The MalaMala Experience
A Bespoke Safari Through South Africa’s Most Iconic Private Game Reserve
Locations
Mala Mala Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve offers an exceptional introduction to the wild landscapes of South Africa’s Sabi Sand, where open grasslands, riverine forests and the Sand River create a rich habitat for wildlife. Renowned for its exceptional leopard sightings, the reserve is also home to elephants, lions, buffalo and a remarkable diversity of plains game. Explore on expertly guided game drives, following the rhythms of the bush while enjoying an intimate safari experience in one of the country’s most celebrated private reserves.
The MalaMala Experience
- Escape to MalaMala Private Game Reserve for a three-night safari in one of South Africa’s most exclusive wildlife destinations, renowned for exceptional Big Five sightings and world-famous leopard viewing.
- Enjoy twice-daily game drives with expert rangers and trackers, including evening safaris that reveal the fascinating world of Africa’s nocturnal wildlife.
- Experience the exclusivity of a private reserve, with off-road game viewing, limited vehicle numbers at sightings and access to over 13,000 hectares of pristine wilderness bordering the Kruger National Park.
- Stay in luxurious accommodation overlooking the Sand River, where wildlife is often visible from the comfort of your suite and the lodge itself.
- Discover the remarkable diversity of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, from elephant herds and lion prides to elusive leopards, rhinos, buffalo and an abundance of birdlife.
- A refined safari that combines seamless access from Johannesburg, exceptional guiding, understated luxury and unforgettable wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most celebrated private game reserves.
Rates
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- All meals, tea, coffee, selected beverages and safari refreshments at MalaMala Private Game Reserve
- Scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza Airport
- Meet and greet services and shared road transfers between Skukuza Airport and MalaMala Private Game Reserve
- Twice-daily shared game drives led by expert ranger and tracker teams
- Evening safaris and night drives in search of Africa’s nocturnal wildlife
- Guided bush walks (subject to availability, weather conditions and ranger discretion)
- All park entrance fees and conservation levies as applicable
- 5% Ameliya Conservation Commitment Levy for this itinerary
Exclusions
- 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST)
- Flights, visa fees, laundry, packed beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees, if levied by the government
- Any additional activities or personal expenses, including tips
- Any increase in National Park fees or government taxes, payable by the guest
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Accommodation
Classic- MalaMala Camp
MalaMala Camp
MalaMala Camp is the original lodge of the renowned MalaMala Private Game Reserve, combining timeless safari charm with one of Africa’s finest wildlife experiences. Overlooking the wildlife-rich Sand River, the camp offers spacious accommodations, warm hospitality and direct access to exceptional Big Five game viewing. Blending classic elegance with the exclusivity of a private reserve, MalaMala Camp provides an authentic safari experience where unforgettable wildlife encounters unfold from dawn until well after sunset.
Amenities
- Spacious river-facing rooms and suites
- Swimming pool
- Lounge and viewing decks
- Fine dining, bar, wine cellar, safari boutique
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest areas
- Twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks (subject to availability), laundry service, and transfers from MalaMala Airstrip.
Premium- Sable Camp
Sable Camp
Sable Camp is MalaMala’s most intimate retreat, offering an exclusive safari experience in the heart of the reserve. With just a handful of luxurious suites overlooking the Sand River, the camp provides exceptional privacy, personalised service and uninterrupted access to one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats. Thoughtfully designed for couples, families and small groups, Sable Camp combines understated elegance with world-class guiding, creating a refined wilderness experience in the legendary MalaMala Private Game Reserve.
Amenities
- Luxury river-facing suites
- Exclusive Swimming pool
- Private viewing decks
- Elegant lounge and dining areas
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest areas
- Twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks (subject to availability), laundry service, and transfers from MalaMala Airstrip.
Luxury- Rattray's Camp
Rattray's Camp
Rattray’s Camp is the flagship lodge of MalaMala Private Game Reserve, offering an exceptional blend of timeless elegance, complete privacy and one of Africa’s most celebrated safari experiences. Inspired by the romance of early African expeditions, the camp features eight expansive luxury khayas overlooking the Sand River, where refined hospitality and world-class guiding come together in an unforgettable wilderness setting. With spacious private retreats and exclusive wildlife encounters, Rattray’s Camp delivers one of South Africa’s finest luxury safaris.
Amenities
- 8 luxury river-facing khayas with private plunge pools
- Expansive viewing decks
- Elegant lounge and dining areas
- Bar and Wine cellar
- Fitness Centre
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest areas
- Twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks (subject to availability), laundry service, and transfers from MalaMala Airstrip.
Day- Wise Itinerary
Day 1 - Johannesburg to Mala Mala
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, connect with your scheduled flight to Skukuza Airport. On arrival, meet your lodge representative and enjoy a scenic road transfer to MalaMala Private Game Reserve.
Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and settle into your luxurious suite before heading out on your first afternoon game drive. Pause for sundowners as the sun sets over the African bush before continuing your safari into the evening in search of the reserve’s fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 2 - 3: Mala Mala Private game reserve
Spend the next two days exploring the legendary MalaMala Private Game Reserve on expertly guided morning and afternoon game drives. Home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife, the reserve offers exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five, with MalaMala being particularly renowned for its world-class leopard sightings.
Each afternoon safari extends into the evening, allowing you to experience the exclusivity of a private reserve where night drives and off-road game viewing reveal the fascinating world of Africa’s nocturnal wildlife. Between safaris, unwind at the lodge overlooking the Sand River, where wildlife often passes within view, making every moment in camp part of the safari experience. Return to the lodge each evening for a chef-curated dinner, bringing the day’s extraordinary wildlife encounters to a memorable close.
Day 4 - Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Skukuza Airport for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, connect with your onward international flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your time in the African wilderness.
Activites
Game Drives
Night Drive
Bush Meals
Star Gazing
Birding
Bush Walks
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Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
