In 1926 the government created Kruger National Park and put up for sale parcels of land lying immediately to the west of the reserve boundary. The blocks were purchased by private families, mainly for use as private hunting areas. In 1964 MalaMala was sold to the Rattray family, who already owned some of the adjacent plots, merging them together to create the present reserve and converting it from hunting to photographic safari.

MalaMala is proud of their long history as responsible custodians of these lands and remain steadfastly to their traditional safari style. MalaMala (Main) Camp, Rattray’s on MalaMala and Sable Camp are MalaMala’s three properties.

The family-friendly MalaMala Camp offers 19 rooms. The neighbouring Sable Camp is a smaller, more intimate version of MalaMala Camp and is ideal for those who are seeking a more private safari experience.

The ultra luxury Rattray's on MalaMala is the perfect choice for guests who seek the ultimate safari experience.

Covering an area of 13,200 hectares, MalaMala Game Reserve is the largest private reserve in the Sabi Sand Reserve. Traversed by the life-giving Sand River, this expansive region shares a 19 km unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park and guarantees fantastic game drives across a large area with few other vehicles.

With the addition of cheetah and wild dog, the reserve also boasts being able to present the big five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino) on almost any day of the week. Hyena, giraffe, hippo, zebra and several species of antelope may also be encountered. Many animals make their first appearance while guests take their morning coffee on the terrace overlooking Sands River.

Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives, guided walks.