4 Days Southern Africa Safari with Mala Mala Big Five
This 4 Days Southern Africa Safari with Mala Mala Big Five will allow you enjoy 3 nights at one of South Africa's largest private Big Five Game Reserves, Mala Mala. It is world-renowned for offering the finest and most consistent Big Five game viewing this side of the equator. It shares a 19 km (12 miles) unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and lies strategically sandwiched between the Kruger and the Sabi Sand Reserve. Note that at certain time of the year there is a stay4/pay 3 offers.
Your Southern Africa Safari journey combines the thrill of game viewing with the comfort of one of South Africa's most prestigious private reserves. The pristine wilderness of Mala Mala spans over 13,300 hectares (33,000 acres) along the Sand River, creating a wildlife haven where leopard sightings are legendary and game viewing is consistently exceptional.
This intimate Southern Africa Safari experience delivers personalized service, expert guidance, and an authentic bush experience. With no time restrictions on wildlife sightings and exclusive traversing rights, your time at Mala Mala—known locally as "Nkuhlu" (place of the Bushwillow tree)—promises unforgettable encounters with Africa's most iconic species in a setting of understated elegance.
Tour highlights
Exclusive Big Five game viewing in the legendary Mala Mala Game Reserve
Luxury accommodations at the historic Mala Mala Main Camp
Uninterrupted game drives with no shared traversing on 70% of the property
Expert rangers and trackers with extensive knowledge of the area
Prime positioning along the Sand River, a natural wildlife magnet
Unlimited time at wildlife sightings without the "queue-to-view" system
Exceptional leopard sightings are considered the best in Africa
Convenient scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza Airport
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as per the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives
- Full board accommodation at Mala Mala Main Camp
- Professional English-speaking rangers and trackers
- Airport transfers to and from Skukuza
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- South African Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional Activities
- Laundry services
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and Flying into Mala Mala Game Reserve
Your Southern Africa Safari begins with a scheduled 50-minute flight from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport to Skukuza Airport in the heart of Kruger National Park. The Southern Africa Safari experience continues with a scenic one-hour transfer through the bush to Mala Mala Main Camp, where you'll settle in before embarking on your first-afternoon game drive. This immersive Southern Africa Safari introduction concludes with sundowners in the bush as the African sun sets over the vast wilderness of Sabi Sands.
- Day2Superior Game Viewing
Wake to the sounds of the African bush as your Southern Africa Safari adventure continues with an early morning game drive, departing approximately 30 minutes before sunrise from Mala Mala Camp. Your Southern Africa Safari guide navigates the pristine 13,300-hectare reserve, following fresh tracks of lions and leopards along the Sand River, known locally as "Inkhovu." The afternoon Southern Africa Safari activity begins after a leisurely lunch, focusing on prime wildlife areas around Rattray's Camp, concluding with nighttime viewing assisted by spotlights.
- Day3Another Superior Game Viewing
Your Southern Africa Safari exploration deepens as you venture into different territories within Mala Mala's vast wilderness, perhaps heading north to the Mlowathi region, a 45-minute drive from camp. This full-day Southern Africa Safari experience includes tracking rhinos through the acacia thickets and witnessing elephant herds crossing the Sand River. The evening Southern Africa Safari drive offers exceptional opportunities to observe predators becoming active as night falls over the bushveld.
- Day4Time to Bid Farewell
The final morning of your Southern Africa Safari begins with a sunrise game drive, offering the last opportunities to photograph the Big Five in the golden light. Your transformative Southern Africa Safari concludes with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before the one-hour transfer back to Skukuza Airport. As your Southern Africa Safari experience draws to a close, the memories of Mala Mala's untamed wilderness will continue to resonate as you board your 50-minute flight back to Johannesburg.