Malamala Rattray’s Camp
Rattray’s Is A Luxury Lodge Nestled On The Banks Of The Sand River In The Heart Of The Exclusive Malamala Game Reserve
Rattray’s offers a luxury ‘big five’ experience in the renowned MalaMala Game Reserve, the largest individual property in the prolific Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The lodge has an established and traditional feel, though with 10 rooms it isn’t quite as small and intimate as some other luxury options in Sabi Sand. The setting is gorgeous though, overlooking the Sand River, and the game viewing across MalaMala is really superb and very exclusive – as good as it gets! If your top priorities are privacy and sophisticated hospitality, there are a few other lodges that will appeal a little more than Rattray’s, but for an all-round luxury big game experience, Rattray’s is hard to beat.
Rooms
The lodge accommodates up to 16 guests in eight large luxury suites. Each of the suites has his and hers bathrooms, a large bedroom and sitting area and private verandah which leads to a deck with small private pool and outdoor shower. The ‘hers’ bathroom contains a bath, single vanity, loo and dressing area, whilst the ‘his’ bathroom contains a double shower, single vanity and loo and dressing room. Each room is elegantly furnished with indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a writing bureau, sofas, easy chairs and a coffee table.
Central Areas
The central areas are to the side of the suites and contain a wide, open air timber deck, a more formal lounge section, separate library, an air-conditioned dining room and bar. Nearby are the main swimming pool, a small gymnasium, steam room and massage room. There is also a small curio shop. Breakfast and a buffet lunch are often served in the dining room whilst dinners are usually taken on the large deck.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
MalaMala Game Reserve is one of the largest private ‘Big Five’ reserves in South Africa covering some 13,200 hectares. It lies next to the famous Kruger National Park on the eastern edge of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, with unfenced boundaries throughout. The perennial Sand River flows through the property for some 12 miles.
The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is made up of a consortium of old farms, which over the last 40 years, have reverted back to nature and created the wildlife haven it is today. The habitat of the region is predominantly mixed woodland (from dense riverine forest to acacia-combretum bushveld), with open grassland plains and rocky outcrops. Animal species likely to be seen include elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, impala, duiker, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebra, hippo, warthog and wild dog. Sable antelope are also returning to the region.
During your stay at any of the safari camps, you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to experience the bush after dark. Using a spotlight on the vehicle, you may have the luck to see some of the many nocturnally active species of wildlife – honey badger, leopard, civet, serval, genet, aardvark, pangolin, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, and hyaena. The birdlife of South Africa is exceptional, and Sabi Sand is no exception. Birds likely to be seen include the beautiful rollers (Lilac Breasted and European), various kingfisher species including the woodland, as well as a variety of species usually associated with the bush – shrikes, widowbirds, babblers, starlings, vultures and raptors.
Activities
MalaMala is the largest individual property in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and does not share traversing rights with any other properties. This ensures very high levels of exclusivity when game-viewing. Game viewing activities are hosted by knowledgeable guides, one of whom is be assigned to you for your entire stay. Game-viewing focuses around day and night game drives by open four-wheel drive vehicle, and nature walks are also offered.
Seasons
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is open all year. Game viewing is superb all year round, though you could experience rainfall from late October through to early April.
Only children over the age of 16 years may be accommodated at Rattray’s. With a policy of one game drive vehicle per two rooms, a family of four with older children are likely to have a private vehicle and guide, which may not be guaranteed at other lodges.
Guests visiting the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve contribute directly to critical conservation efforts through the Sabi Sand Guest Conservation Contribution (GCC). This initiative supports the ongoing sustainability of the Reserve and neighbouring communities, ensuring that both the wildlife and wilderness continue to thrive for generations to come. The GCC helps fund vital programs aimed at habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and community partnerships that align with the Reserve’s holistic approach to conservation.
MalaMala invests a significant amount of time and funding into anti-poaching measures in the area and is also involved in other conservation projects including research and monitoring and habitat and wildlife management.
MalaMala operates in partnership with the N’wandlamhari Community who are shareholders in the business with over half of MalaMala’s employees being community-based. Dividends from the business are used to fund community-based enterprises and other infrastructure projects; while the Community Tourism Levy has helped to establish a trust specifically supporting the education and training of the local community.
