MalaMala Game Reserve offers some of Africa’s finest viewing in prime leopard territory. Totally unfenced, it borders Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, with a lengthy stretch of the Sand River flowing through it. Having pioneered the upmarket private safari in the 1960s, it is now marketed jointly with a neighboring reserve as Tengile MalaMala.
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Best Time To Go
- May to September (Dry season)
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High Season
- October to March (It never gets very crowded)
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Size
- 133km² / 51mi²
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Altitude
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270-467m /886-1,532ft
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Pros & Cons
- Excellent sightings, with some of Africa’s best leopard viewing
- Off-road driving allows close animal encounters
- Guided and are offered
- Highly trained guides
- Vehicles carry a maximum of six guests and usually no more than four
- Much larger than any property on Sabi Sands with far more river frontage
- Limited with other properties, making it very exclusive
- No budget or options
- Emphasis on checking off the Big Five and carnivores
Wildlife
MalaMala offers some of Africa’s top wildlife viewing. The is usually checked off in two days, and leopards are seen on most . Safaris feel more exclusive than at comparably upmarket properties in Sabi Sands. This is because there are only a handful of lodges in Tengile MalaMala’s combined area and they effectively enjoy exclusive . This means there are no time limits on or queuing to join sightings.
More about MalaMala’s wildlifeScenery
MalaMala shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park to the east and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (of which Tengile is part) on all other sides. Like much of Greater Kruger, the vegetation is a mix of , , open grassland and rocky outcrops. The Sand River, which flows southward through the reserve, is lined with dense and attracts abundant wildlife in the Dry season (May to September).
Activities
Guided early morning and late afternoon in open 4x4 vehicles are included in overnight packages at MalaMala. The quality of guiding here is superb, off-road driving is permitted for special sightings, and vehicles carry an absolute maximum of six guests. Also included in overnight packages are guided , which are usually conducted after brunch. For families, a good selection of children’s activities is offered.
Weather & Climate
Summer in MalaMala runs from October to April. The midday heat can be harsh at this time of year, and since it is also the Wet season, afternoon storms are not uncommon. Winter, from May to September, tends to be dry and mild. Temperatures can drop quite dramatically at night during winter, and early mornings will feel quite cool.
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
The dry winter months (May to September) are recommended for getting the best out of wildlife viewing in MalaMala. Animals can be found milling around the few remaining water sources, and views open up as the bush recedes. During summer (October to April), the vegetation is green and lush and birding is at its prime, but afternoon storms might occasionally spoil the best-laid plans.
More about the best time to visit