Mala Mala

Wildlife

While Mala Mala has three comfortable camps, what it's really known for is phenomenal game viewing.

In 15 years of recorded statistics, lion have been seen on 96.72% of the days, buffalo on 96%, elephant 99.38%, leopard 96.77% and rhino 99.65% - so this is one reserve where we can say with confidence that anyone who spends a few days at Mala Mala is virtually guaranteed of seeing Africa's Big 5.

It's not just the big game though, this low-lying region of flat bush country contains habitat types ranging from riverine thicket to open savannah, which is home to all kinds of smaller mammal species, whilst the ever-changing birdlife provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds.

International and local photojournalists and film makers (including National Geographic) have chosen Mala Mala as a prime destination to capture wildlife footage, and many of these documentaries have won international accolades.

Activities

Mala Mala Private Reserve comprises 13 300 ha, which is exclusive to its guests.

Game drives tend to be longer than in other private reserves, and are conducted on open safari vehicles: Mala Mala Main Camp and Sable Camp only accommodate 6 guests per vehicle whilst Rattray's on MalaMala limits the number of guests to 4 per vehicle.

Rangers are in constant radio communication via discrete headsets and microphones, keeping each other informed on the location of the game and increasing their guests' changes of good sightings. Being a private reserve, vehicles are also able to leave the road, providing close up game viewing and fantastic photo opportunities.

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 People at Mala Mala

Michael Rattray the Managing Director of the Mala Mala Game Reserve, has ensured excellent environmental management of the area for the past 50 years.

Mr Rattray has received a host of eco-awards, and is the only person in South Africa to have received the State President's Award for eco-tourism. He was also the longest serving curator of the National Parks Board of South Africa, having been endorsed for such position by three different presidents of South Africa, the last being President Nelson Mandela.

Mala Mala's highly qualified, formally trained guides are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of ecology, and most have a university degree in the sciences. They are assisted by Shangaan trackers who accompany the game drives. The trackers are equipped with an intimate bush knowledge and instinct, which will give guests a fascinating insight into the African bush.

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