South Africa

MalaMala Rattray's Camp

Perhaps the most luxurious camp in Mala Mala, balances riverine setting, polished guiding and private-reserve access for discerning couples or mature families.
Park/Region
Sabi Sands
Zone/Area
Southern Sector
Lodge Type
Small Lodge
Price per night (per person)
£2,010

Overview

What we love about MalaMala Rattray's Camp

MalaMala Rattray's Camp offers an exclusive intimate safari lodge base in Mala Mala Game Reserve - one of the largest private reserves in Sabi Sands, South Africa. Here the unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park allow wildlife to roam freely across woodland, riverbed and bushveld. With an intimate setting, just 8 individual "villas" and considered layout along the Sand River, the camp offers quieter and more exclusive alternative in the reserve. The most luxurious property in the Mala Mala reserve features elegant traditional decor combined with modern art and amenities. The guiding here is also of extremely high standards.

Exclusive

Lodge Standard

★★★

Location Rating*

★★★

Guiding Rating*
*Ratings based on Safari Circle's research and ranking methodology.

Awards

What awards & Acclaims have they received?

Mala Mala Rattray's Camp has historically won awards such as South Africa's Leading Safari Lodge, Conde Nast Traveler's 3rd Best Safari Camp and Travel & Leisure Magazine's 7th Best Hotel in the World.

Additionally, founder Michael Rattray has been awarded the State President's Award for pioneering eco-tourism

Location

Sabi Sands, South Africa

MalaMala Rattray's Camp sits in the Southern Sector area of Sabi Sands, South Africa, within private-reserve Greater Kruger woodland with exceptional leopard and big-cat access. One of the largest private concessions in the Greater Kruger gives Mala Mala Rattray wide traversing rights. The lodge is easily accessed from MalaMala Airfield or Skukuza Airport is an hour's drive away.

From the UK, access is usually via Johannesburg or Cape Town, followed by a scheduled flight, road transfer or charter depending on the reserve.

South Africa is generally one of the easiest safari countries logistically, especially for families and first-time travellers.

Perfect for The Witness & The Seeker

MalaMala Rattray's Camp speaks first to The Witness travellers through presence, patience, and encounters that feel emotionally weighted. The Seeker adds a clear, generous introduction to wild Africa. Together, the fit is less about ticking off features and more about matching the lodge to the traveller's natural safari tempo.

Accomodation

What kinds of rooms are avaliable?

Up to sixteen guests can stay across eight luxury “khayas” (the Zulu word for “home”), with private verandas, gardens and en-suite bathrooms.

Timing

Opening times & Seasonal Rates

*Prices are approximate, and may vary with exchange rates.
Year-round rate
Year-round
From £2,010 per person per night
Includes
Indicative lodge rate typically includes accommodation, meals and standard safari activities - based on 2 people sharing.
Excludes
Conservation fees, premium drinks, transfers, visas, gratuities and private vehicle costs may be excluded.

Sightings

What might you see around MalaMala Rattray's Camp?

Leopard
Strongly associated around Sabi Sands, where woodland shade and riverbeds reward patient tracking.
Lion
Strongly associated around Sabi Sands, especially where grassland, shade and prey movement meet.
Elephant
Possible around Sabi Sands, where water, shade and old movement lines gather.
Buffalo
Possible around Sabi Sands where local habitat and guiding make the encounter feel placed.
Giraffe
Possible around Sabi Sands, where local habitat and guiding make the encounter feel placed.

Learn more about the local sights & sounds

Ammenities

What amenities do they have at MalaMala Rattray's Camp?

+ Swimming pool

+ Wine cellar

+ Gym, spa

+ Private concession or reserve access

+ Guided Game drives, bush walks, star gazing

+ Dining and sundowner spaces

+ Guest lounge, library or main area

Notes

Notes from our stylists

Best months for wildlife: May-Sep

Minimum Age: 16 years old, over 12's may be accommodated when taken on an exclusive use basis

Lodge style: Small lodge with 9 rooms or tents and a swimming pool.

Seasonal opening: Open year-round.

Activities for kids: Best suited to children above the stated minimum age, with activity participation guided by age and safety rules.

Malaria health note: Moderate malaria risk (Oct–May).

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Explore

Explore some of our other featured lodges in South Africa

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Credentials & Affiliations

As an independent partner of 360 Private Travel, eligible flight-inclusive holidays booked through us are financially protected by 360 Private Travel Ltd under the UK ATOL scheme, ATOL number 7514. 360 Private Travel Ltd is also IATA accredited under IATA number 91200056.

Qualifying flight-inclusive holidays are financially protected under the UK ATOL scheme, where applicable. You will receive an ATOL Certificate confirming the protection covering your individual booking.

Partner
360 Private Travel
Member
Virtuoso
Endorsed by
Forbes Travel Guide
Contact

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