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Rattray's Camp - MalaMala Game Reserve

Tucked away in a forest of green, on the banks of the world renowned Sand River, lies a special place.  Rattray’s on MalaMala offers an intimate glimpse of an era long lost, when travellers from afar married the magic of the African bush with elegance and refinement. Combining humble opulence and romantic exclusivity with unrivalled game viewing, Rattray’s on MalaMala is the premier safari destination for those seeking to experience the wild heart of Africa.

At Rattray’s on MalaMala, wildlife safaris are our number one priority. A maximum of only four guests per safari vehicle is allowed and a flexible operation ensures your adventures into the bush will be intimate and unforgettable. An experienced and proficient ranger will serve as a guide and host, offering a level of service second to none.

Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations including the “boma,” the deck, the dining room or in the privacy and comfort of your own suite.

Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews

“Look no further”  
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If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is


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Windermere, United Kingdom   
“Look no further”  
angiep389 via tripadvisor    Windermere, United Kingdom   
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If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is a must. We have been travelling to to South Africa every year for the past 12 years and stayed at many game reserves including the Krugar many times. This year we saved up hard and achieved our dream, to stay in Sabi Sands. All that I can say it's Well Worth every penny, the reserve is just something else! It's the best and it's a must, forget the rest push the the boat out and and stay at in Sabi Sands.. We chose Elephant Plains due to our budget. It was wonderful food fantastic, staff brilliant, service first class.
We saw the big five for the the first time in 12 years....
So if you are looking for a safari holiday then look no further this place is the best.
Memories we will never forget.

“Perfect place for safari”  
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This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect.

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Lillehammer, Norway   
“Perfect place for safari”  
EvMe via tripadvisor    Lillehammer, Norway   
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This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect. The game drives were so exiting. Of 8 game drives we saw leopards at 7 of them.
The staff were so friendly and helpful. The food was nice. The skills of the tracker and ranger was fantastic. It was so nice to follow how they read the tracks in the sand and bushes. We saw the big 5 and a lot more. If would go back? YES

“Couldn't have been better!”  
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My daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved

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Hobart, Australia   
“Couldn't have been better!”  
Mrs V via tripadvisor    Hobart, Australia   
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My daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved the fact that we were teamed up with the same driver/tracker/four other guests in the same car over the course of all the days - we had such fun together and really got involved in trying to spot the animals. And we were rewarded with multiple leopard sightings and the other big 5, as well as all the other beautiful animals - zebra, giraffes, kudu, impala etc - and many birds. The rooms - including outdoor shower, dining area, food, pool, gift shop, massage, the lovely candle light (and lack of electric lighting) and special sundowner by the river were all fabulous. We felt so relaxed and welcomed. The staff were professional and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. They went the extra mile to engage with my 9 year old daughter. This place suited us perfectly. It was top class without being pretentious. Worth every penny - and actually better value than some other lodges. Recommended without hesitation. We hope to return one day. Thank you to all - Dale, Suzie, Gift, Desmond, Tulani, Riddent, Joe and everyone else (sorry if names are miss-spelt).

Stayed April 2017, travelled with family

MalaMala is the best  
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We had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our

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San Diego, California   
MalaMala is the best  
Shannon S    San Diego, California   
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We had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our guide was knowledgeable and nice (the others in our group had a guide who had had incredible intuition for finding animals and we benefited from it). The rooms are nice, beautiful and comfortable. The food was good/okay... We were there for three nights and it seemed like there were a lot of repeats between the meals. The staff were all friendly and the customer service was great!

“A continuation of the dream”  
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After spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both

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Maennedorf, Switzerland   
“A continuation of the dream”  
bscyb via tripadvisor    Maennedorf, Switzerland   
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After spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both Lodges are in the same Reserve and very close they offer a different athmosphere. The Dulini Lodge gives you a stronger "Africa feeling" in terms of decoration and setup in my view.

The bungalows are very spacious and well equipped.The welcome is kind and warm and the staff is amazing. They provided me with a special birthday dinner which made the stay even more memorable.

The game drives with the Ranger Fred and our tracker May where an experience. We saw a lot and as haveing been on Safari before we received so much more indepth information since we did not have to worry about seeing all the big 5 (which we saw anyway).

