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Stefan Randholm
ES
Visited:
November 2008
Reviewed: May 7, 2012
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sheer luxury, straight Out of Africa.
We arrived at Mala Mala by Land Rover through the bush and left by airplane from the local airstrip, which is an interesting experience in itself. Once you arrive at the lodge, you feel like you're about to bump into Meryl Streep or Robert Redford right around the corner, or sipping a drink in the confortable bar. The accomodation is first class, with the possibility of having breakfast and dinner at your porch, watching herds of animals roam by just a stone's throw from where you're enjoying your wine.
Matt D.
GB
Visited:
April 2009
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2012
Email Matt D. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Wildlife, The Luxury, What More Can One Want?
Mala Mala is a game reserve located on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park, and the wildlife is able to travel freely between the two. When one travels to Mala Mala, a stay pretty much guarantees a Big 5 viewing, and lucky there is lots of game to view. The guides are extremely knowledgable, and the whole experience is incredible. The only downside to Mala Mala is that it isn't a place for anyone who is looking for a true bush experience, because it is so luxury. The food is amazing, and eating outside in a true-African boma is a great experience. Truly a treat for anyone looking for a luxury bush experience.
Steve Gray from York
US
Visited:
August 2010
Reviewed: Jul 27, 2012
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Put your camera down for a while and let your senses soak it in!
We enjoyed a very informative guide who was very accommodating of guest's preferences. The animals were awesome and provided great photo opportunities. The accommodations, food and service were fabulous. I highly recommend that you make the trip.
greenluvrks7
Visited:
July 2012
Reviewed: Oct 24, 2012
Once in a Lifetime
I think this is the best trip I've had because I got experience things I had never seen before. Besides, how many people do you think have been on an African safari? Not many, I can tell you that. Basically, what happens is that your ranger does everything for you. He is your waiter, driver, bar tender, etc. You are always in good hands and I highly recommend going to Mala Mala. Here is an awesome video if you want to learn more about the lions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1AqV-lwSfA
Sue
Visited:
May 2014
Reviewed: Apr 20, 2015
I liked Mala Mala a little bit better because it was easier to find and see more animals in a game ride.
Massai_1 (Carsten M.)
Visited:
November 2014
Reviewed: May 25, 2015
Great game viewing (the didn't even had to use a tracker), great accomodation.
Fran Tompkins
Visited:
May 2015
Reviewed: May 29, 2015
Bush Paradise
We have just returned from our third visit to Mala Mala & as usual, cannot speak highly enough of of our experience. Special mention must be made of Leon, ranger Adi ( previous Rangers Jonno & Paul) & indeed the entire staff who were courteous & friendly. The accommodation is clean, comfortable & attractive, the food is good & lots of it! Only wish was that the orange juice could be freshly squeezed & alcoholic drinks could be complimentary till say 8 pm!!
Patrick
US
Visited:
March 2026
Reviewed: Apr 3, 2026
Email Patrick | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond Expectations……..By a Lot
We arrved at the end of the wet season, late March, experienced no rain. While the reserve was very lush with greenery, animal sightings started as soon as we left Skukuza airport. And got better at every turn. MalaMala Reserve deserves all the hype. Saw at least 9 different leopards on multiple occasions. Lions, leopards, and all what became the usual, giraffes, elephants, wildebeasts, cape buffalo, white rhinos, impalas, waterbuck, nyala, so many birds I cannot recall. We saw wild dogs on the hun after impalas. The same dogs has chased two young leopards up a tree. Even a honeybadger. Hyenas. Guide Nic was spectacular. Meals and lodging first rate, staff was excellent. Four days that I could have never even imagined, happened to us. This was our first safari experience and we will return. The whole experience was first rate.
Emiel de Lange
NL
Visited:
April 2010
Reviewed: Apr 5, 2012
Email Emiel de Lange | under20 years of age
A Luxurious Bush Hotel
Yes, the rooms are luxurious and contain everything you could need, but there are other lodges that just add that touch of style which give them an edge in the luxury department. More specifically, the rooms felt like a 5-star hotel rather than a bush lodge - there was little viewing to be done from the room which was in near proximity to other rooms and therefore wasnt as open as it could have been. The view from the balcony was less than spectacular, rather dull even, but the occasional animal did walk by. In short - very comfortable, but didnt integrate you into the bush, or even really 'Africa'.
The communal areas were much more succesful in this regard, tastefully decorated, also with large trophies and plenty of space. Eating is done on a large deck with a great view over the river Sands, where
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the occasional elephant of hippo walks. There were many stories of animals coming into the lodge, but I didnt witness any of this. Further, there is a large and beautiful pool, as well as gym and entertainment room for kids with DVDs. The food was fantastic.All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. No complaints here. Especially the guides are extremely knowledgeable and willing to adjust to your wishes. They also eat every meal with you, providing great conversation.
The wildlife is what Mala Mala is famous for and there is no shortage of it. Within my first hour I had seen 2 cheetahs, a leopard and an attempted lion kill. We visited these animals repeatedly, and saw some more great interactions. The one thing I will add is that they are a little obsessed with the 'big five' and even provide a certificate at the end. Although the wildlife is great, and the game drives are lovely, the lodge lacks anything to really get you into the bush; the walk was 20min long and followed a road with the car trailing us, ready to pick us up. Further Ive heard some negative things about their conservation record, perhaps unfounded, but now with the fence to Kruger removed this should be fine.
In summary, a very comfortable and luxurious experience. You will see a lot of spectacular wildlife. Perfect if you want to visit Africa for a short time in comfort and tick your animal checklist. If you really want to explore Africa and experience the bush - go elsewhere.
Emiel de Lange
Carl (AKA TwinMountain)
US
Visited:
May 2009
Reviewed: Apr 8, 2012
50-65 years of age
It's only by comparison to Mala Mala that I would rate the other game reserves I visited less than five stars across the board. I would guess that Mala Mala is the ultimate in luxurious, African Bush safaris. Not only are the accommodations luxurious and the meals terrific but Mala Mala has no fences. It's HUGE expanse of property runs right into Kruger park and other unfenced game preserves so the wildlife moves freely and you never know what you'll see on any given day. I spent three days at Mala Mala, I hated to leave and I wish I could be there right now.