​User Reviews – MalaMala GR

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Stefan Randholm   –  
Spain ES
Visited: November 2008 Reviewed: May 7, 2012

35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Sheer luxury, straight Out of Africa.
Overall rating
5/5

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.   –  
United Kingdom UK
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?
Overall rating
5/5

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.

greenluvrks7 Visited: July 2012 Reviewed: Oct 24, 2012

Once in a Lifetime
Overall rating
5/5

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

Overall rating
5/5

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

Overall rating
5/5

Great game viewing (the didn't even had to use a tracker), great accomodation.

zapiture   –  
South Africa ZA
Visited: July 2016 Reviewed: Aug 7, 2016

Email zapiture  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Overall rating
5/5

The crown jewel of Southern Africa's Nature Reserves

Claire Roadley   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: May 2018 Reviewed: Jul 4, 2018

Email Claire Roadley  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Just keeps getting better!
Overall rating
5/5

This was my second visit to MalaMala (lucky I know!) so I had very high expectations - especially as on my previous stay we ticked off all the Big 5 just between the airport and Main Camp and saw both a lion and leopard kill on our first game drive! This time however it was the accommodation that totally knocked my socks off. Sable Camp has been transformed into a modern, fresh, chic safaris lodge whilst maintaining its authentic character. I loved that the his and hers bathrooms have been knocked into one big bathroom with both a bath and shower. Its had a real injection of "wow" factor so please ignore the rating saying it looked tired and in need of a refurb! Main Camp was busy being done up in May and the team said it should be for the most part complete in July (think they said they would do the last few rooms on the one end of camp at the end of the year). The decks, lounges, bar etc all look fabulous.

The game viewing again was amazing and a real highlight was watching two leopards mating right in front of us as well as seeing loads of different lion with our guide Lucky, who grew up in the reserve. It far exceeded all expectations and I cannot wait to go back again.

Carl (AKA TwinMountain)   –  
United States US
Visited: May 2009 Reviewed: Apr 8, 2012

50-65 years of age

Overall rating
5/5

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.

Hennie van Heerden (wildlife photographer) Visited: November 2010 Reviewed: Jun 1, 2012

The ultimate safari experience in South Africa
Overall rating
5/5

4 times I've been to Mala Mala (stayed in 3 of their 4 camps) and I've yet to find a flaw. The camps are luxurious to extremely luxurious; the food and wines are excellent. Rooms (and in Rattrays 'khayas', bungalows) are outstanding.

The wildlife viewing is among the best in Africa, the rangers are knowledgeable and pleasant company. Best thing is that they wear ear-pieces so no crackling radios while watching wildlife.

But the best about Mala Mala Game Reserve is that the wildlife comes first, always. The game viewing is done with ultimate respect for the animals' wellbeing.

Markle1   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: September 2008 Reviewed: Jun 17, 2012

35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Very Special Experience
Overall rating
5/5

This was my first Safari experience and a colleague recommended that I should go to Mala Mala and it didn't disappoint. The excellent, knowledgeable guides and spotters, great wildlife viewing opportunities at the end of winter (September, dry season) fantastic accommodation and the fact that you could fly directly there from Johannesburg all were big positive points.

Average User Rating

  • 4.9/5
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star 29
  • 4 star 4
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0
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