MalaMala Main Camp & Sable Camp
Sabi Sand Game Reserve,
South Africa
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MALAMALA
MAIN CAMP & SABLE CAMP -
SABI SAND GAME RESERVE
 At nearly 40,000 acres (16,000
hectares) MalaMala Game Reserve is by far the largest
piece of land within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve -
the oldest conservancy of private game reserves in
South Africa. Situated in the fabled Lowveld of Mpumalanga
Province, MalaMala Game Reserve became the first
of the tracts of privately owned game land to make
the transition from hunting to photographic safaris.
But it is not
just the sheer size of land that makes MalaMala
so impressive. The
20 miles (32 kilometres)
of open boundary, which MalaMala shares with the
Kruger National Park, provides unimpeded access to
animals from this world famous wildlife sanctuary.
This essentially places MalaMala as part of a soon-to-be
12 or more million acres of pristine wilderness conservation
area. Of constant appeal to the wildlife from the
Kruger National Park is the vast array of habitat
types within MalaMala - ranging from open savannahs
to dense riparian zones and granite koppies. Perhaps
the greatest attraction of all is the perennial Sand
River – of which, approximately 36 kilometers
soaks its’ way through MalaMala Game Reserve.
The diversity of these habitats is the key factor
behind the incredible complexity of fauna and flora
for which MalaMala has become so famous, and is proven
statistically by its game viewing – where it
has become the exception rather than the rule for
all members of the “Big 5” not to be
seen on a single day on the property.
The camps of
MalaMala are camps of Africa – designed
to support the experience of the bush. One will find
outstandingly comfortable rooms, the renowned personal
service and high quality camp cuisine. Each camp
is specifically located on the banks of the Sand
River with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding
bush.
But ultimately
it is the environment and how it is experienced
that makes MalaMala what
it is today.
With the resources at its’ disposal, and the
experience of nearly 40 years of being a leader in
its’ field, MalaMala has indeed well and truly
established itself as one of the premier photographic
safari destinations in Southern Africa – and
arguably the world! |
History
In the early
1900's attempts were made to substitute MalaMala's
wildlife with cattle farming. A losing
battle with lions and a constant struggle with wildlife,
diseases and drought soon proved that it was not
a viable option.
When Wac Campbell bought MalaMala in 1929, he explained
that his intention was "the strict preservation
of game with the object of handing this on as a legacy
to my youngsters when I get old".
The
site of Wac's first MalaMala camp was in the area where
the Mlowathi stream flows into the Sand
River. It was soon found that the rains made the
river difficult to ford and in 1930 the camp was
moved to its present site, on the near side of the
river. The camp was used exclusively in winter as
a base from which to hunt, but even then guests were
treated like royalty and royalty, such as Princess
Alice and her husband the Earl of Athlone, were often
guests. When Urban Campbell took over the reins from his
father in 1950, things started to change and by 1960
the camera replaced the gun. In 1964, MalaMala was
purchased by the Rattray family who, by retaining
the best of the past and adding the comforts and
luxury of today, turned MalaMala Main Camp into the
top safari lodge of the world.
Accolades
MalaMala
Game Reserve recently received another award from
Travel and Leisure Magazine, the World's leading
travel consumer
magazine. In the May 2005 edition, MalaMala was voted
the 2nd in the category “Worlds Best Service” for
Africa and the Middle East.
Awards received in
2004 include: 3rd "Best
Safari Camp" -
Conde Nast Traveler - October 2004; 7th "Best
Hotel In The World"
- Travel & Leisure Magazine, May 2004; and one of the Top
700 places to stay - Conde Nast Traveler - January 2004.
Accommodation -
MAIN CAMP  For
images of Main Camp, click MalaMala
Main Images For Layout map of MalaMala & Sable Camp, click MalaMala
Map
MalaMala
Main Camp is one of South Africa’s legendary
and exclusive safari destinations. The camp is
set in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the
Sand
River.
The ochre coloured
buildings are clustered amid shady trees and
manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The
individually decorated, spacious and comfortable
rooms under traditional thatching, enjoy spectacular
views and are equipped with “his” and “hers” bathrooms,
24 hour temperature control, insect proofing,
direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini
safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala retains
an authentic camp atmosphere, where the attention
to detail for which Mala Mala is world famous
is obvious.
The accommodation
at MalaMala continues the African theme with
spacious bungalows under thatch. In accordance
with our conservation policies, we cater for
no more than 36 guests at a time. The 18 luxury
rooms consist of twin or double rooms, suites,
family rooms, a disabled suite and one single
room.
