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MalaMala Camp

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Traveller (608)
Room & Suite (108)
Dining (27)
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About

#4 of 5 lodges in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Location
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Travellers' Choice
MalaMala Game Reserve is the Safari Industry's blueprint to the luxury photographic safari. In existence since 1927, this massive thriving tract of land produces the most exciting wildlife experience this side of the equator. MalaMala Game Reserve is the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Comprising 13 300 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve. For over four decades, Michael Rattray has remained focused on his objective to preserve and protect the land over which he is custodian. Allowing nature to move to its innate rhythm, guests experience today what the forefathers of the African Safari would have experienced at the turn of the century. This philosophy has paid off, as experienced by a veritable collection of photojournalists and film-makers who have made MalaMala their destination of choice to capture footage of wildlife viewing that would rival any Hollywood production for thrilling and breathtaking animal encounters. MalaMala's Camps (MalaMala Main Camp, Sable Camp and Rattray's on MalaMala) are the embodiment of an authentic safari experience pioneered at a time when the safari was simple - unassuming camps, vast sweeping plains, the African sky and the bush in all its splendour. Wellness was the feeling after a long day in the wild. Cigars were shared without pomp and ceremony. Guests to MalaMala will still spend hours beneath an inky sky in the traditional boma exchanging stories from the wild - a sumptuous meal, good company and relaxed faces warmed by the crackling fire, accompanied by the nocturnal symphony of sound.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Airport transportation
Massage
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Gift shop
Outdoor fireplace
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Complimentary toiletries
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Romantic
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans

