Mala Mala Game Reserve, Main Camp

Everything was exceptional about this camp and it fully lived up to its excellent reputation. Our guide, David, was probably the best guide we had ever experienced and we had been on many drives in many different camps over the years. However on our final game drive we witnessed something which we were not expecting. In one of the other MalaMala vehicles was a woman holding a baby!!! As most, if not all,camps have strict rules about very young children, never mind babies, being on game drives we were actually quite shocked to see this. This is surely dangerous in that there are times when seeing the animals up close silence is very necessary. What happens if the baby starts crying out? Our guide would not comment on this when asked. If you are quite happy to share a game drive with a baby, then fine. If not, stay away from this camp!

Mala Mala Lodge and Mala Mala Game Reserve are very special. The staff are attentive and go out of their way to make your stay feel special. The food is of the highest standard and the waitrons, especially Pretty, were fantastic. The bar crew was also on the ball and made suggestions for drinks. They even organized a wine tasting session so that the guests could try our own unique wine – Pinotage. But everyone from A to Z were friendly and helpful. The rooms were superb, and looked out over the Sand River. We were visited by monkeys, baboons, Nyala, and elephants right outside our patio door. This is not the last time you will see us. The two rangers Deon and Geena make the guests feel welcome and part of the family. Nothing is too much effort for them. They are both very knowledgeable and their understanding of animal behaviour is phenomenal. Deon and Geena enjoy their work, and it shows. We could not have wished for better rangers for our group. I have done many safaris, and am a tour guide myself, and these two rangers are right up there with the best.

Mala Mala Game Reserve was honestly the best experience of our lives. Everything about it was incredible. We were lucky enough to see the Big Five and a huge part of that was down to our guide Jacques. He was amazing, so knowledgeable and passionate, and made every game drive unforgettable. Our group was small, only six people, which made it feel really private and special. Everyone in the group was lovely and it just added to the whole experience. The food and drinks were absolutely outstanding and having breakfast in the bush one morning was such a highlight. We even had elephants wander past the pool, which was unreal and something we will never forget. Most importantly, the people who work at Mala Mala are an absolute credit to the reserve. Every single person was so welcoming and professional and made us feel genuinely looked after. We cannot recommend Mala Mala enough. It exceeded every expectation and we would go back in a heartbeat.

I have traveled the world for many years and I can honestly say that Mala Mala is heaven on earth. Our guide Gabe was one of the most wonderful people that I have had the privilege of meeting and we spend 7 wonderful days exploring. This was our second safari in South Africa and each safari is a spiritual experience. W saw all of the big 5 within 24 hours and Gabe showed us more than we could have ever imagined. The Staff at the camp went out of their way to make our stay memorable and the were basically prefect. The food was delicious and the drinks were amazing. I cannot think ozone single thing that they forgot to do. We are grateful for everybody at Mala Mala and for everything they do. We leaned so much that cannot put it into words

Mala Mala is well known in the safari circle for excellent guiding, and it was certainly impressive. Guides had maps, charts and infographics on hand, making it easier for guests to absorb the information. Having been to &Beyond, Asilia, Lemala, Serian, Nomad Tanzania camps, my assigned Mala Mala ranger/guide Deon Kelbrick was the best guide I've had in my 8 safaris.