What to Expect
Spanning an expansive 13,300 hectares (33,000 acres), it ranks among South Africa’s largest private Big Five reserves. Located strategically between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve, MalaMala shares an unfenced 19-kilometer (12-mile) border with the renowned Kruger National Park. This unique positioning allows for a remarkable wildlife experience, with abundant opportunities for observing Africa’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp embodies the essence of opulent safari living, offering a window into a bygone era when intrepid travellers in Africa seamlessly melded untamed wilderness with elegance. Echoing the timeless allure of Karen Blixen’s ‘Out of Africa,’ this camp exudes a regal safari-style charm. Its interior showcases a harmonious blend of crystal and leather, complemented by exquisite furnishings that will captivate the discerning connoisseur of life’s finer pleasures.
Highlights
Each suite functions as an inclusive home, resplendent with hand-selected furnishings, lavish dual bathrooms, a secluded outdoor shower and a private plunge pool.
Game drives are conducted twice a day (early morning, and late afternoon/ evening) in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another to keep each other informed about the location of wildlife. Headsets are used for this purpose so as not to interrupt the sounds of the African bush. The 4-wheel drive safari vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with close up game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights, bring the bush to life at night.
Visitors may head out on foot with their armed ranger. The perspective of the bush is entirely different to that of a vehicle, and guests will learn to read the signs of the wild, and perhaps come into close contact with the different animal species on the reserve.
There is a gym located next door to the spa, overlooking the swimming pool and the Sand River. The gym has a selection of cardio equipment and free weights.
Brunches, high teas and dinners are served on the deck overlooking the Sand River, in the air conditioned dining room or else around a blazing fire in the reed-enclosed boma (African structure) under the glorious night sky above.
