MalaMala Magic: Our Site Inspection Experience

MalaMala Game Reserve is renowned for its expansive traversing area, the largest in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and its prime access to the wildlife-rich Sand River. For Hylton, this visit carried personal significance, as his career as a safari guide began here in 1984. Walking through the camp again and reminiscing about his early days in the field, where his passion for ecotourism was first ignited, made this visit a profoundly nostalgic journey.

Our stay at MalaMala Main Camp was nothing short of exceptional. The camp offers a blend of timeless elegance and comfort, with spacious accommodations, excellent dining, and a welcoming atmosphere. On a personal note, the team went out of their way to make my birthday truly special, surprising me with a beautiful cake and a heartfelt celebration. The camp’s idyllic location along the Sand River allowed us to view wildlife right from the lodge, setting the tone for the incredible game drives that followed.

Above: A birthday celebration with a view.

The wildlife sightings during our stay were nothing short of spectacular. From the outset, MalaMala showcased its reputation as a haven for exceptional game viewing. On our first game drive, we encountered three different leopards, including one that had hoisted its impala kill high into a Jackalberry tree.

As dusk fell, we found a pride of lions making their way to the Sand River, where they quenched their thirst before crossing the water under a starry sky—a magical moment that highlighted the beauty of nature’s rhythm.

Throughout our stay, the diversity of sightings never ceased to amaze us. Herds of elephants gathered at the river to drink and bathe, providing gentle and awe-inspiring moments. The highlight of one drive was an extraordinary sighting of six white rhinos together, a powerful testament to MalaMala’s anti-poaching efforts and commitment to conservation.

As the sun set over the Sand River, we followed a lion that led us to three dominant males feeding on a buffalo carcass. One of the males surprised us by shifting his attention to a nearby lioness, and we witnessed an unexpected mating ritual. (Usually, when lions are mating, they are too preoccupied with mating, focussing all of their attention and energy the female, and not on feeding).

One of the most thrilling moments of our stay unfolded as we followed up on a report of African wild dogs, my personal favorite predators. As we approached, we were swept into a scene of high drama. The pack was on the hunt, moving with lightning speed and relentless coordination as they targeted a herd of impala. Dust filled the air as the dogs darted through the bush, their agility and teamwork mesmerizing to witness. The impala lamb, in a desperate bid for survival, zigzagged through the terrain, narrowly escaping the jaws of its pursuers. Although the hunt ended in a lucky escape for the impala, the energy and strategy displayed by the wild dogs left us in awe, a reminder of the raw intensity of life in the wild.

Between game drives, we enjoyed hearty breakfasts and conducted a thorough site inspection of MalaMala Main Camp, Sable Camp, and Rattray’s Camp. Hylton shared fond memories of his guiding days as we toured the familiar spaces of Main Camp and Sable Camp. These camps retain their classic safari charm while offering exceptional service and comfort. Rattray’s Camp, MalaMala’s premier offering, is a sanctuary of luxury. With only four guests per vehicle and private plunge pools for each suite, Rattray’s Camp epitomizes exclusivity and refined elegance, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers.

Our final morning brought another remarkable game drive, during which we located the lioness we had seen earlier. She had successfully reunited with her pride, accompanied by two of the resident males. This fitting conclusion to our stay underscored the powerful family dynamics and adaptability of lions in the wild.

While our focus was primarily on big game, we also casually recorded over 120 bird species, a testament to the rich biodiversity of MalaMala. Among the birding highlights was a sighting of broad-billed rollers, a rare treat that added to the magic of our visit.

MalaMala Game Reserve stands out for its vast traversing rights, exceptional guiding team, and luxurious lodges, ensuring every guest enjoys an unforgettable safari experience. Its dedication to conservation and exclusive game-viewing opportunities further solidify its place as one of South Africa’s premier destinations.

We left MalaMala with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for this iconic reserve. We are thrilled to offer our future guests the opportunity to experience this magical destination for themselves.