Mala Mala Game Reserve
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Mala Mala Game Reserve is the oldest private game reserve and photographic safari operation in South Africa and its name and reputation are world renowned. Michael Rattray, the founder and owner of Mala Mala, pioneered the concept of photographic safaris in Southern Africa. After inheriting the Mala Mala property from his father, Michael Rattray proceeded to purchase other properties surrounding his. The main focus was then shifted from hunting to that of viewing and photographing the local fauna and flora. Today more than 40 years later Mala Mala is heralded as a great conservation story.
Mala Mala is perfectly positioned between the legendary Kruger National Park (KNP) and the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The reserve is 13 500 hectares in size and shares a border with the KNP stretching over 19 kilometres. In 1993 the fences between the two reserves were pulled down allowing for the free movement of game for the first time in many decades. The topography of the reserve is spectacular and is made up of a stunning combination of rocky outcrops, open savannah, riverine thickets, mixed woodland and tributary systems. All of this contributes to the healthy and productive ecosystems and subsequent bio-diversity in the area but it is the Sand River which is the lifeblood of the reserve. With more than 15 kilometres of river frontage Mala Mala Game Reserve is a natural oasis for the local wildlife particularly in the winter seasons when conditions get rather dry.
There are few places on the African continent which can rival the game viewing available here and visitors have great chances of seeing the big five, including large numbers of elephant and massive herds of buffalo. The reserve is particularly well known for its big cats with leopard viewing being arguably some of the best in the world. Apart from the big five, large numbers of general game can be seen as well as cheetah, wild dog, hippopotamus and over 300 species of birds.
The main activities include game drives and walks. Both are led by knowledgeable and interesting guides who do well to traverse the large reserve whilst explaining the intricacies of the local fauna and flora. One of the advantages of visiting Mala Mala is that all forms of development (air strip, camps etc) have remained on the western bank of the Sand River which makes up only a small percentage of the game reserve and has resulted in limited human impact. This leaves the majority of the reserve completely wild and untouched allowing for a truly authentic and unforgettable wilderness experience.
Mala Mala lodges and camps: