhaps have not had much Safari experience and they are therefore always very good. My husband and I have been on over 100 safaris all across Africa and this review is based on the total experience. Many South African will look at the rates and declare it is unaffordable. My advice - save up as no bucket list is complete without visiting Mala Mala. O Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Take me back!

Aug 6, 2023 mollycJ9228XO World

Already ready to go back and we just left. The staff was great and we saw the big five twice. This is my first review to ever write but I would definitely come back. I would make sure to get a room that overlooks the river. The game drives cars were very comfortable. Everything was top notch. The only think I think that could improve this place if… Read more
Already ready to go back and we just left. The staff was great and we saw the big five twice. This is my first review to ever write but I would definitely come back. I would make sure to get a room that overlooks the river. The game drives cars were very comfortable. Everything was top notch. The only think I think that could improve this place if they heated the pool so kids have an activity such as swimming between game drives. Also would help them get some energy out. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The magical safari experience

Aug 1, 2023 Safari62447599899

The whole experience was great- from service, food, safety to actual viewing. The patience of our ranger Nick meant we experienced and elephant charging a pride of lionesses and cubs, watched a lion mating and when interrupted roared loudly and seeing a leopard keep watch over its stashed impala kill and then climb up to defur and eat it. It is a… Read more
The whole experience was great- from service, food, safety to actual viewing. The patience of our ranger Nick meant we experienced and elephant charging a pride of lionesses and cubs, watched a lion mating and when interrupted roared loudly and seeing a leopard keep watch over its stashed impala kill and then climb up to defur and eat it. It is a once in a lifetime experience - my adult kids loved every minute of it and it was comfortable enough for my over 60 siblings! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A wonderful place

Jun 5, 2023 juliemZ6378ZB

Having visited in 2016 we decided this was the place we wanted to celebrate a significant anniversary. Its always a bit of concern that a second visit will not meet expectations but we needn't have worried. The accommodation and food were excellent and they take care with any special dietary requirements. All the staff were happy friendly and… Read more
Having visited in 2016 we decided this was the place we wanted to celebrate a significant anniversary. Its always a bit of concern that a second visit will not meet expectations but we needn't have worried. The accommodation and food were excellent and they take care with any special dietary requirements. All the staff were happy friendly and super helpful so it's hard to pick out anyone in particular. The highlight however is the game viewing and credit has to go to our Ranger Chad, he made the whole trip extra special. It became a saying that whatever we were searching for be it Lions or leopard they would be "just round this corner"...and they usually were! We saw so much, not just the big 5. Thank you for such a special time. . Read less