MALA MALA MAIN CAMP
Kruger Park, South Africa

Introduction

At nearly 33 000 acres (13 000 hectares) MalaMala Game Reserve is by far the largest piece of land within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve - the oldest conservancy of private game reserves in South Africa. But it is not just the sheer size of land that makes MalaMala so impressive. The 19 km (12 miles) of open boundary, which MalaMala shares with the Kruger National Park, provides unimpeded access to animals from this world famous wildlife sanctuary. This essentially places MalaMala as part of a soon-to-be 12 or more million acres of pristine wilderness conservation area. Of constant appeal to the wildlife from the Kruger National Park is the vast array of habitat types within MalaMala - ranging from open savannahs to dense riparian zones and granite koppies. Perhaps the greatest attraction of all is the perennial Sand River - of which, approximately 13 kilometres soaks its' way through MalaMala Game Reserve. The diversity of these habitats is the key factor behind the incredible complexity of fauna and flora for which MalaMala has become so famous, and is proven statistically by our game viewing - where it has become the exception rather than the rule for all members of the "Big 5" not to be seen on a single day on the property.

Camp Description

MalaMala Main Camp 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.

Accommodation

Sable Unit - The Sable unit is a decentralised private facility in the southern area of the MalaMala Main Camp. The Sable unit caters for a maximum of 20 guests and is equipped with a swimming pool, boma, cosy bar, and lounge/dining room. The viewing deck provides a magnificent view over the Sand River and surrounding bushveld. The Sable unit offers the intimacy of a smaller camp and may be reserved exclusively for a private party or individual guests. Guests utilising the Sable unit are allocated bedrooms close to this facility.

Suites - At MalaMala Main Camp there are 14 suites which may also interlead with a standard twin bedroom if requested. The largest of the suites is the Lion's Den Suite.

Disabled Suite - MalaMala Main Camp has a suite for the physically impaired complete with a fully functional bathroom with all the necessary fittings that are required by wheelchair users including a wheel-in shower. The safari vehicle used is equipped to comfortably and safely take disabled guests on game drives. The facilities were designed with the 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 are two rooms that interlead and combined may be used as a triple or a quad room. This means that two rooms will be sharing bathroom facilities. MalaMala Main Camp has a total of 5 family rooms. At MalaMala Main Camp, children of all ages are welcome but 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 their Landrover. Special dining arrangements can be made and baby-sitting 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.
Game Viewing

At the forefront, introducing this wonderland to visitors, are the rangers of MalaMala - young men with top academic qualifications in fields of study relating to such an environmental operation. They host guests in the camp and on game drives. Working, as integral teams with the rangers are the trackers - men from the Shangaan tribe who have, more often than not, spent years in the African bush. They have an almost mystical understanding of the environment which no academic institution could hope to impart to its' students. Together ranger and tracker take visitors on a journey of discovery and adventure in 4X4 vehicles - allowing an intimate association with not only the big and dangerous, but also many other aspects of this environmental paradise.

Read more about:

The Kruger National Park & Private Game Reserves