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Mala Mala Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve is the oldest and most historical
private game reserve in South Africa, in existence since 1927. Sound
conservation management, sheer size of land (it's the largest private Big
Five game reserve in South Africa) and a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border
shared with the Kruger National Park contribute to MalaMala's reputation as
the finest game viewing destination in the world. The open boundary provides
unimpeded access to Kruger's wildlife, which are attracted by MalaMala's vast
array of habitat types - ranging from open savannah to dense riparian zones
and granite kopjes. At a mammoth 13 200 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala is not
only the largest private Big Five game reserve in the country, it also
features the largest piece of land in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve - South
Africa's oldest conservancy of private game reserves. But perhaps of
strongest allure to wildlife is the perennial Sand River of which 13 km
(8 miles) flow through the reserve.
MalaMala Game Reserve also consistently features in 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'.
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 range from walking safaris to 4x4 safaris which may include
sumptuous bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and the opportunity to savour
sundowners as the sun sets behind the dusty horizon. Outdoor activities are
led by highly qualified rangers, most of whom have university degrees in the
natural sciences and are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of bushveld
ecology. To optimise the guest's game viewing experience, trackers from the
Shangaan tribe collaborate closely with their rangers. These Shangaan trackers
have a fabled understanding of the bushveld passed down through the ages by
their fathers and their fathers' fathers.
MalaMala's thrilling game viewing is a prime draw-card for some
of the world's most renowned wildlife photographers and filmmakers.
It should therefore come as no surprise that MalaMala has also
provided the subject-matter for many a celebrated wildlife book,
such as long-time MalaMala ranger Nils Kure's Living with Leopards,
currently one of the most in-depth scientific studies of this
elusive cat.
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MalaMala's accommodation is the Rattray trademark incarnate: discreet, classic
and elegant African opulence. We invite you to sample our new luxury camp,
Rattray's on MalaMala, a thoughtful reinvention of the traditional Into Africa
safari experience. To enable the business mandarin to stay in touch with their
company, each plush suite or khaya features optional 21st century convenience -
satellite landlines, wireless internet access, laptops and a plasma screen TV
with global news channels to keep you in touch with market-moving
events.
But ultimately it's the environment and how it's experienced that makes
MalaMala what it is today. With the resources at its disposal, and the
experience of over 40 years as a leader in its field, MalaMala Game Reserve
is well-established as a premier safari destination in southern Africa - and
the world!
Mala Mala Main Camp
18 rooms (luxury rooms, luxury suites, family rooms and a room with disabled
facilities)
The ochre-coloured buildings of MalaMala Main Camp are clustered amid shady
trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The individually
decorated, spacious and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching offer
spectacular views of the river and the wild- and bird life that are attracted
to the water for refreshment and refuge from the hot African sun. The rooms
are equipped with 'his-and-hers' bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control,
insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini-safe. Despite
the comfort offered, MalaMala retains an authentic bushveld camp atmosphere,
where the attention to detail for which MalaMala is world-famous shines
through.
Dinner is another highlight of the MalaMala experience and is served around a
log-fire in the grand old African manner, under star-punched skies and in a
reed boma - a MalaMala tradition for 60 years. The delectable dinner fare
features a smorgasbord of bush cuisine, including venison specialities and
outstanding South African wines.
The spacious, beautifully adorned Buffalo Lounge, which displays bronzes,
works of art and wildlife trophies, leads onto an expansive wooden deck that
provides an elevated view of animals congregating at the Sand
River.
MalaMala Main Camp offers luxury and comfort in breathtaking, untainted wilds,
where exhilarating game drives and guided walks engender close encounters with
Africa's game - big and small. These features - and MalaMala's famous
'X-factor' - conspire to make for a bushveld experience that is world-renowned
and routinely recognised in the world's top tourism
awards.
Suites - MalaMala Main Camp offers 8 luxury suites and 9 luxury rooms, as well
as a single room.