Will try to be back whenever possible

“Leopards, lions, many elephants and much more!”  
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I cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights

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Melbourne, Australia   
“Leopards, lions, many elephants and much more!”  
Brett S via tripadvisor    Melbourne, Australia   
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I cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights we stayed there. Highly recommended.

“Absolutely the best experience.”  
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Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days.

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New Jersey, USA   
“Absolutely the best experience.”  
podrozniczka60 via tripadvisor    New Jersey, USA   
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Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days. One extra walking safari midday. Excellent game viewing. Night time star gazing by the fire. Trip to the village. Great amenities. Boma, Observation points. Nice little library. The staff will walk you to your cabin at night. Our first time here was 2006 but this is the place to come for the best safari lodge experience.
This is the place to come back to.

“A memory for a lifetime”  
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I can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every

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Stockholm - Sweeden   
“A memory for a lifetime”  
Twirly72 via tripadvisor    Stockholm - Sweeden   
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I can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every way. The lodgin itself was so nice and luxury, the food excellent and you really had everything you could possible need.

"OY!" Watch That Charging Rhino!  
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Fabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we

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Boston, Massachusetts   
"OY!" Watch That Charging Rhino!  
Charles520    Boston, Massachusetts   
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Fabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we surprised a rhino and it charged our Land Cruiser, leave it to our guide, Brogan, to take care of business. With a sharp, "OY!", the rhino stopped it charge, turn around and trotted back to its mate. Note that the wifi was only available in the office when we went, but it's due for an upgrade any date. Pro-tip: No cell coverage, but the office has a cell tower booster. Turn off your wifi, and your phone will pick up the cell booster if you have a local phone or international plan

Loved Nkorho!  
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Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were

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Atlanta, Georgia   
Loved Nkorho!  
bgrove    Atlanta, Georgia   
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Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were incredible and we certainly saw everything we came to see. The entire staff works hard to ensure a great experience for their guests. Our suite was great, very clean and comfortable . The swing was cozy on the front deck! Enjoyed our meals and evenings in the bar. Thanks to all for a great time!

“Good to be back!”  
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A wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always

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London, United Kingdom   
“Good to be back!”  
Meohmy68 via tripadvisor    London, United Kingdom   
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A wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always good), our Ranger and Tracker were great fun and very knowledgable, the staff were on the ball and the atmosphere and mood relaxed and attentive. My 6th visit, and great that Ulusaba is back to its best, thank you!

“Absolutely fantastic”  
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Everything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't

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Hampshire,UK   
“Absolutely fantastic”  
DillonHampshire_UK via tripadvisor    Hampshire,UK   
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Everything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't fault it and would love to go back. You have to be there to believe how good it is, and how close you get to what is after all wild animals. I could have almost touched one of the lions we saw!!

“Incredible experience at Sabi Sabi”  
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We just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first

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New York City, New York   
“Incredible experience at Sabi Sabi”  
Zack T    New York City, New York   
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We just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first game drive, we got to know why Sabi Sands Lodges are the best when it comes to big five game viewing. We managed to view all of the big five on one day.

The accommodation was perfect and the staff were exceptionally friendly. We are hooked, we will certainly visit Sabi Sabi again, very soon.

“Felt like home, but better”  
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We absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and

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United Kingdom   
“Felt like home, but better”  
Stacy C via tripadvisor    United Kingdom   
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We absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and comfortably decorated, the food was delicious (I'm a San Francisco foodie pescetarian and absolutely loved the food/presentation), and the game drives were unforgettable. Don't miss the bush walk--we walked through a field of butterflies, saw all kinds of animal tracks, and enjoyed a different view of the landscape we'd been driving through all week. I would also highly recommend visiting the Thornybush Community Project gardens with Gavin, where some of the beautiful food served in Sabi Sand resorts is grown by local women as part of a community collective. We also visited a school, which had an incredible impact on us. I loved Simbambili--a little piece of my heart is still there

“You will not be disappointed...its amazing”  
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It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are


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London, United Kingdom   
“You will not be disappointed...its amazing”  
stuBamville via tripadvisor    London, United Kingdom   
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It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are extremely helpful with information and when you arrive they make you feel part of the lodge community not just a guest (truly welcoming).

