MalaMala Private Game Reserve

♥ MalaMala Game Reserve is the first commercial private game reserve in South Africa and is the model on which all other private game reserves now operate.
♥ A map of the reserve demonstrates the significance of MalaMala’s location in relationship to the Kruger National Park. The unfenced eastern boundary with the Kruger National Park allows wildlife to move freely onto MalaMala and many of the territorial animals such as leopard, lion and rhino will have a territory overlapping a portion of both reserves.
♥ MalaMala’s river frontage running north to south is the lifeblood of the reserve, especially in the dry winter months. It is also an important boundary between the areas of human habitation on the western bank of the river and the pristine wilderness area of MalaMala on the eastern side between the river and the Kruger National Park.
♥ When animals move it is often due to water. Wildlife moves from the 4 million acres east of the Sand River, through MalaMala to the river and back again resulting in two way traffic across the reserve where we conduct our safaris.
♥ The land of the Eastern side of the game reserve has no access roads, electricity pylons, telephone poles and cables etc. There is no human habitation between the Sand River and the Kruger National park boundary so for approximately 16 hours a day, this area is left to the wildlife.
♥ MalaMala is the oldest and largest private game reserve in the area. Due to the superior environmental policies of MalaMala over a long period of time, the land has remained fairly undisturbed resulting in prolific abundance of tertiary grasses. This attracts the herbivores which in turn attracts the predators.
♥ When grass and ground is disturbed the resultant grass species to first grow up are known as pioneering species. Due to these grasses having to grow in tough areas they tend to be bitter to taste and not very palatable. If left undisturbed several grass species will grow in that area until the tertiary species finally grow through. Animals enjoy this sweet grass the best and will therefore stay in an area which has the most tertiary species of grasses.
♥ There is no time limit on sightings which is an ideal scenario for photographers – no ‘queue to view’ as this enormous tract of land has a low density of vehicles traversing the area.

Summer itinerary (September to May)

05h30:  Wake up call by your ranger heralds the dawn.

06h00: Meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available. The early morning game drive follows.

09h30: Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you in the air- conditioned dining room or on the expansive safari deck. For the more energetic, join the bush walk after breakfast. Alternatively relax around the pool, browse through the safari boutique, work out in the small gym or perhaps take a siesta to make up for that early morning wake-up call. Feel free to explore the camp but please do not walk beyond the camp perimeters unless accompanied by a ranger.

13h30: A buffet lunch is served though some prefer to sleep through after their later breakfast.

16h00: Meet on the expansive safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack before departing on another unforgettable safari.A cooler box with the veritable sundowners are carried on the landrover and a consensus amongst your fellow safari-ites will determine whether the G & T is worth more than the leopard sighting!As darkness approaches, your ranger will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight and will point out the elusive nocturnal wildlife - a highlight of the day's safari. As darkness settles over the bush, look out for the Milky Way and try to find the Southern Cross.

20h00: Return to camp allowing time for you to freshen up before meeting your friends and rangers for pre-dinner drinks in the cosy Safari Bar.

21h00: Dinner is served in the reed enclosed "boma" under an ancient Jackalberry tree. Alternatively, when the weather is suitable, a candlelit dinner is served on the safari deck overlooking the Sand River. While seated around a log fire under the starry African sky, enjoy the superb food and excellent wines - yet another highlight of the MalaMala experience.

Winter itinerary (June to August)

06h30: Wake up call by your ranger heralds the dawn.

07h00: Meet your ranger and safari companions for an early breakfast. The morning game drive follows.

11h00: Return to camp. You are now able to relax around the pool, work out in the gym, browse through the safari boutique or perhaps take a siesta to make up for the early morning wake-up call.Feel free to explore the camp but please do not walk beyond the camp perimeters unless accompanied by a ranger. For the more energetic, join the bush walk before lunch.

13h00: A buffet lunch is served though some may prefer to sleep through.

15h00: Meet on the expansive safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack  before departing on another unforgettable safari.A cooler box with the veritable sundowners are carried on the landrover and a consensus amongst your fellow safari-ites will determine whether the G & T is worth more than the leopard sighting! An African sunset is a memorable and often emotional sight.As darkness approaches, your ranger will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight and will point out the elusive nocturnal wildlife - a highlight of the day’s safari. As darkness settles over the bush, look out for the Milky Way - a truly spectacular sight – or try to find the Southern Cross.

19h00: Return to camp allowing time for you to freshen up before meeting your friends and rangers for pre-dinner drinks in the cosy Safari Bar and a delicious dinner in the reed enclosed "boma" under an ancient Jackalberry tree. While seated around a log fire under the starry African sky, enjoy the superb food and excellent wines - yet another highlight of the MalaMala experience. Alternatively, when the weather is suitable, a candlelit dinner is served on the safari deck overlooking the Sand River.