Rattray's Camp at Mala Mala

• Prices from $935.00
• Per night

• View slideshow (6 photos)

Highlights

• 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 4 guests on a game vehicle
• Direct flights into Mala Mala with SA airlink

Mala Mala game reserve is part of the world-class Sabi Sands game reserve and simply stated, offers some of the best game-viewing in Africa. There are threelodges on Mala Mala - Main camp and its smaller sister Sable Camp lie in the north of the reserve and and luxurious Rattrays camp is more central. All camps have a superb setting on the San River.

Rattrays on Mala Mala represents a classic 'Out of Africa' safari experience in keeping with Mala Mala's history of offering an authentic view of wildlife in Africa. The lodge is situated on one of the finest areas of the Sabi Sands private game reserve, with a 19km unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. The extensive river frontage ensures that animal sightings are uniformly good year round. Sound conservation management ensures an environmental sanctuary for an impressive density and diversity of wildlife. 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 is a maximum of only 4 guests on any safari vehicle.

The Rattray's experience is exclusive - they call it 'discreet elegant African opulence' which is a pretty accurate summation. Eight luxurious suites or khayas (all with king sized beds) occupy one of the most beautiful river settings overlooking the Sand River.

Designed specifically so that guests can stay at Rattray's for as long as they wish, each of the massive suites or khayas (which is the Zulu word for 'home') functions as an inclusive home, with the finest classical furnishings. Each 180m² khaya is fronted by a large veranda with grand river views. A heated plunge pool built into the private veranda 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 bush cuisine in total seclusion. In proper Mala Mala tradition there are his and her bathrooms, one with ball and claw bath and one with double shower as well as two large dressing areas so that you can properly unpack. To enable the business mandarin to stay in touch with their company, each plush suite or khaya features optional 21st century convenience - satellite landlines, wireless internet access, laptops and a plasma screen TV with global news channels to keep you in touch with market-moving events.

Though a new camp, Rattrays offers all the history of Mala Mala with a fascinating series of photos showing the reserve through the decades. There is a large terrace with glorious bush views. Breakfast and lunch are usually served here (or occasionally in the dining room behind) and dinner is often served here in summer. Other facilities include an air-conditioned library providing a refuge for the literary devotee, an atmospheric and attractive bar showcasing the history of the area and an adjoining wine cellar stocked with a wide range of South Africa's best wines. To the side is a large swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and a massage room which does exactly what it says on the tin - an excellent relaxing massage in the bush.

Dinner, announced by the beating of African drums, is 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 delectable dinner fare features the best of bush cuisine, including venison specialities and outstanding South African wines.

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