MalaMala Game Reserve

Wildlife

MalaMala is renowned for its Big Five game viewing. Leopards are the stars, with individuals that have grown up alongside safari vehicles and can be watched at close range. Lion prides move through the reserve and along the Sand River, elephants and buffalo herds are common, especially in the dry season, and rhino are present, although their locations are kept confidential.

Other predators include spotted hyena, cheetah and African wild dog, which pass through from time to time. Giraffe, zebra, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, impala and blue wildebeest are common, and the river supports hippo and Nile crocodile.

Night drives bring sightings of genets, civets, porcupines and owls, and the birdlife is excellent, with several hundred species recorded in the wider area, including ground hornbills, vultures and a variety of eagles.

Key wildlife

• Leopard
• Lion
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Rhino
• Wild dog
• Cheetah
• Spotted hyena
• Hippo
• Giraffe
• Nyala
• Kudu

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: May–Sep. Also good: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr.

Peak Good Quieter

MalaMala offers excellent game viewing all year. The dry winter months from May to September are the most popular. The bush thins out, animals concentrate along the Sand River, and the days are mild and sunny, though mornings and evenings on open vehicles can be cold.

The summer months from November to March bring rain, mostly as afternoon thunderstorms, lush green bush, newborn animals and migrant birds. Vegetation is thicker, but the quality of guiding means sightings remain excellent. The reserve is in a malaria area, with the highest risk during the summer rains.

Getting There

MalaMala has its own airstrip, served by scheduled flights from Johannesburg, which is the easiest way to arrive. Alternatively, fly to Skukuza Airport (SZK) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) near Nelspruit and transfer by road.

By road, MalaMala is roughly six hours’ drive from Johannesburg, travelling through the Sabi Sand to reach the reserve. Your camp will provide directions and confirm arrival times.

MalaMala combines well with Cape Town, the Winelands and the Mozambique coast. See our Kruger to coast safari and sea for a bush-and-beach idea.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

MalaMala is a private reserve open only to guests staying at its camps, so there is no public entrance fee. A nightly community and conservation levy is added to the lodge bill; confirm the current amount with your safari planner when booking.

Gate hours

Access for guests of MalaMala’s camps only; no day visitors.

Health

Malaria risk: Moderate. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Game drives in open vehicles in the morning and late afternoon, continuing into the evening with a spotlight, are the focus of every stay.

Guided bush walks are available for guests who want to experience the bush on foot with an armed guide.

Photography is a big draw, with close, relaxed leopard sightings and few vehicles at each sighting.

Relaxing at camp, overlooking the Sand River, where elephants and other animals often come to drink, is a highlight between drives.

Explore other reserves in the Greater Kruger, such as the Timbavati, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.