MalaMala Camp is the flagship of the Tengile MalaMala Collection, which now runs the old MalaMala reserve. It sits on the Sand River in old riverine forest, with 11 suites and 8 rooms, all thatched and facing the river or a waterhole, plus one universally accessible suite. The reserve has about 20 kilometers of Sand River frontage and an unfenced eastern boundary with Kruger.
MalaMala's reputation is built on game viewing, and days are about getting out on drives with experienced rangers, including specially equipped vehicles for guests who need help getting in and out. Between drives there is a pool and small gym above the floodplain, and dinners move between the deck, the boma and the dining room. Scheduled shuttle flights run from OR Tambo to MalaMala's own airstrip, or you can fly to Skukuza and drive about an hour.
It suits returning safari travelers and photographers, and families, since children of all ages are welcome, although under-5s cannot join standard drives and pre-teens cannot walk. The style is classic rather than design-led. The reserve was relaunched under the Tengile MalaMala name in 2026, so you may still see the old MalaMala Main Camp name in places.
MalaMala Camp, long known as MalaMala Main Camp, is one of the oldest safari camps in South Africa, set on the Sand River with an unfenced border with Kruger. We recommend it for serious game viewers who care more about the wildlife than the décor.
Mammals
Birdlife
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