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artist13
US
Visited:
January 2013
Reviewed: Mar 16, 2013
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Visiting Mala Mala Game Reserve was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Everything about our safari was perfectly arranged. Our lodging and food was excellent. Our guide was an expert and was able to find wildlife, such as lion prides, hidden in the bush. Everywhere we drove there were amazing animals. We quickly saw the Big Five. Mala Mala is a huge game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, and we had the place to ourselves with the animals and only the other Mala Mala guests.
Mala Mala has a wide range of scenery, from its river valley to rocky outcrops.
We did go in the rainy season, so we did have some rain every day. I definitely hope to return some day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emiel de Lange
NL
Visited:
April 2010
Reviewed: Apr 5, 2012
Email Emiel de Lange | under20 years of age
A Luxurious Bush Hotel
Yes, the rooms are luxurious and contain everything you could need, but there are other lodges that just add that touch of style which give them an edge in the luxury department. More specifically, the rooms felt like a 5-star hotel rather than a bush lodge - there was little viewing to be done from the room which was in near proximity to other rooms and therefore wasnt as open as it could have been. The view from the balcony was less than spectacular, rather dull even, but the occasional animal did walk by. In short - very comfortable, but didnt integrate you into the bush, or even really 'Africa'.
The communal areas were much more succesful in this regard, tastefully decorated, also with large trophies and plenty of space. Eating is done on a large deck with a great view over the river Sands, where
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the occasional elephant of hippo walks. There were many stories of animals coming into the lodge, but I didnt witness any of this. Further, there is a large and beautiful pool, as well as gym and entertainment room for kids with DVDs. The food was fantastic.All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. No complaints here. Especially the guides are extremely knowledgeable and willing to adjust to your wishes. They also eat every meal with you, providing great conversation.
The wildlife is what Mala Mala is famous for and there is no shortage of it. Within my first hour I had seen 2 cheetahs, a leopard and an attempted lion kill. We visited these animals repeatedly, and saw some more great interactions. The one thing I will add is that they are a little obsessed with the 'big five' and even provide a certificate at the end. Although the wildlife is great, and the game drives are lovely, the lodge lacks anything to really get you into the bush; the walk was 20min long and followed a road with the car trailing us, ready to pick us up. Further Ive heard some negative things about their conservation record, perhaps unfounded, but now with the fence to Kruger removed this should be fine.
In summary, a very comfortable and luxurious experience. You will see a lot of spectacular wildlife. Perfect if you want to visit Africa for a short time in comfort and tick your animal checklist. If you really want to explore Africa and experience the bush - go elsewhere.
Emiel de Lange
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.
Fran Tompkins
Visited:
May 2015
Reviewed: May 29, 2015
Bush Paradise
We have just returned from our third visit to Mala Mala & as usual, cannot speak highly enough of of our experience. Special mention must be made of Leon, ranger Adi ( previous Rangers Jonno & Paul) & indeed the entire staff who were courteous & friendly. The accommodation is clean, comfortable & attractive, the food is good & lots of it! Only wish was that the orange juice could be freshly squeezed & alcoholic drinks could be complimentary till say 8 pm!!
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.
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.