Rattray's on MalaMala (Sabie Sand Game Reserve) South Africa
Location:
At nearly 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) MalaMala Game Reserve is by far the largest piece of land within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve - the oldest conservancy of private game reserves in South Africa. Situated in the fabled Lowveldt of Mpumalanga Province, MalaMala Game Reserve became the first of the tracts of privately owned game land to make the transition from hunting to photographic safaris.
Rattray's on MalaMala offers a glimpse of an era long past when distant travellers to Africa married the magic of the wild with an elegance and refinement that have been immortalized in the epic tale of Karen Blixen in 'Out of Africa'. The epitome of regal colonial safari-style, the newest addition to the MalaMala portfolio is a culmination of over 40 years of experience within the Rattray Family.
Accommodation at Rattray's on MalaMala
The new Rattray's on MalaMala camp is built on the site of the old Harry's Camp (Harry's Camp no longer exists). Rattray's on MalaMala represents a classical “into Africa” safari experience in keeping with MalaMala’s history of presenting an authentic view of wildlife in Africa to the discerning traveler. Rattray's on MalaMala's bears the style of crystal and leather, with beautiful furnishings that are a treat to the connoisseur of the finer things in life, captured over generations on a land that remains as old as time. Each suite or khaya (Zulu for "home") functions as an inclusive home, resplendent with hand-selected furnishings, lavish his-and-hers bathrooms, a secluded outdoor shower and a private heated plunge pool.
The Rattray’s camp experience is exclusive, with each of the eight comfortable suites occupying its own elevated site overlooking the Sand River. Filtered plunge pools complete each of the secluded verandahs and an outdoor dining area provides the ideal vantage point from which to enjoy bush cuisine in complete privacy. Each guest has the choice of remaining connected to the outside world from the sanctuary of their room via continuous internet connectivity (512k wireless link via satellite connection) and satellite television.
Rattray's has a maximum capacity of 16 guests, utilizing 8 luxury suites called "khayas". Each khaya has wooden floors with under-floor heating in the winter months and wooden ceilings. All khaya include separate his and hers luxury en-suite bathrooms and King-sized beds.
The Khayas also include: • King-sized beds ONLY • 24-hour temperature control • Individual satellite television • Laptop computer and 24-hour email / internet connectivity • Private, secluded garden area • Wooden deck overlooking the Sand River • Private heated plunge pool • Additional outdoor shower • In-room dining on request (within your suite or on the deck area outside) • Full range of guest amenities including bar, safe etc.
Facilities
Facilities within the elegant main building incorporate a viewing deck, an air-conditioned library providing a refuge for the literary devotee, an attractive bar showcasing the history of the area and an adjoining wine cellar stocked with a wide range of South Africa’s best wines.
Other facilities: • Dining Room with adjoining covered deck for outdoor dining • Open-air veranda overlooking the Sand River • Swimming pool with change room facilities • Bush gymnasium • Massage room • Traditional African boma • Golf Carts for guests who do not want to walk back to rooms • Laundry Service • Private, secluded garden area. Dining Breakfast and lunch are served in the air-conditioned dining room or on the adjoining deck, whilst the traditional reed boma under a magnificent jackalberry tree is the ultimate outdoor evening venue. Private dining in your suite is available on request.
Children Policy
Age restrictions do exist and are applied in the interests of personal safety as well as the comfort of other guests. We regret to advise that no children under the age of 16 years may be accommodated at Rattray's Camp.
Activities / Wildlife
The focus of the Rattray’s safaris will continue to reflect the ethos of the reserve over the past forty years – game viewing. Sound conservation management has ensured an environmental sanctuary for an impressive density and diversity of wildlife. With a maximum of 4 guests per safari vehicle, this wildlife wonderland that is MalaMala unfolds. Sightings of the Big Five and the interactions of the various species along the food chain from ants to elephants provides visitors with a glimpse of Africa as it has always been – untouched by the modern human hand.
Only guests accommodated in one of the three MalaMala Game Reserve camps may traverse the immense tract of privately owned game land within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Game drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles in the 40,000 acre MalaMala portion of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another to keep each other informed about the location of the game. Headsets are used for this purpose so as not to disturb the sounds of the African bush.
A special game drive feature at Rattray's is a maximum of four guests per safari vehicle. The 4-wheel drive safari vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with close up game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights, bring the bush to life at night.
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 our safaris can be measured by the fact that more than 76% of MalaMala's guests have had contact sightings of the Big Five.
Accommodation Rates:-
From $1,320 per person per night sharing. Please contact us
for a quote and suggested itinerary.