MalaMala Camp

In the heart of South Africa’s foremost game reserve region, overlooking the Mlowathi River, MalaMala offers a safari experience that's both authentic and accessible. While it may lack the polished luxury of some neighbouring lodges, this camp more than makes up for it with its rustic charm, rich history, prime location, and commitment to community.


The camp comprises two distinct areas, the Main Camp and Sable Camp, though they function seamlessly as one. The Main Camp is expansive, featuring 19 one- and two-bedroom suites, most overlooking the river, while some face a waterhole, offering different but equally captivating views. Meanwhile, Sable Camp, with its seven suites, shares many similarities with the Main Camp. The African-inspired interiors are spacious and comfortable, housed in large, thatched round huts reminiscent of the camp's original design but thoroughly modernized with large beds, walk-in showers, well-stocked mini-bars, and plenty of charging points.

MalaMala's communal spaces are where its character truly shines. The old-world bar, adorned with historic photos and a charmingly analogue game sightings chalkboard, invites guests to step back in time. The expansive decks and lounges provide perfect vantage points for wildlife watching and relaxation. Though Sable Camp has its own entrance and common areas (including a restaurant, bar, lounge, deck, and pool), guests can freely use the main camp’s amenities, although the reverse does not apply. Notably, Sable Camp has a 12-year age limit, ensuring a more serene environment.

Since 2013, the camp has been owned by the Nwandlamhari community, with tourism income directly supporting local projects. This unique arrangement not only provides an enriching cultural dimension to your stay but also allows for a more affordable private reserve experience compared to ultra-luxury alternatives.

The MalaMala Game Reserve is vast—by far the largest private game reserve in the area—and offers spectacular, varied scenery with dramatic rocky outcrops, dense bush, open plains, and rivers, some running, some dry. Wildlife sightings are plentiful, with elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and various antelope species roaming freely across the unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. Big cats, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, are frequently seen, adding excitement to both day and night drives. The game drives at MalaMala differ slightly from neighbouring reserves in that a single guide both tracks and drives, unlike the typical setup with two guides per vehicle.

In conclusion, MalaMala offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a private game reserve in one of Africa’s most premier locations, at a more accessible price point than the ultra-luxury lodges in the vicinity. Its community ownership and conservation efforts further enhance the experience, making it not only a great safari destination but also a socially responsible choice.