Each of the
air-conditioned rooms enjoys a spectacular view
of the surrounding bush and are equipped with "His" and "Hers" en-suite
bathrooms, insect proof screens and top quality
large twin beds. Individually decorated, they
feature sets of animal or bird prints, complementing
the attention to detail for which MalaMala is
world famous.
Children under
12, sharing with an adult, pay 50% of the quoted
adult tariff (at MalaMala Main only). Please
note, no children of 5 years and younger are
permitted in the boma for dinner, or on game
drives (unless parent's have sole use of a vehicle).
A babysitting facility is available at a nominal
fee.
Accommodation at Main Camp includes:
• 18 luxury thatched bedrooms (including suites, family rooms, a disabled
suite and a single room).
• Separate “his” and “hers” bathrooms per bedroom.
• Heated towel rails.
• Insect proof screening on all windows.
• Mini bar in each bedroom.
• Mini safe in each bedroom.
• Hair dryers.
• Bath robes.
• Shaver plugs.
• Insect repellent supplied in all bedrooms and on all vehicles.
• Daily New York Times Fax.
• Private verandahs overlooking the surrounding bush.
• Purified water.
• Maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle is 6.
• Internet access: MalaMala Camp and Sable Camp have a permanent internet
connection via Satellite at 256kbps - there is no extra charge to guests for
the use of the service. The guest rooms have an analogue dial-up jack
available for those guests with lap tops with built in modems. A connection
speed of 45kbps can be expected from the rooms.
• Complimentary bottled Mount Anderson Spring water in each bedroom.
• Filtered swimming pool.
• Reed enclosed boma where dinner is served under the stars.
• International direct dial telephones in each bedroom; 24-hour service.
• Facsimile and e-mail facilities available.
• 24-hour electricity with standby generator.
• 24-hour air-conditioning and heating.
• Room service.
• Gymnasium.
• Separate tour guide’s accommodation.
• Complimentary laundry service (min. 2 nights only).
• Safari Bar featuring an international selection of beverages.
• Safari Boutique.
• Wine Cellar.
• The Monkey Club - Video Den/Library.
• Tea and coffee making facilities in each bedroom.
• Overhead fans.
Disabled Suite - Mala Mala prides itself on
being one of the few safari destinations which is
able to offer a fully equipped disabled suite - designed
in accordance with the Disabled People’s Information
Service of South Africa and is in line with international
standards. This luxurious suite boasts the following
features:
• Ramp on entrance
into the room.
• Master bedroom with two bathrooms en-suite.
• 24-hour temperature
control.
• Elevated deck overlooking the bush.
• Separate bathroom which is able to comfortably accommodate
a guest who is wheelchair bound. This includes a
wheel-in shower with all the necessary fittings.
• Desk/ table surfaces specifically adjusted to the
correct level at which a wheelchair is positioned.
• No loose rugs/ carpets which will impede the movement
of a wheelchair.
• A separate lounge area which may be converted to
a bedroom should a disabled guest require assistance
from an accompanying nurse/ aid.
The spacious, beautifully decorated Buffalo
lounge displaying bronzes, works of art and
animal trophies leads onto an expansive wooden
deck which provides an elevated view of animals
watering in the Sand River. The unsurpassed
luxury and comfort in the camp, combined with
the exhilarating game drives and guided walks
in beautiful unspoiled wilderness dramatized
by the close encounters with Africa’s
game, big and small, is incomparable.
Dinner, where one may enjoy venison specialties
and haute bush cuisine is served in the grand
old African manner, under the stars in a reed
enclosed
boma, a MalaMala tradition for over 60 years.
Seated around a log fire, under the starry
African sky,
enjoying superb food and outstanding South
African wines is yet another highlight of the
MalaMala
experience.
Accommodation -
SABLE CAMP For
images of Sable Camp, click MalaMala
Sable Images For Layout map of MalaMala & Sable Camp, click MalaMala
Map
Situated
at the southern end of the MalaMala Camp in a prime
elevated position overlooking the Sand River and
surrounding bush, the Sable Camp is an ideal retreat
for the more reclusive traveller who prefers privacy
and exclusivity. The Sable Camp accommodates 14
guests in 5 luxury suites and the Lions Den - a
2 bedroomed, spacious luxury suite with magnificent
views, accommodating 4 guests.
The fully
air-conditioned, beautifully appointed Sable Camp has
a truly colonial feel enhanced with modern comforts.
A library with satellite television and internet connectivity
give one the option to stay in touch with the world
whilst the intimate safari bar, swimming pool and large
wooden deck surrounding the camp provide the platform
from which to admire the unimpeded views that make
the Sable Camp experience so rich and interactive.
