MalaMala: MalaMala is South Africa's legendary and exclusive safari destination. Internationally acknowledged as “the top game viewing destination in the world”, it is set in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the Sand River. The ochre coloured buildings are clustered amid shady trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The individually decorated, spacious and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching, enjoy spectacular views and 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 camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which Mala Mala is world famous is obvious. Dinner, where one may enjoy venison specialties and haute bush cuisine is served in the grand old African manner, under the stars in a reed enclosed boma, a MalaMala tradition for over 60 years. Seated around a log fire, under the starry African sky, enjoying superb food and outstanding South African wines is yet another highlight of the MalaMala experience.

The spacious, beautifully decorated Buffalo lounge displaying bronzes, works of art and animal trophies leads onto an expansive wooden deck which provides an elevated view of animals watering in the Sand River. The luxury and comfort of the camp, combined with the exhilarating game drives and guided walks in beautiful unspoilt wilderness dramatised by the close encounters with Africa's game, big and small, is incomparable. The accommodation at MalaMala continues the African theme with spacious bungalows under thatch. In accordance with host conservation policies, establishment cater for no more than 36 guests at a time. The 18 luxury rooms consist of twin or double rooms, suites, family rooms, a disabled suite and one single room.
Each of the air-conditioned rooms enjoys a spectacular view of the surrounding bush and are equipped with "his" and "hers" en-suite bathrooms, insect proof screens and top quality large twin beds. Individually decorated, they feature sets of animal or bird prints, complementing the attention to detail for which MalaMala is world famous. Children under 12, sharing with an adult, pay 50% of the quoted adult tariff (at MalaMala only). Please note, no children of 5 years and younger are permitted in the boma for dinner, or on game drives (unless parent's have sole use of a vehicle). A babysitting facility is available at a nominal fee.
The Disabled Suite: Mala Mala prides itself on being one of the few safari destinations which is able to offer a fully equipped disabled suite - designed in accordance with the Disabled People's Information Service of South Africa and is in line with international standards.

The Sable Camp: The fully air-conditioned, beautifully appointed Sable Camp has a truly colonial feel enhanced with modern comforts. A library with satellite television and internet connectivity give one the option to stay in touch with the world whilst the intimate safari bar, swimming pool and large wooden deck surrounding the camp provide the platform from which to admire the unimpeded 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 host discerning guests is taken care of, whilst host highly qualified rangers and trackers continue to present close contact viewing in the diverse wilderness that is MalaMala Game Reserve. The Sable Camp does not accommodate children under the age of 16, unless the entire camp is reserved exclusively at the respective charge.

The Sable Camp at a glance

5 luxury thatched suites The Lions Den Separate “his” and “hers” bathrooms per suite Full range of guest amenities Heated towel rails Insect proof screening on all windows Mini bar in each bedroom Mini safe in each bedroom Hair dryers Bath robes Shaver plugs Insect repellent supplied in all bedrooms and on all vehicles Daily New York Times Fax Private verandahs overlooking the surrounding bush Purified water Maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle is 6 The Monkey Club - DVD Den/Library Internet Connection and DVD Player

Complimentary bottled Mount Anderson Spring water in each bedroom Filtered swimming pool Reed enclosed boma where dinner is served under the stars International direct dial telephones in each bedroom - 24 hour service Facsimile and e-mail facilities available 24 - hour electricity with standby generator 24 - hour air-conditioning and heating Room service Gymnasium Separate tour guide’s accommodation Complimentary laundry service (min. 2 nights only) Safari Bar featuring an international selection of beverages Safari Boutique Wine Cellar Tea and coffee making facilities in each bedroom Overhead fans

Rattray's on MalaMala represents a classical "into Africa" safari experience in keeping with MalaMala's history of presenting an authentic view of wildlife in Africa to the discerning traveler. Facilities within the main elegant building incorporate a viewing deck, an air-conditioned library providing a refuge for the literary devotee, an attractive bar showcasing the history of the area and an adjoining wine cellar stocked with a wide range of South Africa’s best wines. Breakfast and lunch are served in the air-conditioned dining room or on the adjoining deck whilst the traditional reed boma under a magnificent jackalberry tree is the ultimate outdoor evening venue.

The focus of the Rattray's safaris will continue to reflect the ethos of the reserve over the past forty years – game viewing. Sound conservation management has ensured an environmental sanctuary for an impressive density and diversity of wildlife. Striving for a maximum of 4 guests per safari vehicle this wildlife wonderland that is MalaMala unfolds. Sightings of the Big Five and the interactions of the various species along the food chain from ants to elephants provides visitors with a glimpse of Africa as it has always been – untouched by the modern human hand.

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MALAMALA GAME RESERVE UPDATE - 07 February 2012

We are delighted to advise that MalaMala re-opened yesterday, Monday 06 February 2012.

We salute the rangers and maintenance staff, all of whom worked tirelessly over the past 2 weeks under trying circumstances to ensure that the reserve could open on time (and again provide a quality game viewing experience). Approximately 90% of those roads damaged in the flooding are now repaired and in use, while a few limited areas are still out of bounds until such time as the localised ecology is not threatened by traversing. These will be attended to over the course of February when conditions permit.

The first game drive out on the afternoon of the 6th February saw an incredible interaction with the Styx lion pride and one of the Manyelethi male lions. One of the lionesses was found mating with the male lion close to Mlowathi Dam. The couple had killed an impala which lay close by as they concentrated on their ‘task at hand’. As guests watched the ‘cat action’, the remainder of the Styx lion pride, including 5 cubs, rushed in and started to feed on the barely touched impala kill. Despite being a family group, there was much aggression over the impala remains. This led to a fascinating interaction between the male lion and the oldest female in the pride.
While this was happening a rhino wandered past, barely 50 metres away.

Guests were also fortunate to see 4 sightings of elephant, a crash of rhino, buffalo bulls, giraffe and kudu in addition to impala, bushbuck and other more common antelope species.

The recent heavy flooding in the Sand River has created a deep pool directly in front on MalaMala Main Camp which a pod of hippos has made home. They can be seen wallowing in the river from the MalaMala safari deck – the perfect panorama with breakfast!

While we regret the inconvenience that any of our clients may have suffered, they can rest assured that the impact of the flooding carries long term environmental benefits. This will manifest in the form of healthy fodder for our wildlife for a few years to come. The water tables continue to flow strongly. Again - the ultimate beneficiary will be the wildlife. It goes without saying that guests who visit MalaMala will no doubt enjoy a lush and very green environment.