The Camp

Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Number of Tents: 19

Important Note: While MalaMala Main Camp is Distinctive in style and amenities, its slightly larger size and great value is more like that of a Traditional camp.

MalaMala Main Camp accommodates guests in 19 rooms and suites. Constructed in a traditional thatch bungalow style, they provide a comfortable respite from the excitement of each day’s events in the bush. All have en suite facilities, individual temperature control and direct-dial telephones. The common areas include a traditional boma-style dining are area and an air-conditioned library with satellite television, Internet connectivity and DVD player. Massage service is available upon request, and the restaurant has a fully stocked wine cellar that features some of South Africa’s finest wines. Main Camp was designed to allow guests to enjoy its spectacular setting from every vantage point. Rolling green lawns studded with huge, bird-filled trees lead toward the Sand River, where antelope and elephants feast on succulent greenery. Guests can enjoy these magnificent views while cooling off in the large infinity pool or while relaxing on the deck in the shade of a jackalberry tree.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with shower (suites have tub and shower)
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion
• Hair dryer
• Air conditioning
• Room fan
• Mini bar
• Tea/coffee in room
• 220v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• Central pool
• Massage treatments (extra cost)
• Fitness center
• Wi-Fi available
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express)

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

MalaMala Game Reserve is justifiably renowned among safari aficionados for its abundant wildlife, stunning scenic beauty and diversity of habitats. The Big Five—lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant and black rhinoceros—are nearly guaranteed here, where the Sand River winds its way through the old-growth riverine forests, providing animals with a plentiful supply of water year round, but especially during the dry winter months. The reserve is particularly renowned for the quality of its leopard viewing. According to the reserve’s painstakingly recorded wildlife viewing statistics, 99% of guests who spend two nights at MalaMala experience more than one leopard sighting a day. Twice-daily nature drives and night drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles within the 40,000-acre private reserve. Guests can also explore the area on guided nature walks in the company of a highly knowledgeable naturalist guide, seeking out the more than 200 species of animals that thrive here.

The Sabi Sand is known for great leopard viewing, healthy rhino populations and the rest of the Big Five, making it a great wildlife destination for all levels of safari experience. The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced here. Other typical sightings may include warthogs, baboons and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on weather and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

MalaMala was the first privately owned nature reserve in South Africa to pursue sustainable tourism as an alternative to hunting as a land-use practice. The reserve employs cutting-edge ecological management policies with input and assistance from top scientists in the field. These policies include a low guest-to-land ratio, which minimizes negative impacts on wildlife and the environment, as well as cutting-edge wastewater, soil erosion, invasive species eradication, mosquito control and fire management programs. On the social side, MalaMala has designed and implemented policies that benefit and empower local communities. For example, MalaMala actively sources goods and services locally and gives preference in hiring to community members. In addition, MalaMala supports the Pfunenani Trust, an initiative that provides development assistance to local communities. MalaMala also actively supports governmental and private initiatives that provide HIV-infected staff and their families with ARV drugs and vitamin replacement therapies.

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