The Lie of the Land
MalaMala is situated in the eastern part of South Africa in the province of Mpumalanga. It shares a common border of 19km / 12 miles with the Kruger National Park and is part of a conservation gene pool that covers 5.5 million acres of land in the heart of the South African Lowveld.
This low lying region of flat bush country contains habitat types ranging from riverine thicket to open savannah.
Because of its latitude and elevation, malarial mosquitoes and tsetse flies kept man and his domesticated beasts at bay for centuries, allowing nature to flourish undisturbed.
Tsetse flies are no longer prevalent within this region and malarial prophylaxis has now opened this area up for man to enjoy.
Today this area is known to have the greatest diversification of animal species on the African continent.
Over two hundred different species occur in abundance whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds.
On Safari
Only guests accommodated at MalaMala may traverse this immense tract of privately owned game land.
Our photographic safaris are conducted in open 4-wheel drive vehicles which allows for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa's Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo.
After dark, spotlight safaris provide the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt and walking safaris with an armed ranger can be arranged on request.
The success of our safaris can be measured by the fact that more than 76% of our guests are members of our exclusive 'Big Five Club', which means that they have had contact sightings of the Big Five.
This phenomenal rate of viewing success is directly attributed to the fact that MalaMala comprises 33000 acres or 16000 hectares of pristine game viewing land, making it the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa, with human density and impact on the land being kept to an absolute minimum. Another reason is the unfenced border between MalaMala and the Kruger National Park, which allows herds of animals to migrate unhindered to the perennial Sand River which flows north to south through the MalaMala Game Reserve for 13 kilometres or 20 miles.
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History of MalaMala
In the early 1900's attempts were made to substitute Mala Mala's wildlife with cattle farming. A losing battle with lions and a constant struggle with wildlife, diseases and drought soon proved that it was not a viable option. When Wac Campbell bought MalaMala in 1929, he explained that his intention was "the strict preservation of game with the object of handing this on as a legacy to my youngsters when I get old".  
The site of Wac's first MalaMala camp was in the area where the Mlowathi stream flows into the Sand River. It was soon found that the rains made the river difficult to ford and in 1930 the camp was moved to its present site, on the near side of the river. The camp was used exclusively in winter as a base from which to hunt, but even then guests were treated like royalty and royalty, such as Princess Alice and her husband the Earl of Athlone, were often guests. When Urban Campbell took over the reins from his father in 1950, things started to change and by 1960 the camera replaced the gun. In 1964, MalaMala was purchased by the Rattray family who, by retaining the best of the past and adding the comforts and luxury of today, turned MalaMala into the top safari lodge of the world. |
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African Style
MalaMala is South Africa’s legendary and exclusive safari destination. Internationally acknowledged as “the top game viewing destination in the world”, it is set in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the Sand River.
The ochre coloured buildings are clustered amid shady trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The individually decorated, spacious and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching, enjoy spectacular views and are equipped with “his” and “hers” bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala retains an authentic camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which Mala Mala is world famous is obvious.
Dinner, where one may enjoy venison specialties and haute bush cuisine is served in the grand old African manner, under the stars in a reed enclosed boma, a MalaMala tradition for over 60 years. Seated around a log fire, under the starry African sky, enjoying superb food and outstanding South African wines is yet another highlight of the MalaMala experience.
The spacious, beautifully decorated Buffalo lounge displaying bronzes, works of art and animal trophies leads onto an expansive wooden deck which provides an elevated view of animals watering in the Sand River.
The luxury and comfort of the camp, combined with the exhilarating game drives and guided walks in beautiful unspoilt wilderness dramatised by the close encounters with Africa’s game, big and small, is incomparable
Sweet Dreams
The accommodation at MalaMala continues the African theme with spacious bungalows under thatch.
In accordance with our conservation policies, we cater for no more than fifty guests at a time. The twenty five luxury rooms consist of twin or double rooms, suites, family rooms, a disabled suite and one single room (until the 04 January 2005, from 05 January 2005 there will be 18 luxury thatched bedrooms).
