MalaMala Game Reserve Review

MalaMala Game Reserve holds a special place in southern African safari history. Opened in 1927, it is one of the oldest privately run reserves on the continent, set along the Sand River where it borders the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. The combination of long-standing guiding expertise, outstanding wildlife density, and genuinely comfortable camps makes it one I return to with clients time and again.

Wildlife viewing here is exceptional. Lion and leopard sightings are frequent, and it is not unusual to watch game pass directly through camp. Three very different camps serve different moods and budgets.

MalaMala Camp

MalaMala Camp is the largest of the three, with 19 rooms spread across a single room with double bed, eight luxury rooms and ten suites. All have private decks overlooking either the Sand River or a waterhole, and the main area includes a lounge, dining room, library, boutique, fitness area and a glorious infinity pool with river views. Families with children of all ages are welcome, and babysitting is available. The camp has a traditional boma for fireside dinners on cooler evenings.

MalaMala Sable Camp

MalaMala Sable Camp adjoins the southern end of MalaMala Camp and offers a more intimate experience, with just six guests per vehicle ensuring everyone a window seat. The main area looks out over the river and includes an elegant dining room, a lounge with satellite TV, a safari-themed bar and a pool. Meals are served on the deck or in the boma. Sable Camp is well suited to exclusive-use bookings and accepts children over 12. Suites each have a private deck, a large ensuite bathroom and an outdoor shower; a family suite connects two bedrooms via a shared lounge.

MalaMala Rattray’s Camp

MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is the flagship property, set at an elevated position above the Sand River with eight freestanding suites in private indigenous gardens. The main areas are handsomely appointed, with rich wood tones, a well-stocked wine cellar and a bar that documents the history of the reserve. Each suite has a wraparound verandah, a private plunge pool, a claw-foot bath and an outdoor shower. Game drives go out with just four guests per vehicle. Children under 16 are not accepted. This is the camp I’d choose for a milestone trip or a very discerning client.