Mala Mala Game Reserve

Mala Mala Game Reserve, the oldest and most historical private game reserve in South Africa, is known as one the finest game viewing destinations in the world. Established in 1927, Mala Mala is the largest private Big Five game park in South Africa with a 19 km unfenced border shared with the Kruger National Park. The open boundary provides full access to Kruger Park's wildlife, which regularly roams Mala Mala's grounds due to the vast array of habitat types - ranging from open savannah to dense riparian zones and granite kopjes. Perhaps of strongest attraction for wild life is the Sand River, of which 13 km flows through the reserve. Mala Mala Game Reserve is consistently competing for the world's top tourism and travel awards, such as Travel and Leisure's "World's Best Hotel" and Condé Nast Traveler's "Top Hotel in Africa".

The superior game viewing at this South African game park has more often than not allowed visitors to see the Big Five in a single day, but the focus here is not only about the kings of the bush, CEO and owner Michael Rattray has used his vast conservation expertise to ensure that even the smaller animals, like dung beetles, receive the attention they deserve. Mala Mala is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species and visitors are given the chance to see threatened animals such as cheetahs, pangolins and the wild dog during their stay. A supreme variety of birdlife in the reserve regularly astonishes even the most seasoned ornithologist with surprising sightings such as the martial eagle and ground hornbill.

While it's become the exception rather than the rule for all members of the Big Five not to be seen on a single day, MalaMala's certainly not just about the big and hairy. CEO and owner, Michael Rattray, has been closely associated with the MalaMala area for almost 70 years and his formidable conservation expertise ensures that smaller beasties like dung beetles have right of way! Indeed, MalaMala is a sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife where nature lovers may see threatened animals such as cheetahs, pangolins and the wild dog - Africa's second most endangered carnivore! The variety of birdlife in the reserve regularly rewards even the most seasoned ornithologist with surprising finds: the martial eagle and ground hornbill for instance.

Activities:

Walking safaris

4x4 safaris
Game drives

Main Living areas:

Reed boma
Buffalo Lounge
Lounge
Air-conditioned dining room
Air-conditioned library with satellite television, internet connectivity and DVD player.
Large wooden safari deck
Swimming pool
Safari boutique
Small fitness facility

Children's Policy and Rates:

Age restrictions are applied at Mala Mala Game Reserve in the interests of personal safety as well as the comfort of other guests.

Family rooms may be used as a triple or a quad room to accommodate children.

Every suite/standard room at Mala Mala Main Camp and Sable Camp includes two bathrooms.

Children of all ages are welcome at the main camp, but children aged five and under are not permitted to dine in the boma or to be taken on game drives, unless their parents have reserved sole-use of the game drive vehicle.

Special dining arrangements can be made and baby-sitting services can be provided on request, at an extra cost.

Family rooms and triple rooms are available upon request.

Children under 12 years of age, sharing with full paying adults, pay 50% of the quoted adult tariff.

The Sable Camp does not accommodate children under the age of 12, unless the entire camp is reserved exclusively.

Accommodation:

Mala Mala Main Camp:

Rooms: 18 rooms (luxury rooms, luxury suites, family rooms and a room with disabled facilities)

All of the rooms are individually decorated in a spacious and comfortable manner. Guests can expect stunning views of the river and the wildlife attracted to it. Rooms are equipped with 'his-and-hers' bathrooms, temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini-safe. Despite providing guests with supreme comfort, Mala Mala still manages to give an authentic bushveld camp atmosphere.

Luxury Room with Disabled Facilities: A suite for the physically-impaired is on offer and is equipped with a fully functional bathroom that has all the fittings for wheelchair users, including a wheel-in shower. The African safari vehicle used is equipped to accommodate disabled guests on game drives at this South African game park, and the facilities were designed with the Disabled People's Information Service of South Africa to be sure that they are in line with international standards.

Sable Camp

Rooms: 5 luxury suites.

Sable Camp is found at the southern end of the main camp, overlooking the Sand River and surrounding bush, and is ideal for visitors looking to experience a more private and exclusive stay. These suites are air-conditioned and decorated to give a classic, colonial feel coupled with modern comforts. Internet connectivity and a satellite television are on offer in the library.

Rattry's on Mala Mala

Room: 8 luxurious suites or khayas

The Rattray's on Mala Mala experience is altogether exclusive and discerning. All of these magnificent suites are equipped with comfortable king size beds, and overlook the Sand River. Each suite was designed to cater for lengthy stays and is equipped with fine furnishings, his-and-hers bathrooms as well as a secluded outdoor shower. A private verandah with a built in plunge pool in front of the suite offers phenomenal river views. Each khaya can be equipped with optional wireless internet and a laptop, as well as satellite landlines. A plasma screen TV with entertainment channels and global news networks will also keep guests in the know. To keep the authentic wild experience, all communication equipment (except landline telephones) is locked away and when guests return from a magnificent Big Five safari, they can simply request the key to make use of the equipment.