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Stefan Randholm
ES
Visited:
November 2008
Reviewed: May 7, 2012
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sheer luxury, straight Out of Africa.
We arrived at Mala Mala by Land Rover through the bush and left by airplane from the local airstrip, which is an interesting experience in itself. Once you arrive at the lodge, you feel like you're about to bump into Meryl Streep or Robert Redford right around the corner, or sipping a drink in the confortable bar. The accomodation is first class, with the possibility of having breakfast and dinner at your porch, watching herds of animals roam by just a stone's throw from where you're enjoying your wine.
Matt D.
GB
Visited:
April 2009
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2012
Email Matt D. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Wildlife, The Luxury, What More Can One Want?
Mala Mala is a game reserve located on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park, and the wildlife is able to travel freely between the two. When one travels to Mala Mala, a stay pretty much guarantees a Big 5 viewing, and lucky there is lots of game to view. The guides are extremely knowledgable, and the whole experience is incredible. The only downside to Mala Mala is that it isn't a place for anyone who is looking for a true bush experience, because it is so luxury. The food is amazing, and eating outside in a true-African boma is a great experience. Truly a treat for anyone looking for a luxury bush experience.
greenluvrks7
Visited:
July 2012
Reviewed: Oct 24, 2012
Once in a Lifetime
I think this is the best trip I've had because I got experience things I had never seen before. Besides, how many people do you think have been on an African safari? Not many, I can tell you that. Basically, what happens is that your ranger does everything for you. He is your waiter, driver, bar tender, etc. You are always in good hands and I highly recommend going to Mala Mala. Here is an awesome video if you want to learn more about the lions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1AqV-lwSfA
Sue
Visited:
May 2014
Reviewed: Apr 20, 2015
I liked Mala Mala a little bit better because it was easier to find and see more animals in a game ride.
Massai_1 (Carsten M.)
Visited:
November 2014
Reviewed: May 25, 2015
Great game viewing (the didn't even had to use a tracker), great accomodation.
Patrick
US
Visited:
March 2026
Reviewed: Apr 3, 2026
Email Patrick | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond Expectations……..By a Lot
We arrved at the end of the wet season, late March, experienced no rain. While the reserve was very lush with greenery, animal sightings started as soon as we left Skukuza airport. And got better at every turn. MalaMala Reserve deserves all the hype. Saw at least 9 different leopards on multiple occasions. Lions, leopards, and all what became the usual, giraffes, elephants, wildebeasts, cape buffalo, white rhinos, impalas, waterbuck, nyala, so many birds I cannot recall. We saw wild dogs on the hun after impalas. The same dogs has chased two young leopards up a tree. Even a honeybadger. Hyenas. Guide Nic was spectacular. Meals and lodging first rate, staff was excellent. Four days that I could have never even imagined, happened to us. This was our first safari experience and we will return. The whole experience was first rate.
Carl (AKA TwinMountain)
US
Visited:
May 2009
Reviewed: Apr 8, 2012
50-65 years of age
It's only by comparison to Mala Mala that I would rate the other game reserves I visited less than five stars across the board. I would guess that Mala Mala is the ultimate in luxurious, African Bush safaris. Not only are the accommodations luxurious and the meals terrific but Mala Mala has no fences. It's HUGE expanse of property runs right into Kruger park and other unfenced game preserves so the wildlife moves freely and you never know what you'll see on any given day. I spent three days at Mala Mala, I hated to leave and I wish I could be there right now.
Hennie van Heerden (wildlife photographer)
Visited:
November 2010
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2012
The ultimate safari experience in South Africa
4 times I've been to Mala Mala (stayed in 3 of their 4 camps) and I've yet to find a flaw. The camps are luxurious to extremely luxurious; the food and wines are excellent. Rooms (and in Rattrays 'khayas', bungalows) are outstanding.
The wildlife viewing is among the best in Africa, the rangers are knowledgeable and pleasant company. Best thing is that they wear ear-pieces so no crackling radios while watching wildlife.
But the best about Mala Mala Game Reserve is that the wildlife comes first, always. The game viewing is done with ultimate respect for the animals' wellbeing.
Markle1
GB
Visited:
September 2008
Reviewed: Jun 17, 2012
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very Special Experience
This was my first Safari experience and a colleague recommended that I should go to Mala Mala and it didn't disappoint. The excellent, knowledgeable guides and spotters, great wildlife viewing opportunities at the end of winter (September, dry season) fantastic accommodation and the fact that you could fly directly there from Johannesburg all were big positive points.
Ken A.
Visited:
August 2012
Reviewed: Dec 17, 2012
Spectacular Game Viewing and Experience
Not enough superlatives to describe the experience. The wildlife was varied, active and spectacular. Great viewing of many types of animals (lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos, rhino, giraffes, etc.) but the stars were the many leopards. Having stayed at the Rattrays lodge, there were only 4 guest per vehicle. Never more than 2 vehicles at a sighting. Impossible to imagine a more knowledgeable or friendly guide and of great assistance in positioning me to get the best photographic lighting. Service could not have been more attentive. Accommodations were world class. Food was quite good, with dinners eaten outdoors in a communal setting. A special experience.