Rattray’s on MalaMala

• some of the best game-viewing in Africa
• luxurious, elegant and extremely spacious accommodation
• emphasis is on maximizing your experience of the bush
• offers authentic bush cuisine with a twist
• only four guests on a game vehicle

Mala Mala game reserve lies in the eastern part of the world-class Sabi Sands game reserve and offers some of the best game-viewing in Africa. The 19km of unfenced open boundary provides unimpeded access to Kruger's wildlife. The camp represents a classic 'Out of Africa' safari experience in keeping with Mala Mala's history of offering an authentic view of wildlife in Africa. MalaMala has 20kms of Sand River frontage, making their camps a magnet for animals in the area. The extensive river frontage of Rattray's at Mala Mala ensures that animal sightings are uniformly good year round. By positioning the camps on the western side of the river, 95% of the land east of the river has no human presence and is left exclusively for the wildlife. This creates an area of pristine bush.

Sightings of the Big Five and the interactions of the various species along the food chain - from ants to elephants - provide you with a glimpse of Africa as it has always been: untouched by the modern human hand.  To ensure an intimate and rewarding game experience, there are only four guests on any safari vehicle.

Accommodation

The Rattray's experience is exclusive - they call it 'discreet elegant African opulence' which is a pretty accurate summation. Eight luxurious suites occupy one of the most beautiful river settings overlooking the Sand River. Each suite or khaya (the Zulu word for 'home') is classically furnished and fronted by a large veranda with expansive river views. A heated plunge pool and a private outdoor shower provides an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the bush, as does the outdoor dining area, where you can enjoy a private dinner. In proper Mala Mala tradition you have two bathrooms, one with ball and claw bath and one with double shower as well as two dressing areas so that you can properly unpack. To enable the business mandarin to stay in touch, each suite features optional 21st century conveniences tucked discreetly behind doors - satellite landlines, wireless internet access, laptops and plasma television.

Rattray's  showcases the history of Mala Mala with a fascinating series of photos charting the reserve through the decades. There is a large terrace with glorious bush views. Breakfast and lunch are usually served here. Other facilities at Rattray's at Mala Mala include an air-conditioned library, an atmospheric and attractive bar showcasing the history of the area and an adjoining wine cellar stocked with South Africa's best wines. There's a large swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and a massage room.

Dinner is announced by the beating of African drums - a festive affair in the grand old African manner. It is usually served under the stars in a traditional boma in the glorious shadow of a magnificent jackalberry tree.

The safari experience at Rattray's on MalaMala is exclusive and unsurpassed, with never more than four people per safari vehicle.

In summary: as with the original Mala Mala Camp, Rattray's is completely focused on providing a world class bush experience. They don't try to offer a spa in the bush, or food that you might see in a New York restaurant. They provide two bathrooms so that you can get ready for an early morning game drive with ease. They provide spotlights on the main veranda just in case you see a leopard as you are enjoying a nightcap. Having seen all of the lodges in the Sabi Sands, I can honestly say that Rattray's at Mala Mala is at the top of the food chain - offering elegance and luxury but with the emphasis on supreme comfort.