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Introduction
Rattray's on MalaMala offers a glimpse of an era long past when distant travellers to Africa married the magic of the wild with an elegance and refinement that have been immortalized in the epic tale of Karen Blixen in 'Out of Africa'. The epitome of regal colonial safari-style, the newest addition to the MalaMala portfolio is a culmination of over 40 years of experience within the Rattray Family.
Rattray's on MalaMala's bears the style of crystal and leather, with beautiful furnishings that are a treat to the connoisseur of the finer things in life, captured over generations on a land that remains as old as time.
Each suite or khaya (Zulu for "home") functions as an inclusive home, resplendent with hand-selected furnishings, lavish his-and-hers bathrooms, a secluded outdoor shower and a private heated plunge pool. |
Facilities
Camp Facilities:
- A beautifully appointed library containing rare Africana books and magnificent works of art
- An elegant, African themed air-conditioned dining room
- A historic bar featuring photographs of the early days of this unique area and its pioneers
- A large wooden safari deck where meals are served - and an awesome game viewing experience in itself !
- A large filtered infinity pool with magnificent views across the river
- A well-appointed safari boutique with quality clothing, jewellery and artefacts
- A small fitness facility with stationary bicycle, treadmill, multigym machine, rowing machine, sit up benches, pull up bar, free weights, mats and a steam room
- A massage service is available on request
- A fully stocked wine-cellar houses a selection of some of South Africa’s finest wines
Accommodation:
- 8 luxury khayas for a maximum of 16 guests
- Private verandah with grand river views
- Indigenous private garden - a haven for the birds
- " his " & " hers " bathrooms featuring a ball and claw footed bath, double shower, & under floor heating
- Outdoor shower for a nature experience with a difference
- Heated plunge pool built into the private verandah
- Outdoor and Indoor dining area for intimate in-room dining
- 24 hour temperature control - airconditioning, heating and overhead fans
- Hairdryer
- direct dial telephones
- a mini-bar
- a mini safe
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Optional satellite television, laptop computer with wireless internet connectivity and DVD player
Why MalaMala
- Best game viewing in South Africa
- Largest area of private land adjoining Kruger. 33,000 acres
- 12 miles of unfenced border with Kruger National Park
- Uninterrupted flow of Sand River through property attracts game
- Longest stretch of Sand River of any Sabi Sand property
- Lodges built on western side of Sand River for unhindered game movement into MalaMala
- Most of the guides have University degrees in the sciences
- Vast diversity of habitat types in MalaMala
- Opened in 1964 - one of the first tracts of private land to switch from hunting
- Excellent environment management by Michael Rattray for 50 years
- Member of National Parks Board for decades & acknowledged with host of eco-awards
- Excellent value for money
Activities
A day at MalaMala Game Reserve, no matter your choice of camp, combines exhilarating game viewing opportunities with a chance to relax and refresh the soul. The phenomenal wildlife, around which your experience revolves, is the priority at MalaMala, whilst the comfortable camps, wholesome cuisine and impeccable, friendly service complement this focus and we encourage our guests to immerse themselves in the experience. For many this will be a unique lifetime experience which will be cherished forever.
On arrival at the camps within the MalaMala Game Reserve, you will be introduced to your ranger and tracker team who will be your hosts, guides and educators during your stay with us. Whilst an itinerary will be suggested (as detailed below) to take advantage of the more comfortable temperature ranges and the enhanced game viewing opportunities, it is also important to have time to relax and enjoy the camp surroundings and commune with the environment.
Game drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles in the 40,000 acre MalaMala 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.
The suggested itineraries are not set in stone so please discuss your requirements on your arrival with your ranger who will do his best to be as accommodating as possible within the confines of the camp routine and with consideration for your safari companions – other MalaMala guests also being hosted by your ranger and tracker teams. A later departure from the camp to meet up with your safari team is possible if you prefer a relaxing morning whilst your new found safari friends want to beat the sun and get up earlier. The rangers, camp management staff will try to accommodate the various requests from all the guests in camp but this may not always be possible or advisable.
The suggested itineraries differ between the hot summer months and the warm winter days which melt into cold evenings. The transitional short periods of Autumn and spring will also see an adjustment to the suggested itineraries which will be determined by the temperatures experienced at the time.
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