The Camp

Location: Sabi Sand, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Number of Tents: 8

At Rattray’s on MalaMala, eight luxury “khayas” (Zulu for “home”) accommodate up to 16 guests. Each suite is resplendent with classic furnishings featuring leather, rattan, silver and oriental rugs, individual verandas overlooking the river, and a private heated plunge pool. Lavish his-and-hers bathrooms in each suite have claw-footed tubs, indoor and outdoor showers and radiant floor heating. Amenities include direct-dial telephones, hairdryers, mini bar, mini safe, optional satellite TV, DVD player and laptop with wireless Internet access. Common areas include a library with antique African books, an air-conditioned dining room and a convivial bar featuring photographs of the area’s early pioneers. Acclaimed cuisine is also served on the spacious wooden deck, which offers a superb wildlife-viewing experience in itself. A fully stocked wine cellar houses a selection of outstanding South African wines. Swim in the large infinity pool with views across the river, or stay in shape in the small gym, which includes a steam room.

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Facilities & Amenities

• Two en suite bathrooms with tub and indoor/outdoor showers
• Shampoo, soap and lotion
• Hair dryer
• Air conditioning
• Room fan
• Mini bar
• Tea/coffee in room
• Satellite television/ DVD
• 220v charging outlets in room
• Wi-Fi available
• In-room safe
• Private plunge pool
• Central pool
• Massage treatments (extra cost)
• Fitness center
• Laundry included
• Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express)

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

MalaMala Game Reserve is justifiably renowned among safari aficionados worldwide for its abundant wildlife, 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 old-growth riverine forests, providing animals with a plentiful water supply year-round, but especially during the dry winter months. The reserve is particularly famed 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 4x4 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 to seek views of 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 state-of-the-art ecological management policies with input and assistance from top conservation 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 and their members. For example, MalaMala actively sources goods and services from local communities and gives preferences in hiring to local 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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