Mala Mala Main Camp - Sabi Sands Game Reserve

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MalaMala Camp is the oldest and most historical private game reserve in South Africa and the first to make the transition from hunting to photographic safaris. It is the blueprint on which the South African safari industry was built. Every aspect of the MalaMala Main Camp is designed to appreciate and enjoy the view of the surrounding wilds.

Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre colored units tucked into the greenery which flanks the Sand River. Massive trees and rolling green lawns are filled with birdsong, with the occasional antelope or elephant which seeks the succulence of greenery. The camp is u-nfenced – an oasis in the middle of the bushveld.

malamala camp images sabi sands lodges 55

Mala Mala Main Camp – Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Information

MalaMala Main Camp is the oldest and most historical private game reserve in South Africa and the first to make the transition from hunting to photographic safaris. It is the blueprint on which the South African safari industry was built. Every aspect of the MalaMala Main Camp is designed to appreciate and enjoy the view of the surrounding wilds. Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre colored units tucked into the greenery which flanks the Sand River. Massive trees and rolling green lawns are filled with birdsong, with the occasional antelope or elephant which seeks the succulence of greenery. The camp is unfenced – an oasis in the middle of the bushveld.

Accommodation is provided in luxury thatched bedrooms, featuring climate control and insect repellent, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers, mini-bars and on-site safes, as well as direct dial telephones. The Main Camp also sports a converted disabled suite. 10 luxury suites, 8 luxury rooms, and 1 single room - Single Room – 40m2 - Luxury room – 55m2 - Suites – 85m2 - Decks – 15m to 20m2

“Not even Tanzania’s famed Serengeti Game Reserve or the awesome Ngorongoro Crater fills your camera viewfinder faster with Africa’s legendary Big Five – at MalaMala, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant appear magically, as if on cue,” says acclaimed wildlife photojournalist Geoff Dalglish in his Sunday Times review. “Nor could Hollywood script the wide-screen wildlife encounters any more dramatically or frequently than nature does routinely in the private game reserve that is arguably South Africa’s most famous internationally.” Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros – the most sought after and dangerous of the world’s big game. In previous centuries it was these five species which gripped the imagination of hunters and sportsmen, drawing them to Africa to experience the blood pounding thrill of hunting and shooting “The Big Five”. It is in reserves like MalaMala where this hunting and shooting still takes place, only the hunting is done by experienced rangers, and the shooting is done with cameras. But it does not mean that the thrill and exhilaration of encountering these animals in an open Land Rover is any less gripping. Folk lore and legend are rich with regards to the Big Five. Encompassing beliefs such as: “The Great One put the animals here for us to use wisely and respect, even as we hunted them, but he knew that without fear we might lose our respect for these creatures. So he put the five here to help us remember. The lion and leopard taught us fear of the night, that only the daytime was ours. The buffalo, the elephant and the rhino taught us to fear their strength, that we might respect the strength of nature.”

Children under 12 years, sharing accommodation with full paying adults, pay the quoted child rate.

BY AIR: • Federal Air operates a daily scheduled flight service from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) directly into the MalaMala airfield (AAM) in the MalaMala Game Reserve (a 29-seater Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft).The schedule from 1 October 2012 is: • DAILY Johannesburg [O.R. Tambo] TO MalaMala (Departure - Arrival) 09h30 / 10h40 11h00 / 12h30 13h00 / 14h10 • DAILY MalaMala TO Johannesburg [O.R. Tambo] (Departure - Arrival) 11h00 / 12h10 13h00 / 14h30 • Regular scheduled flights to KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) with SA Airlink. BY ROAD: • Mala Mala Game Reserve is a five and a half hour drive from Johannesburg • Motorists from Johannesburg turn left off the N4 at Nelspruit and proceed to Hazyview along the R40 via White River • At Hazyview turn right along the R536 towards Skukuza (Paul Kruger Gate) for 37.5 km • At the Mala Mala Game Reserve sign turn left onto a gravel road and follow the MalaMala road signs to the camp for 29km • There is a vehicle entrance fee into the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, payable on arrival and the gates close at 22h00. • We would appreciate it if all car arrivals telephoned the camps from Hazyview to advise of their expected arrival in approximately 90 minutes. MalaMala Tel: (013) 735 9200 • You will need to pay a gate entrance fee of R160 per vehicle and R40 per person. Entrance fee subject to change at any stage. The entrance fee can only be confirmed at the time of making your reservation. • NO FUEL IS AVAILABLE AT THE CAMPS. PLEASE OBTAIN SUFFICIENT FUEL IN HAZYVIEW FOR YOUR RETURN JOURNEY.* BY CHARTER: • Direct charter flights are available in to the MalaMala airstrip in chartered, pressurised aircraft • The MalaMala private airstrip boasts an all weather surface and is equipped with aeronautical communication facilities • The costs are dependent on the number of guests, type of aircraft requested and flying distance • A private charter has many advantages - flight times are arranged to suit guest's requirements, check-in and luggage handling is quicker and more efficient, guests have a choice of airports in and around Johannesburg or South Africa and it is convenient for guests whose itinerary may require a transfer to a destination where direct scheduled flights are not available • On arrival guests will be met by representatives from the camps BY PANORAMIC TRANSFER: • An alternative to consider on the journey to and from MalaMala Game Reserve is the "Panoramic Transfer" • This trip, with a qualified guide in a luxury air-conditioned microbus, takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery South Africa has to offer • In order to fully appreciate and to take in the natural beauty of the Panorama Tour one needs a full day. However for those with limited time, a half day option is available • The scenic route includes: • God's Window • Blyde River Canyon • A waterfall (weather and time depending) • The full day tour's scenic highlights include the following, depending on time limits and weather conditions: • God's Window and the Pinnacle • Graskop • Blyde River Canyon • Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels • Lisbon Falls • Sabie and Lone Creek Falls • Pilgrims Rest • Mac Mac falls and Mac Mac Pools • Cost includes services of a registered tour guide, transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle; all entrance fees where applicable and iced bottled water. Cost excludes lunch. * GPS: -24.7975 (latitude) 31.5475 (longitude)

Mandy H

August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website

The best safari oasis

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see

The best safari oasis

Mandy H August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience

Candice Tehini

May 6, 2026 ZA Website

Best in the bushes

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone

Best in the bushes

Candice Tehini May 6, 2026 ZA Website

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.

From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.

Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.

Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.

Annelize Taylor

September 23, 2026 GB Website

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…

Annelize Taylor September 23, 2026 GB Website

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!

Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.

Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!

Andrew W.

September 23, 2026 ZA Website

Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly

Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.

Andrew W. September 23, 2026 ZA Website

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.

Sven Gysling

July 26, 2026 CL Website

100% Recommended

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%

100% Recommended

Sven Gysling July 26, 2026 CL Website

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.

Suites	R27,600.00 per person per night sharing R41,400.00 single per night R16,560.00 children under 12 years sharing
Luxury Rooms	R26,100.00 per person per night sharing R39,150.00 single per night R15,660.00 children under 12 years sharing
Single Suite	R27,600.00 single per night

MalaMala Camp - Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Mala Mala Camp - Sabi Sands Game Reserve

MalaMala Camp - Image Gallery

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2026 Rates

Mala Mala Main Camp – Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Information

MalaMala Game Reserve - Video

MalaMala Game Reserve - Wildlife Gallery

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