MalaMala Game Reserve

MalaMala, with its 16 000 hectares of African bush, is the largest and one of the oldest privately owned game reserves in South Africa. Situated on the banks of the Sand River, MalaMala offers guests unique experiences such as dinner beneath the stars in a reed enclosed boma and champagne breakfasts overlooking the river while watching the hippos at play.

Sharing 19km of unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, MalaMala is situated in the Mpumalanga province and game is particularly abundant due to a 20 kilometre stretch of the Sand River which runs through the reserve. In addition, the unfenced border with the Kruger Park allows both animals and guests unrestricted entry between the two areas.

While it has become the exception rather than the norm for all members of the 'Big Five' not to be seen on a single day, MalaMala is so much more than the coveted group of "most dangerous animals to hunt." CEO and owner Michael Rattray, has been closely associated with the MalaMala area for almost seventy years and his formidable conservation expertise ensures that smaller creatures like dung beetles have the right of way. MalaMala is also 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 such as the martial eagle and ground hornbill.

Outdoor activities are led by highly qualified rangers, who are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of the bushveld ecology. To optimize your 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 father's fathers.

MalaMala accommodation is the Rattray trademark incarnate: discreet, classic and elegant African opulence. The luxury camp Rattrays on MalaMala is a thoughtful reinvention of the traditional "into Africa" Safari experience.

But ultimately it's the environment and how it's experienced that makes Mala Mala 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 South Africa and the world.