Mala Mala, Kruger National Park

rooms

The ochre coloured suites and rooms are an oasis in the middle of the bushveld. Pathways leading to them wind their way amongst the greenery and overlook the Sand River. All rooms are beautifully decorated with African tones of creams, taupes and oranges and provide a relaxing haven at the end of a busy day.

There are 10 luxury suites, 8 luxury rooms and a single room, all with two bathrooms - providing plenty of choice for guests. And of course, the all-important decks outside from which to enjoy the lilting birdsong and the spectacular views.

Adults or those with older children also have the option of Sable Camp or Rattrays.

There is a wheelchair-friendly suite available.

facilities & activities

While the camp itself is luxurious and beautifully built to compliment the landscape, it is all about the wildlife here. Lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant meander past without so much of a flicker of an eyelid at the safari vehicles and their excited occupants, thanks in part to being 6th or 7th generation and well used to the film star attention. The river, running north to south on the reserve, provides a near constant stream of wildlife and crucially with the no ‘time limit’ or queue system, the opportunities for sightings here are unsurpassed. In fact 97.5% of visitors staying 2 nights or longer leave having seen all members of the Big Five in the wild. 

Back at the camp, the shaded wooden safari deck overlooking the river, provides the perfect ‘alternative’ safari viewing – this time with a crisp gin and tonic in hand – while you watch the four legged inhabitants at the water’s edge. When it’s time for your own dip, then the sparkling infinity pool also provides great views out over the river. Relax in the library, do a spot of safari shopping in the boutique or just perch at the bar and swop exhilarating sighting stories with your neighbours (and if you feel the need to show off to other friends and family, then WI-FI is also available here – essential for the teenage traveller).

MalaMala prides itself on being one of the few safari destinations in the Kruger/Sabi Sands area that offers a wheelchair friendly suite at its MalaMala Camp and a suitably equipped Land Rover with ramp access.

dining

You certainly won’t go hungry. The day starts with steaming cups of coffee and biscuits before heading out on daybreak safaris and returning home to a hearty home cooked breakfast. Buffet lunches are savoured overlooking the river and light snacks and sundowners during the afternoon safari will keep you topped up till home time. And then it’s a feast beside the warming boma under the starry African skies. All dietary requirements will be catered for, just have a chat with the friendly staff.

family

Mala Mala is a great safari experience for children and all ages are welcome. However, under fours are not allowed to join the game drives (unless you have a private vehicle) or permitted in the Boma for the evening meal. That said, special dining arrangements will be made and babysitting is available (providing you with the perfect excuse?).

There is plenty of room choice for families and certain rooms are able to accommodate a third adult or two children by converting the sitting room area into another bedroom, and there are also several sets of connecting rooms for even further space. And all rooms and suites provide two bathrooms as standard.

Your personal, highly skilled Ranger will tailor all activities to all ages and stages and they’ll love the MalaMala backpack complete with colouring books and interactive check lists. Activities range from tracking animals, learning survival skills, communication via the in-house radio and delicious bush breakfasts cooked over the fire by the children themselves. And in the evening, while you enjoy a relaxing sun downer, they’ll be happily occupied with movies (filmed on site) and board games.

location

Sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sands Reserve, Mala Mala also shares a 12 mile unfenced border with world famous Kruger Park which allows the wildlife to move completely freely. It also holds the accolade of being the largest private Big Five Game Reserve in South Africa and lies just a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg (due to the secluded location, it is essential you telephone first to ensure the best route in, it can be weather dependant). Alternatively fly to Nelspruit or Skukuza and take a 2 hour transfer, or Federal Air operate a twice daily shuttle flight directly to the reserve from Johannesburg.

rates & specials

Stay 4 nights & only pay for 3. Valid 4 Jan 20-9 Apr 20

Valid for Mala Mala Camp, Sable Camp and Rattrays Camp.

A minimum of four consecutive nights is required between any of the three camps and the complimentary night is applied to the lowest rated night.
The arrival and departure dates must fall within the validity period 04 January 2020 – 09 April 2020