Location

Kruger National Park 2116 South Africa
MalaMala Camp
Getting there
Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport
Londolozi Aerodrome
478Reviews40Q+A100Room tips
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Mark A wrote a review Dec 2023
Larkspur2 contributions1 helpful vote
Simply incredible! Exceeded our expectations in every way and was a trip of a lifetime. Saw the Big 5 and so much more over a four day/three night stay. The wildlife viewing is top notch and we stayed with the same guide over the visit. He did an incredible job of teaching us and enhancing our experience. The accommodations, hospitality, and food were first also first rate and we were well cared for throughout our entire visit. Would highly, highly recommend.
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Date of stay: December 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LaHormiguitaViajera wrote a review Dec 2023
Buenos Aires, Argentina114 contributions97 helpful votes
During 30 years we heard our parents talk about their experience at Mala Mala. And after visiting it for 4 days, we understood why! The best experience ever. Everything was taken care of, in a practical yet elegant way. We were picked up directly at the lobby of the Intercontintal hotel at OR Tambo Airport for our Federal Air 1-hour flight directly to Mala Mala airtrip (best way to get there). Upon arrival, we were greeted by Erin, our young and enthusiast ranger, who took care of us during our stay. The airstrip is a 5-min drive to the camp. We settled in in our extraordinary suite, which immediately felt "home-away-from-home". Exquisite decor, excellent bed, ample bathroom with shower and bathtub, all ammenities included, even a bar with coffee machine and beverages. The deck is amazing for game viewing, from impalas to nyalas and monkeys, among others. At 3:30 pm we joined our group (6 in total) at the main lodge deck overlooking the Sand river for a light lunch before departing for the afternoon safari drive, until about 6:30 pm. Then, drinks at the bar, dinner under the stars, and directly to bed, because the following day begins at 5:30 am for the morning drive til 9:30 am (full brunch waiting on arrival!). Even though it is quite an early start, it is absolutely worth while. There is a lovely pool and a gym riverside to entertain yourself during the "quiet" hours (10:30 am - 3:30 pm). On our first day we saw the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), plus many other wild animals and plants during our 4 marvelous days there - hyenas, wild dogs, zebras, jiraffes, crocodiles, baboons, all kinds of antilopes, birds, tortoises, etc, etc. It is hard to transmit the emotion you feel when realizing you are in the wild, sharing their natural environment with all these extraordinary creatures, just a few meters away from your Land Rover. No binoculars needed! It is authentic wildlife - humans do not feed or tend to the amimals in any way, what you see is real, no fences, no zoo-like feeling, just real animals in their real world, fighting for food, hunting, raising their babies, living free. Erin is a passionate, experienced and lively ranger, always eager to share with us her love for the bush. We learnt so much in an easy-going way. We never felt insecure or afraid of being so close to the animals. It is a real privilege to have them so near - we even heard the lion roar next to us, UNFORGETTABLE! The food is excellent, varied and elegantly served. Everyone at Mala Mala is a real asset - from Julia at reservations, to Sandra during meals, the guys at the bar and the escorts to our rooms at night (sorry, I'm awful with names but I remember them all!). I could spend days writing about Mala Mala, but it is something that you must experience yourself. Now, we'll be the ones talking about it for the next 30 years! I hope to return some day with my kids... Thank you, Mala Mala, I'll cherish our memories there forever!!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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rennie22018 wrote a review Sept 2023
Center Valley, Pennsylvania13 contributions2 helpful votes
We had an amazing experience at Mala Mala. The other reviews were spot on! Our guide, Mel, was fantastic and we saw so much more than we expected. The rest of the staff was wonderful as well! An experience of a lifetime!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Suzanne L wrote a review Sept 2023
Durban, South Africa85 contributions29 helpful votes
This was our second visit to Mala Mala, if possible better than the first!!! Eleven leopards in 4 days, cannot be equalled anywhere in Africa. It was magical from start to finish, Big Five on 3 of the 4 days. We also saw a Honey Badger which is an extremely rare sighting in daylight. Our guide Nick was extra special, he has an intrinsic "feel" for the bush. He always managed to get us in a position where we were close to the sighting and were able to sit for long periods of time just soaking up the animals. We sat with 6 wild dog pups and watched them playing for at least thirty minutes. The sightings are self managed by the rangers and you are never surrounded by vehicles in fact most of the time you are on your own. I must not forget the lodge staff, they are all so friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Francine deserves a special mention, she was our allocated server and what a treasure. Many excellent reviews are given by people who perhaps have not had much Safari experience and they are therefore always very good. My husband and I have been on over 100 safaris all across Africa and this review is based on the total experience. Many South African will look at the rates and declare it is unaffordable. My advice - save up as no bucket list is complete without visiting Mala Mala. O
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Ask for a river facing room
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5 Helpful votes
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Molly wrote a review Aug 2023
Worldwide5 contributions
Already ready to go back and we just left. The staff was great and we saw the big five twice. This is my first review to ever write but I would definitely come back. I would make sure to get a room that overlooks the river. The game drives cars were very comfortable. Everything was top notch. The only think I think that could improve this place if they heated the pool so kids have an activity such as swimming between game drives. Also would help them get some energy out.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Safari62447599899 wrote a review Aug 2023
1 contribution
The whole experience was great- from service, food, safety to actual viewing. The patience of our ranger Nick meant we experienced and elephant charging a pride of lionesses and cubs, watched a lion mating and when interrupted roared loudly and seeing a leopard keep watch over its stashed impala kill and then climb up to defur and eat it. It is a once in a lifetime experience - my adult kids loved every minute of it and it was comfortable enough for my over 60 siblings!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Julie M wrote a review Jun 2023
11 contributions12 helpful votes
+1
Having visited in 2016 we decided this was the place we wanted to celebrate a significant anniversary. Its always a bit of concern that a second visit will not meet expectations but we needn't have worried. The accommodation and food were excellent and they take care with any special dietary requirements. All the staff were happy friendly and super helpful so it's hard to pick out anyone in particular. The highlight however is the game viewing and credit has to go to our Ranger Chad, he made the whole trip extra special. It became a saying that whatever we were searching for be it Lions or leopard they would be "just round this corner"...and they usually were! We saw so much, not just the big 5. Thank you for such a special time. .
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Elizabeth B wrote a review May 2023
2 contributions2 helpful votes
+1
My mother took me on this magical adventure to South Africa and our final destination was MalaMala Camp. I cannot say enough about how magical this trip was. MalaMala has beautiful lodges, delicious food, but most of all the it was the wonderful people who work there that made us feel at home. We felt so well-cared for and the safari was beyond my wildest imagination. In particular, I'd like to mention Marvin, who is the manager, and his dedication to the guests whom he makes sure to touch base with daily. Our ranger Mike Moth was so knowledgeable and able to answer so many questions. In addition, on the evening game drive, he set up a little table in front of the jeep and served wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and a few snacks. What a way to enjoy the magnificent sunset. In addition, Goodness, our server at meals, was always so kind and even remembered what we liked to drink, and Simon, who was so helpful to my 81 year-old mother and walked us back to our lodge after dinner. If you want to go on Sarfari, this is the place! It was the experience of a life-time.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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Room Tip: Outstanding in every way!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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crazeefrog wrote a review Apr 2023
Erin, Canada226 contributions147 helpful votes
There are not enough words to describe the wonders of this place - it was truly perfection! We had 3 nights at the main camp and I think that was just about right. This gave us time to do 5 game drives, and boy did we see a lot of wildlife with our intrepid Ranger Erin. She educated us on everything we were seeing, and had a great knack for anticipating the animals’ behaviour so that we could witness some wonderful moments. We saw 4 out of the Big 5 on multiple occasions. We weren’t able to find a rhino, but not for lack of trying - lots of rhino tracks and rhino dung, but the rhinos themselves were elusive, which really highlighted the fact that these creatures are critically endangered and might not be around at all in the future. The lodge itself was utterly spectacular: our bed was comfy, the room was well-appointed, the decor was GORGEOUS, and the staff were great. Not to mention the amazing food served at every meal. I wouldn’t have changed a thing! Highly recommend this magical spot for the experience of a lifetime!
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Stuart W wrote a review Apr 2023
New York City, New York103 contributions80 helpful votes
An outstanding property and unparalleled experience. Accommodations are deluxe suites in your own private villa, with highest quality sheets, towels, indoor and outdoor private showers, and elephants, impala, and baboons in your back yard. The highlight each day are two game drives. We were face to face with lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, wild dogs, buffalo, wildebeest, and thousands of impala. Service is gracious. Make a request and the staff will endeavor to make it happen. Food is superb. You get lucky to and have a deluxe breakfast cooked over an open fire in the bush one day. And speaking of Lucky, he’s among the most experienced guides at the camp. His depth of knowledge is awesome, as is his unfailing good humor. Five stars (and look up the African sky at night —you’ll see 5 million).
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Watch for specials during shoulder season; you might get a fourth night free.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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ALSO KNOWN AS
mala mala main camp hotel mala mala private game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkSabi Sand Game ReserveMala Mala Private Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
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MALAMALA CAMP - Lodge Reviews (Mala Mala Private Game Reserve, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about MalaMala Camp
What are some of the property amenities at MalaMala Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at MalaMala Camp?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at MalaMala Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at MalaMala Camp?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at MalaMala Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does MalaMala Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, MalaMala Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is MalaMala Camp located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.07 km away from the centre of Mala Mala Private Game Reserve.