MalaMala Private Game Reserve
User Reviews (33)
South Africa Parks
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Visiting Mala Mala Game Reserve was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Everything about our safari was perfectly arranged. Our lodging and food was excellent. Our guide was an expert and was able to find wildlife, such as lion prides, hidden in the bush. Everywhere we drove there were amazing animals. We quickly saw the Big Five. Mala Mala is a huge game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, and we had the place to ourselves with the animals and only the other Mala Mala guests.
Mala Mala has a wide range of scenery, from its river valley to rocky outcrops.
We did go in the rainy season, so we did have some rain every day. I definitely hope to return some day.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The park to visit for once-in-a-lifetime game-viewing experiences
If you want to visit a park where you’re virtually guaranteed of seeing the Big Five, as well as incredible sightings of other animals, MalaMala is the one to choose.
Luxury is central to your time at MalaMala, and so when you’re not enjoying the facilities at the exquisite lodge, you’re required to sit back, relax and let someone else take care of the driving. Guests are taken on game drives in open game-viewing vehicles, and are accompanied by a ranger and a tracker. The rangers are in constant radio contact with each other, and calls are sent out when “special” animals are sighted.
Because MalaMala is a privately owned area, you’re allowed to be out in the park after dark, and the usual drive-only-on-the-road rule doesn’t apply. Once you get over the shock of your first true bundu-bashing experience, you’ll realise that being able to look for and track animals off-road drastically increases the quality of your game viewing. Over the course of a few days, I found myself literally in the middle of a herd of 300 buffaloes; hot on the heels of two lionesses as they chased and then killed an impala; and spent almost an hour sitting under a tree while a leopard ate her kill.
Spectacular Game Viewing and Experience
Not enough superlatives to describe the experience. The wildlife was varied, active and spectacular. Great viewing of many types of animals (lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos, rhino, giraffes, etc.) but the stars were the many leopards. Having stayed at the Rattrays lodge, there were only 4 guest per vehicle. Never more than 2 vehicles at a sighting. Impossible to imagine a more knowledgeable or friendly guide and of great assistance in positioning me to get the best photographic lighting. Service could not have been more attentive. Accommodations were world class. Food was quite good, with dinners eaten outdoors in a communal setting. A special experience.
Once in a Lifetime
I think this is the best trip I've had because I got experience things I had never seen before. Besides, how many people do you think have been on an African safari? Not many, I can tell you that. Basically, what happens is that your ranger does everything for you. He is your waiter, driver, bar tender, etc. You are always in good hands and I highly recommend going to Mala Mala. Here is an awesome video if you want to learn more about the lions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1AqV-lwSfA
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Put your camera down for a while and let your senses soak it in!
We enjoyed a very informative guide who was very accommodating of guest's preferences. The animals were awesome and provided great photo opportunities. The accommodations, food and service were fabulous. I highly recommend that you make the trip.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very Special Experience
This was my first Safari experience and a colleague recommended that I should go to Mala Mala and it didn't disappoint. The excellent, knowledgeable guides and spotters, great wildlife viewing opportunities at the end of winter (September, dry season) fantastic accommodation and the fact that you could fly directly there from Johannesburg all were big positive points.
The ultimate safari experience in South Africa
4 times I've been to Mala Mala (stayed in 3 of their 4 camps) and I've yet to find a flaw. The camps are luxurious to extremely luxurious; the food and wines are excellent. Rooms (and in Rattrays 'khayas', bungalows) are outstanding.
The wildlife viewing is among the best in Africa, the rangers are knowledgeable and pleasant company. Best thing is that they wear ear-pieces so no crackling radios while watching wildlife.
But the best about Mala Mala Game Reserve is that the wildlife comes first, always. The game viewing is done with ultimate respect for the animals' wellbeing.
Email Matt D. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Wildlife, The Luxury, What More Can One Want?
Mala Mala is a game reserve located on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park, and the wildlife is able to travel freely between the two. When one travels to Mala Mala, a stay pretty much guarantees a Big 5 viewing, and lucky there is lots of game to view. The guides are extremely knowledgable, and the whole experience is incredible. The only downside to Mala Mala is that it isn't a place for anyone who is looking for a true bush experience, because it is so luxury. The food is amazing, and eating outside in a true-African boma is a great experience. Truly a treat for anyone looking for a luxury bush experience.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sheer luxury, straight Out of Africa.
We arrived at Mala Mala by Land Rover through the bush and left by airplane from the local airstrip, which is an interesting experience in itself. Once you arrive at the lodge, you feel like you're about to bump into Meryl Streep or Robert Redford right around the corner, or sipping a drink in the confortable bar. The accomodation is first class, with the possibility of having breakfast and dinner at your porch, watching herds of animals roam by just a stone's throw from where you're enjoying your wine.
Mala Mala offered complete luxury, a perfect escape from reality.
The accommodation and service were top notch, offering a personalized experience that went way above my expectation. Amenities were fine, but I was not there for the amenities as much as the wildlife. In two days we saw just about everything I had hoped, going out of our way to try and complete my list. The guides were knowledgeable and made sure that my experience was amazing. I would highly recommend a trip here in the future. I drove myself to Mala Mala, an option that was fine but I would not do this again. Too much time was spent on the road rather than at the camp.
Safari Tours to MalaMala GR
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![4-Day Big Five Safari in Mala Mala]()
4-Day Big Five Safari in Mala Mala
$3,763 to $4,469 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), MalaMala GR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Discover Africa Safaris
5.0/5 – 504 Reviews
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![5-Day Malamala Exclusive Fly in Safari]()
5-Day Malamala Exclusive Fly in Safari
$3,704 to $5,561 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), MalaMala GR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Ranger Buck Safaris
5.0/5 – 41 Reviews
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![12-Day Exclusive Safari and Cape Splendour]()
12-Day Exclusive Safari and Cape Splendour
$10,259 to $12,981 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), MalaMala GR (Greater Kruger), Cape Town (City), Franschhoek (Winelands), Cape Town Airport (End)
Ranger Buck Safaris
5.0/5 – 41 Reviews
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