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MalaMala Rattray's Camp

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About

#3 of 5 lodges in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
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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
Airport transportation
Gift shop
Butler service
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Laundry service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Great View
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans

Location

Unnamed Road, Kruger National Park 1353 South Africa
MalaMala Rattray's Camp
244Reviews5Q+A73Room tips
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kenneth y wrote a review Yesterday
New York City, New York13 contributions27 helpful votes
Amazing in every respect. The lodge and rooms have been recently renovated and are spectacular. The food delicious, the guides knowledgeable, the staff beyond accommodating, and the scenery and overall experience will leave you in awe of nature. Yes, it’s expensive, but you get what you pay for and this is worth every penny. Thank you Mala Mala!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
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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Hilda P wrote a review Jan 2024
Northbrook, Illinois30 contributions19 helpful votes
This is a very special place. The grounds and accommodations are gorgeous - true luxury in the heart of wilderness. We loved the food and the service, both of which were top notch. They went to great lengths to accommodate our son's gluten-free diet. Game drives with Gareth were amazing. We set out by 5:30 am each morning for 3-4 hours and again in the afternoon from 4:00 - 7:30 pm. Each time, we had incredible animal sightings, including a wild dog chase through the bush, lionesses feasting on an impala, elephants, zebras, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, monkeys, and so much more. Gareth is a very experienced game tracker and knowledgeable about seemingly every aspect of the flora and fauna we encountered over 3 days. Rebecca, Mery and the rest of the staff were warm and welcoming, greeting us with wet washcloths and refreshments upon our return from drives and assisting with any and all requests. We hope to return one day!
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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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peter k wrote a review Dec 2023
Cleveland, Ohio6 contributions
My stay was even more incredible than I thought it would be. The staff is very friendly, professional, and beyond accommodating. They would anticipate your every need. The bungalows are spacious, quiet, and beautiful (refurbished recently). The food was fantastic, varied and plentiful. The safaris were beyond my expectations. We viewed a large variety of animals and birds. Our ranger, Gareth, was skilled at tracking the animals, and was so knowledgeable, making every trip intriguing. All the rangers, employees and guests were mindful and respectful of the animals. This was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, but I can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: November 2023
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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.
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Craig I wrote a review Jul 2023
San Antonio, Texas12 contributions4 helpful votes
+1
We just were at Rattray’s at Mala Mal for our third time and it was the best of the 3. They just remodeled the main building, and the houses there and it looks great. The food is wonderful as is the service. Rebecca their manager is an intelligent hands on host who with her staff as her team welcomed us with warmth and courtesy. The game drives and guides are great and we saw the big five our first day. The scenery is great and the cat sightings of leopard and lions with their cubs were many. If you are planning your first African safari or haven’t been you must go. It is a relaxing and adventurous place you won’t want to miss!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Go in June thru August when it’s chilly in the am and warm in the afternoon. It’s a private...
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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.
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carefree Traveler wrote a review Jan 2023
Carefree, Arizona79 contributions48 helpful votes
Been to lots of Safari camps but had to return for the variety of terrain in MalaMala reserve. You can see your favorite animals in rivers, wooded areas, thick brush and up on rocks. The rooms at Rattray are the biggest we have stayed after 10 years of safaris. They tell me the rooms and lodge are getting a makeover but was fine for us. Still amazed how the reserve still has an abundant amount of Leopards. Easy to get there with their own airstrip and direct flights from Johannesburg.
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Date of stay: December 2022
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Room Tip: some rooms can be a long walk from the lodge
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SEADAZE2015 wrote a review Nov 2022
Germantown, Maryland15 contributions8 helpful votes
The Rattray's camp was our 5th and last safari camp of our tour of Africa. The lodging and food were stellar. I appreciated all of the little touches, like some jelly beans in our room if I wanted something to munch on. The dining room food was delicious--very accommodating of my vegetable forward diet preferences--and the service was exemplary. The laundry service was same day and well done. Victoria was a wonderful game drive guide. It was clear that her purpose was to make sure we saw and experienced the Africa we came to see and we learned a lot from her as well. We came across zebras, gazelles, and giraffes running across a field at top speed and really enjoyed watching Victoria head into the bush to find out why they were running. Turns out there was a leopard on a large rock and when we went around to the other side there were 2 lionesses and 2 cubs who were very interested in the leopard. I really appreciated her explanation of what she was looking and listening for. We plan to return to Africa in 2024 and I am sure Rattray's will be on our itinerary.
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Date of stay: September 2022
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Room Tip: Don't forget to ask for Victoria to be your guide.
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Susan A wrote a review Oct 2022
Toms River, New Jersey18 contributions4 helpful votes