Each of the air-conditioned rooms enjoys a spectacular view of the surrounding bush and are equipped with "His" and "Hers" en-suite bathrooms, insect proof screens and top quality large twin beds. Individually decorated, they feature sets of animal or bird prints, complementing the attention to detail for which MalaMala is world famous.
Children under 12, sharing with an adult, pay 50% of the quoted adult tariff (at MalaMala only). Please note, no children of 5 years and younger are permitted in the boma for dinner, or on game drives (unless parent's have sole use of a vehicle). A babysitting facility is available at a nominal fee.
Awards for MalaMala - 2004
- 7th "Best Hotel In The World" 2004.
Travel & Leisure Magazine, May 2004
- Top 700 places to stay - Conde Nast Traveler - January 2004
Awards for MalaMala - 2003
- Number 1 in "Africa and the Middle East" for "World’s Best Service" award for 2003.
Travel & Leisure Magazine, May 2003
- 3rd Best Hotel in the World for overall value for money.
Best value in Africa and the Middle East for over USD$400.00.
Travel and Leisure Magazine, March 2003
Awards for MalaMala - 2002
- Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East - Travel and Leisure Magazine, July 2002
Awards for MalaMala - 2001
- First in the category World's Best Service for Africa and the Middle East region.
Travel + Leisure Magazine, June 2001.
Awards for MalaMala - 2000
- 6th Best Small Hotel in the World - Travel & Leisure Magazine, September 2000
- 19th Best Hotel in the World - Travel & Leisure Magazine (September 2000)
- 2nd Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East
Travel & Leisure Magazine (September 2000)
Awards for MalaMala - 1999
- The Best African Resort - 1999 Readers Choice Awards - Conde Naste Traveler, Nov 1999
- Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East - Travel and Leisure Magazine, Sept 1999
- Best Small Hotel in the World - Travel and Leisure Magazine, Sept 1999
- Best Value for Money Destination in Africa and the Middle East - Travel and Leisure Magazine, March 1999
- Gold List Designation - Conde Naste Traveler, Jan 1999
Awards for MalaMala - 1998
- Top Hotel in Africa and the Middle East - Conde Nast Traveller, Jan 1998
- Second best value for money in the world - Travel and Leisure Magazine - February 1998
- Best Value for money in the world for properties over US$ 350 per night. - Travel and Leisure Magazine, Feb 1998
- Top Game Lodge in South Africa - Travel Trade Gazette Southern Africa, 1998
- Best Game Reserve - Out and About Magazine, August 1998
- Executive Lifestyle - Most outstanding Private Game Reserve - Professional Management Review Golden Arrow Awards, Sept 1998
- Best Small Hotel in the World - Travel and Leisure Magazine, Sept 1998
- Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East - Travel and Leisure Magazine, Sept 1998
Awards for MalaMala - 1997
- Best Hotel In The World
Travel & Leisure Magazine.
- Best Small Hotel in the World
- Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East - Travel And Leisure Magazine - September 1997
- World's Leading Safari and Game Reserve - June 1997 Travel Trade Gazette
- Top Resort In The World - Conde Nast Traveller
- Best Value for Money Hotel in the World over $350.00 per room per night - Travel & Leisure, January 1997.
- 1996 Eighth out of the Top Ten Best Small Hotels in the World - Travel & Leisure, October 1996.
- 1996 Top Hotel in Africa and the Middle East - Travel & Leisure, October 1996.
- 1993 The State Presidents Award for eco-tourism, the "Order of Meritorious Service Award" - Gold, awarded to Michael Rattray.
- 1989 One of the top 37 hotels in the World - Edward Carters, Letters from Abroad.
- 1984 Top Safari Lodge of the World - The Hideaway Report.
- 1983 Ossie Doyer Trophy for "Conservationist of the Year" awarded to Michael Rattray, Managing Director of MalaMala Game Reserve.
