Why we love Mala Mala

Mala Mala may be one of the oldest establishments in the book but it has stood the test of time and for good reason. It has kept up with international trends in decor, design, food and other hospitality elements, but it has retained its old world charm and tradition.

Part of the allure of Mala Mala is the richness of wildlife that comes with opportunities to witness lions and cubs like this. Mala Mala, if you don’t know, is also the largest and oldest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa, boasting over 50 years of game viewing experience. Renowned internationally for the quality of its game viewing, Mala Mala adjoins the world-famous Kruger National Park (KNP) with an unfenced border of 12 miles (7.5km) and is the largest private reserve to do so.

The Sand River, which is a magnet for game, moves right through Mala Mala in an uninterrupted flow providing the longest stretch of river frontage in the Sabi Sand Reserve. All Mala Mala lodges are built on the western bank to allow for unhindered game movement. Game viewing in Mala Mala is exceptional due to the great diversity of habitat types.

Big-5 sightings are common and it is rumoured that nowhere else in South Africa offers as frequent sightings of all of the Big-5, according to top wildlife photojournalists. Londolozi would probably disagree! Open 4×4 game drives in land rovers are scheduled twice a day in the early hours of the mornings and late afternoons. Game drives are planned around the daylight hours and activity of the animals. If you have the considerable disposable income required and love safaris, luxury and wildlife photography, you couldn’t surpass this outstanding experience.