What makes MalaMala special?

A private Big Five reserve with about 20 km of Sand River frontage and an unfenced boundary with Kruger. This river magnet and low vehicle density enable exceptional big cat encounters, with off-road tracking and night drives for unhurried viewing.

When is the best time to visit?

May to September is the classic dry season with concentrated wildlife and clear visibility. October to March brings lush scenes and excellent birding. MalaMala is rewarding year round with different photographic moods by season.

What wildlife can I expect?

The Big Five are present with renowned leopard viewing, powerful lion coalitions and cheetah possible on open clearings, alongside elephants, buffalo and riverlife along the Sand River.

What experiences can you arrange?

Day and night game drives, off-road tracking when appropriate, guided bush walks, golden-hour photography and relaxed bush dining between river loops and savannah.

Where should I stay at MalaMala?

Choose heritage MalaMala Camp, intimate Rattray’s at MalaMala or tranquil Sable Camp. We match room types and pacing to your style.

MALAMALA GAME RESERVE

Game drive view of elephants wading the Sand River at MalaMala, Greater Kruger, South Africa

MalaMala stretches along the Sand River in Sabi Sand, bordering Kruger. This is definitive big-cat country, with exceptional leopard viewing, powerful lion coalitions, and frequent cheetah passes. Off-road tracking and low vehicle density create unhurried sightings, while riverine woodland and open savannah deliver year-round game in classic, photogenic light.

Explore Experience Inspiration

Aerial view of Sand River in MalaMala Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa

QUICK FACTS
Sand River
Big Five
Leopard hotspot
Off-road tracking
Adjacent Kruger

Lioness resting in tall grass with MalaMala camp in the distance, Greater Kruger, South Africa

Guests watching an elephant herd on the Sand River from MalaMala deck, Greater Kruger

River, Trackers & Big Cats

At first light, follow fresh tracks from MalaMala Camp across open grass and river loops; watch elephants funnel to the Sand River while buffalo gather on the banks. Afternoon brings unhurried leopard viewing; night drives from Rattray’s or Sable reveal lions on patrol, hyena calls, and glittering southern skies.

Experiences & Highlights

Shape days around unhurried Big Five game drives, off-road when needed, guided Bush Walking Safaris, and golden-hour photography along the river. Evenings bring Bush Dining, unrestricted night drives for predators and nocturnal rarities, and wide-sky stargazing. Between drives, pause for poolside downtime. Choose your style: heritage MalaMala Camp, intimate Rattray’s, or tranquil, convenient Sable Camp, with river-view suites and classic service.