Only guests accommodated at Mala Mala may traverse this immense tract of privately owned game land. Photographic safaris are conducted in open 4-wheel drive vehicles which allows for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa's Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo.

After dark, spotlight safaris provide the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt and walking safaris with an armed ranger can be arranged on request.

The success of Mala Mala's safaris can be measured by the fact that more than 76% of its guests are members of their exclusive 'Big Five Club', which means that they have had contact sightings of the Big Five.

This phenomenal rate of viewing success is directly attributed to the fact that Mala Mala comprises 33000 acres or 16000 hectares of pristine game viewing land, making it the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa, with human density and impact on the land being kept to an absolute minimum.

Classic Encounters at Mala Mala

Highly qualified, formally trained rangers, with university degrees in the natural sciences, are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of ecology.

They are ably assisted by Shangaan trackers who accompany the game drives.

The trackers are equipped with an intimate bush knowledge and instinct, which gives a fascinating insight and bring one closer contact with the African bush.

Another reason is the unfenced border between Mala Mala and the Kruger National Park, which allows herds of animals to migrate unhindered to the perennial Sand River which flows north to south through the Mala Mala Game Reserve for 20 kilometers or 13 miles.