The staff are genuinely interested in your adventure and happiness joining in stories and experiences of each game drive .Be prepared for the early starts 5.30 am game drive however believe me this is the best time of the day to see the animals and is a magical time to see the bush. The lodge and rooms are to a very high standard with all rooms having great views and the best bit being no fences !!!! YOU REALLY ARE IN THE BUSH 🙂 .
This is without doubt a luxury Safari

Awesome experience  
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This was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very

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Omaha, Nebraska   
Awesome experience  
latif8109    Omaha, Nebraska   
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This was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions that we had. The game drives were exciting and the search for the leopard was one of the highlights of the trip. The rooms were spacious, and the food was almost unending. The only downside, and understandably so, was the inability to move from one room to another, after dark. While our sons were older and able to stay on their own, families with slightly younger children may have to stay in one chalet. Strongly recommend it!!

“Fantastic Bush Experience”  
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Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide


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Johannesburg, South Africa   
“Fantastic Bush Experience”  
Czerno via tripadvisor    Johannesburg, South Africa   
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Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide Michael. We saw so much and learnt so much in the "Land That Time Forgot". Leopard with Waterbuck kill, wild dogs, Lion and Elephant swimming and wrestling in a dam and so much more!!
The camp manager Gary was so welcoming and friendly. His enthusiasm for the bush is infectious. Thanks for a wonderful time in a special place.
Also thanks for arranging a truly unique bat sighting!!!!
Stayed May 2017, travelled with family

“Breathtaking scenery, service and amazing experience.”  
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I don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her

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London, UK   
“Breathtaking scenery, service and amazing experience.”  
Raymondo84 via tripadvisor    London, UK   
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I don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her birthday and I was planning to propose. From the moment the booking was made until the last minute we left the location the service was impecable.


MalaMala Rattray's Camp - Image Gallery

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Rattray’s on MalaMala – Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Information

Tucked away in a forest of green, on the banks of the world renowned Sand River, lies a special place.  Rattray’s on MalaMala offers an intimate glimpse of an era long lost, when travellers from afar married the magic of the African bush with elegance and refinement. Combining humble opulence and romantic exclusivity with unrivalled game viewing, Rattray’s on MalaMala is the premier safari destination for those seeking to experience the wild heart of Africa. Each luxurious free-standing and spacious Khaya (Zulu word for ‘home’) offers an atmosphere of lush seclusion and boasts spectacular views of the Sand River where wildlife of all shapes and sizes can be viewed whilst taking a dip in the private plunge pool, cooling off in the outdoor shower or enjoying a massage on the deck. The camp offers, amongst other things, a gym, an infinity swimming pool, a steam room and a massage service. At Rattray’s on MalaMala, wildlife safaris are our number one priority. A maximum of only four guests per safari vehicle is allowed and a flexible operation ensures your adventures into the bush will be intimate and unforgettable. An experienced and proficient ranger will serve as a guide and host, offering a level of service second to none. Private Dining:  Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations including in the privacy and comfort of your Khaya, or even experience a delicious bush breakfast.
8 luxury suites (Khayas) for a maximum of 16 guests. No triple sharing. The rooms: Private verandah with grand river views Indigenous private garden – a haven for the birds “His” and “hers” bathrooms featuring a ball and claw footed bath and double shower Outdoor shower for a nature experience with a difference Private plunge pool built into the verandah Outdoor and indoor dining area for intimate in-room dining 24-hour temperature control – air-conditioning, heating and overhead fans Direct dial telephones A mini-bar Tea and coffee making facilities A mini-safe Optional satellite television and DVD player
Capacity on game drives:  4 guests per safari vehicle. However, if a party of 5 – 7 guests are travelling as part of a group, Rattray's Camp reserves the right to accommodate the party on one safari vehicle. The MalaMala Wildlife Experience: “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 the age of 16 years old will not be accommodated, unless the entire Rattray's camp has been booked out by the family or group.
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)

RATTRAY CAMP - MALAMALA GAME RESERVE

MalaMala Game Reserve - Wildlife Gallery

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BOOKING FORM - RATTRAY'S CAMP - MALAMALA GAME RESERVE