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MALAMALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

MalaMala comprises over 45,000 acres of prime habitat within the world famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, on the western border of the great Kruger National Park. The Kruger Park (a 5.5 million acre sanctuary for wildlife bigger than Wales or Massachusetts) is widely regarded as Africa's premier game reserve, and animals move back and forth between Kruger and the Sabi Sand Reserve, unhindered by fences. The Sabi Sand Reserve is one of the most game-rich areas within Kruger, and is home to Africa's greatest diversity of animals.

Game-drive safaris at MalaMala are conducted in specially adapted open Landrovers carrying a maximum of seven guests, with professional game rangers and trackers to help find animals, and then provide interesting background information and facts about Africa's spectacular wildlife. MalaMala also offers night drives with spot lamps to view nocturnal species. Walking safaris with your game ranger and tracker provide even deeper and more 'hands-on' insight into the many intricate eco-systems of the African bush.

MalaMala is famous throughout Africa for the extremely high standard of its game rangers, all of whom are university graduates with degrees in the natural sciences. All game rangers and trackers are carefully chosen for their knowledge and experience of the bush, and receive extensive training to ensure that your encounters with the African wilderness are exciting, informative, and safe.

The flagship camp on the reserve is Main Camp. The ochre colored buildings are clustered amid shady trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The rooms are spacious bungalows under thatch, each enjoying a wonderful view and equipped with 'his' and 'hers' bathrooms, air-conditioning, insect proof screens, telephone, mini-bar, and mini safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala retains a camp atmosphere. Dinner is served in a traditional reed-enclosed boma, a MalaMala tradition for over 60 years.

One of our favourite lodges at MalaMala is Kirkman's Camp. Accommodation at Kirkman's is in 18 cosy cottages. Each air-conditioned cottage features an en-suite bathroom with ball and claw baths and its own private verandah, and is furnished in the same colonial style as the main house (which was the former home of famous Kruger Park game ranger and personal friend of James Stevenson-Hamilton, Harry Kirkman). The Camp is located on one of the most elevated sites overlooking the Sand River, and has spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness as far as the eye can see.

Harry's Camp is the smallest and most intimate camp on the MalaMala Reserve, with only 12 rooms. Like the other two camps, it features all the amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathroom facilities, walk-in closets, and a host of others to provide all the comforts one might expect from one of Africa's leading safari lodges. Harry's Camp has been colorfully decorated according to an Ndebele theme.

MalaMala is world-famous for the quality of its game-viewing, and some 76% of visitors to MalaMala have contact sightings of all five of Africa's 'big five' (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) during their stay. In recognition of its fantastic service and amazing game-viewing, MalaMala has received numerous international awards, including Best Hotel in the World (Travel and Leisure 1997), Best Small Hotel in the World (Travel and Leisure 1997, 1998, & 1999), Best Value for Money in the World (Travel and Leisure 1997 & 1998), and best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East (Conde Naste Traveler, and Travel and Leisure 1997, 1998, &1999).

Ecotourism Angle

MalaMala was one of Southern Africa's first significant private game reserves, and has developed a world-wide reputation for its impressive nature conservation efforts and successes. Michael Rattray, the Managing Director of the MalaMala Game Reserve, has twice been the recipient of the coveted Ossie Doyer Trophy for 'The Conservationist of the Year'. He is also the only person in South Africa to have received the State President's Award for eco-tourism, and is the longest serving curator of the National Parks Board of South Africa.

To find out more about MalaMala Private Game Reserve, or to make a reservation, call on 27-11-463-7889 or email us.

LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Kruger National Park