Luxury Room with Disabled Facilities - MalaMala Main Camp has a suite for the
physically-impaired, complete with a fully functional bathroom featuring all
the necessary fittings required by wheelchair users - including a wheel-in
shower. The safari vehicle used is equipped to comfortably and safely
accommodate disabled guests on game drives. The facilities were designed with
the invaluable aid of the Disabled People's Information Service of South Africa
and are in line with international standards.
Children's Policy and Rates - Age restrictions do exist and are applied 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 - the
separate lounge is converted to a bedroom. Every suite/standard room at
MalaMala Main Camp and Sable Camp includes two bathrooms.
Children of all ages are welcome at MalaMala Main Camp. However those 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-seating services are provided on
request, at a nominal charge. 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.
Sable Camp
Set in a prime, elevated position overlooking the Sand River and surrounding
bush, and at the southern end of MalaMala Main Camp, the Sable Camp is an
ideal retreat for the more reclusive traveller preferring privacy and
exclusivity. The Sable Camp accommodates 14 guests in 5 luxury suites. The
Lion's Den Suite is an ample, 2-bedroomed luxury suite with splendid views.
The Lion's Den Suite accommodates 4 people.
The fully air-conditioned, superbly-appointed Sable Camp is permeated with a
classic, colonial feel yet augmented by modern comforts. The atmospheric
library offers optional internet connectivity and a satellite television. The
intimate safari bar, swimming pool and large wooden deck surrounding the camp
provide the platform from which to admire the unadulterated views that make
the Sable Camp experience so rich and interactive.
A dedicated team of staff are on hand to make sure that every need of our
discerning guest is taken care of, while our highly qualified rangers and
trackers make possible close-contact wildlife viewing in the diverse
wilderness that is MalaMala Game Reserve.
The Sable Camp does not accommodate children under the age of 12, unless the
entire camp is reserved exclusively.
Rattry's on Mala Mala
The Rattray's on MalaMala experience is altogether exclusive and discerning,
with each of the 8 luxurious suites or khayas (all with king sized beds ONLY)
occupying its own elevated site overlooking the Sand River.
Designed specifically to enable guests to stay at Rattray's on MalaMala for as
long as they wish, each suite or khaya (Zulu for 'home') functions as an
inclusive home, resplendent with the finest furnishings, lavish his-and-hers
bathrooms and a secluded outdoor shower. Each khaya is fronted by a verandah
with grand river views. A filtered plunge pool built into the private verandah
provides an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the surrounding scenery,
as does the outdoor dining area, where once can enjoy bush cuisine - any fare
from breakfast to dinner - in total seclusion.
To enable the communication-conscious traveller to remain connected to the
outside world. Each khaya offers optional wireless internet and a laptop, as
well as crystal-clear satellite landlines. A plasma screen TV with
entertainment channels and global news networks like BBC and CNN keeps guests
in touch with market-moving events. So as not to detract from guests'
enjoyment of the wild and untainted surroundings, all communications'
equipment (except landline telephones) is locked away in a cabinet, and there
it shall remain, out of sight, unless guests ask for the
key.
Rattray's on MalaMala's elegant main building incorporates a viewing deck, an
air-conditioned library for the literary devotee, an attractive bar that
showcases the history of the area and an adjoining wine cellar stocked with a
sundry range of South Africa's finest wines. Breakfast and lunch are served in
the cool, air-conditioned dining room or on the adjoining deck, whilst the
traditional reed boma and its tall, sweeping jackalberry tree make for
unmatched outdoor evening dining.
However, Rattray's on MalaMala's safaris reflects the 40-year-old, traditional
ethos of the MalaMala Game Reserve - game viewing. Sound conservation
management ensures an environmental sanctuary for an impressive density and
diversity of wildlife. At Rattray's on MalaMala we strive for a maximum of 4
guests per safari vehicle, so enabling this unspoilt piece of African paradise
to unfold effortlessly before nature lovers.
Sightings of the Big Five and the interactions of the various species along
the food chain - from ants to elephants - provide visitors with a glimpse of
Africa as it has always been: untouched by the modern human
hand.
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