The Lion's Den at
Sable Camp is the largest, most luxurious suite
at MalaMala. The Lion's Den consists of two bedrooms
and a spacious sitting room / lounge. One simply
has to step out through the large sliding doors
onto the private verandah for magnificent views
of the Sand River and the surrounding bushveld.
If only one bedroom is required with this suite,
one of the interleading bedrooms can be locked
off.
A dedicated team of staff are on hand to make sure
that every need of our discerning guests is taken
care of, whilst our highly qualified rangers and
trackers continue to present close contact viewing
in the diverse wilderness that is MalaMala Game Reserve.
The Sable Camp does
not accommodate children under the age of 16, unless
the entire camp is reserved exclusively at the
respective charge.
Accommodation at
Sable Camp includes:
• 5 luxury thatched suites
• The Lions Den
• Separate “his” and “hers” bathrooms
per suite.
• Heated towel rails.
• Insect proof screening on all windows.
• Mini bar in each bedroom.
• Mini safe in each bedroom.
• Hair dryers.
• Shaver plugs.
• Insect repellent supplied in all bedrooms and on
all vehicles.
• Daily New York Times Fax.
• Private verandahs overlooking the surrounding bush.
• Purified water.
• Maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle
is 6.
• Internet access: MalaMala Camp
and Sable Camp have a permanent internet connection
via Satellite at 256kbps - there is no extra charge
to guests for the use of the service. The
guest rooms have an analogue dial-up jack available
for those guests with lap tops with built in modems.
A connection speed of 45kbps can be expected from
the rooms.
• Complimentary bottled Mount Anderson Spring water
in each bedroom.
• Filtered swimming pool.
• Reed enclosed boma where dinner is served under
the stars.
• International direct dial telephones in each bedroom
- 24 hour service.
• Facsimile and e-mail facilities available.
• 24-hour electricity with standby generator.
• 24-hour air-conditioning and heating.
• Room service.
• Gymnasium.
• Complimentary laundry service (min. 2 nights only).
• Safari Bar featuring an international selection
of beverages.
• Safari Boutique.
• Wine Cellar.
• The Monkey Club - Video Den/Library.
• Tea and coffee making facilities in each bedroom.
• Overhead fans
Children Policy
Age restrictions
do exist and are applied in the interests of personal
safety as well as the comfort
of other guests. Family rooms are two rooms that
inter-lead and combined may be used as a triple or
a quad room. This means that two rooms will be sharing
bathroom facilities. MalaMala Main Camp has a total
of 5 family rooms.
At MalaMala Main Camp, children
of all ages are welcome but those aged five and under
are not permitted to
dine in the boma or to be taken on game drives, unless
their parents have reserved sole-use of their Landrover.
Special dining arrangements can be made and baby-sitting
services are provided on request at a nominal charge.
Family rooms and triple rooms are available upon
request. Children under 12 years of age, sharing
with full paying adults, pay 50% of the adult
tariff.
Activities
Only
guests accommodated in one of the three MalaMala
Game Reserve camps may
traverse the immense tract of privately owned game
land within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Game drives
are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles
in the 40,000 acre MalaMala portion of the Sabi Sand
Game Reserve. The rangers are in constant radio communication
with
one another to keep each other informed about the
location of the game. Headsets are used for this
purpose so as not to disturb the sounds of the African
bush.
The 4-wheel drive
safari vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road
and provide guests with close up game viewing and
fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives,
with the aid of powerful spotlights, bring the bush
to life at night.
After dark, spotlight
safaris provide the opportunity to view nocturnal
creatures and carnivores on the
hunt and walking safaris with an armed ranger can
be arranged on request. The success of our safaris
can be measured by the fact that more than 76%
of MalaMala's guests have had contact sightings
of the Big Five.
Wildlife
The Sabi Sand area is known
to have one of the greatest diversifications of
animal species on the African continent. Over
two hundred different species occur in abundance
whilst
the ever changing bird life provides even
the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds.
The Big Five: 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 Mala Mala
where this hunting and shooting still takes place,
only the hunting is done by experienced rangers and
Shangaan trackers, 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.
Apart from the Big 5 - Cheetah and Wild dog may also
be seen. General game including Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest,
a variety of antelope and nocturnal animals such
as Civet, Genet, Honey Badger and mongoose etc. occur
throughout the reserve.
Folk lore and
legend are rich with regards to the Big Five. Encompassing
beliefs such as the following: " 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."
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of Lowveld Game Reserves Return
to Map
of Limpopo Province
For
tourist information and activities in the
Limpopo Province, click More
Limpopo
For further information about Kruger National Park, click More
Kruger
For further information about South Africa, click More
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