This game reserve is top of the line. So beautiful and well appointed. The staff was wonderful. The food was beyond delicious. Their chef is incredibly talented. I can't imagine a guide being better than David (although all the guides seem terrific). He was truly passionate about what he was doing, a real enthusiast. There's nothing better than to spend time with someone so enthusiastic about what they're doing. It was a true adventure everyday. Just when I thought we'd seen it all the next drive would be even more exciting and different. We saw many leopards, lions, painted wolves in their natural environment. A leopard being chased up the tree by a lioness! painted wolves sharing a kill! A mother and son leopard out hunting! So exciting. Not to mention the elephants, cape buffalo, giraffes and monkeys. The rooms were luxurious. So large and comfortable. 2 bathrooms! and a beautiful deck and plunge pool. There were not many guests so it was very quiet. Maybe it's off season. I would have liked more of a chance to socialize with the other guests but it really doesn't seem to be encouraged which is kind of strange. But after all you are there for the game drives I guess. So you get up at 5am and are off by 5:30 am, back 9-9:30 for breakfast. You have the day to yourself. We had massages one day that were wonderful. Then you meet again at 4pm for a lemonade or iced tea and are off again at 4:30 til after dark. Sundowners on the drive!!! I think if would be nice to have a cocktail hour after the drive and before dinner to talk to other guests. One night we were chatting in the bar with the other guests but after a short time is was clear we were expected to go to our tables for dinner. So their schedule is pretty tight. But all in all it was a 5 star experience.
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Date of stay: October 2022
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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.
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j mcdan wrote a review Oct 2022
Seattle, Washington5 contributions1 helpful vote
The accommodations were excellent and beyond what we anticipated. We had a "home" to ourselves. The MalaMala team made us feel like family and we enjoyed every moment at their safari camp! We were assigned the same Ranger, Peter, for the entire week and we shared the jeep with one other couple during our safari game drives- this was the perfect size group. Their jeeps can only seat a maximum of 6 people, so you can always have a small intimate group. The jeeps are open air with tiered style seating, so our views were never restricted. This was our first safari and it was an unbelievable experience! The MalaMala Rattray's safari camp rangers pride themselves on using their knowledge of the animal's behaviors to truly tracking the location of the game. Ranger Peter listened to the sounds of the animals and looked at the patterns of their tracks to locate the game. They do not "bait" or interfere with the animals. They allow their natural behaviors to guide them along with communicating with other MalaMala rangers via radio to track the animal's locations. This allowed us to really observe the animals and to allow our Ranger the freedom to locate them, even if that meant venturing off of the normal paths created for driving. This was a true adventure and we enjoyed every moment!
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Date of stay: September 2022
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Room Tip: Every room is excellent! They all have a view of the river
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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.
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Leigh L wrote a review Sept 2022
Argyle, Texas19 contributions8 helpful votes
This was the 3rd time my son and I have been to Mala Mala and loved every minute! Previously have stayed at Sable, but since that was full, booked Rattrays'Camp and were not disappointed! We had tried for 5 nights but could only get 4. The cottage was like a small southern mansion, beautiful, comfortable and had 2 bathrooms! The location was perfect and the sightings were plentiful only minutes away! Only 2 other guests in the Truck and your own guide who was amazing!. This is a private reserve and baboons and various other animals were on the property as well. They take care of any laundry same day. My only regret is that time went by too fast! I strongly recommend no less than 4 nights here. The airfield is only minutes away and you quickly become friends with all the employees who are awesome!
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Date of stay: August 2022
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Room Tip: There are 8 cottages and all are great
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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.
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washington_wahine wrote a review Sept 2022
Seattle, Washington2804 contributions626 helpful votes
+1
This is a difficult review to write. It was our first stay at Rattray's though our fourth trip to Mala Mala (previous stays at Main and Sable). Perhaps our expectations of Rattray's were too high, as it has been highly praised by our booking agent as well as staff and previous guests. Plainly speaking, it was at the same level as both other camps at Mala Mala, as far as service, food, and guiding. In some ways I prefer the decor at Main and Sable over Rattray's, which is a bit plantation without the updated touches of the latter camps. Our guide, while knowledgeable and pleasant, was from Main camp and had been at Mala Mala for a short time - we missed the extensive experience from some of our previous guides who are no longer at camp. Still, a game drive at Mala Mala remains more productive than most drives elsewhere. The wildlife was a bit less prevalent than previous, due to the natural competition between the incoming Zenga males which have taken out most of the younger Kambula generation. It was the first trip in which we have not seen the wild dogs either, again due to attrition of the pack. Leopard remain plentiful, and a few rhino are still around - the dehorning seems to have decreased the poaching. Plenty of ellies, ungulates, birds, buffalo and hippo. Bottom line - a day at Mala Mala is still better than a day almost anywhere.
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Date of stay: September 2022
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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.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
mala mala rattray`s camp hotel mala mala private game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkSabi Sand Game ReserveMala Mala Private Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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MALAMALA RATTRAY'S CAMP - Updated 2024 Lodge Reviews (Mala Mala Private Game Reserve, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about MalaMala Rattray's Camp
What are some of the property amenities at MalaMala Rattray's Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at MalaMala Rattray's Camp?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at MalaMala Rattray's Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at MalaMala Rattray's Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at MalaMala Rattray's Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does MalaMala Rattray's Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, MalaMala Rattray's Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does MalaMala Rattray's Camp have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.