MalaMala

MalaMala was the first private Big Five reserve in South Africa and retains much of its original charm and character with the added top luxury comforts for its guests. MalaMala is located in the world famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Keeping with ‘explorer days gone by’, at MalaMala it is all about the game drives and it is one of few game reserves that has the complete freedom to be out on game drives all day if the sightings are fantastic. Lunch is then brought to the jeeps so guests can continue the patient wait watching a pack of lions hunting without themselves needing to go hungry.

The surroundings at MalaMala are lovely with manicured kept gardens, bougainvilleas and some indigenous plants and trees giving a romantic and relaxed feel. All the rooms are scattered around in free standing rondavels making it very private.
The main camp is divided into two camps each with own dining area, lounge, bar, pool and boma to create a smaller more exclusive feel. The overall feel is very African explorer with old trophies still hanging on the walls. There is a lovely private pool below the wooden deck and the restaurant overlooking the plains. Guests have plenty of space to relax and unwind without being on top of each other.

MalaMala is great for families with small children, lots of activities are done to teach the children more about the wildlife and bush. The Monkey Club for the younger explorers with TV, DVD and library and children above 5 years of age can join parents on the game drives.

“The game drives were phenomenal and we had amazing sightings with 13 lions feeding on a giraffe carcass. We were the only vehicle at the sighting. The main difference between MalaMala and many other lodges is in the brilliance of the rangers and the fact that at MalaMala the vehicles can be out all day if the animals are up and about. MalaMala definitely exceeded all our expectations.” -  Alexandra
 
Suites at MalaMala
At MalaMala there are 35 rooms in different price ranges depending if you stay at Sable or Buffalo main camp. The rooms are close to each other but very private due to the trees and indigenous vegetation around the camp. The main difference is the size of the bedrooms, the rooms are however all very spacious with big beds, lounge area leading out to a private wooden deck with views of the bush and plains or waterhole. Every room has spacious “his” and “hers” full fitted bathrooms which really add an element of luxury, there is ample cupboard space and dressing tables and high thatch ceilings. The décor is traditional African safari. 

General Information:
The quality of the game drives and rangers is fantastic and the daily program is set to the guests requirements.
Max 6 guests per vehicle makes it very exclusive.
Direct flight daily from Johannesburg to MalaMala private airstrip.
Parents wanting their children under 5 to join in the game drives can do so by acquiring a private vehicle at an extra cost otherwise babysitting facilities are available.
Guests pay for the excellent game drives, impeccable service and spacious rooms rather than top décor and finishes in the rooms.
Curio shop at reception.
Spa treatments available for guests between 08.00-18.00.
MalaMala has 16 000 hectares for the exclusive use of its own vehicles and guests.

* Rates include: Air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation, all meals and snacks, game drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles conducted by experienced rangers and trackers, game walks applicable tourism levies, transfers, to and from the airstrip at Mala Mala Game Reserve and Laundry – maximum 10 items per room per day (minimum 2 nights)

* Rates exclude: Items of personal nature, such as bar purchases, communication costs, airport transfers (except for Mala Mala airstrip to the Mala Mala Game Reserve camps), transfers to/from any other camps (excluding Mala Mala Game Reserve camps) and any applicable airport taxes and entrance fees.

* Children can go on the game drives from 5 years old onwards.