MalaMala Game Reserve was the first privately owned and commercially operated game reserve in South Africa and is the model on which all other private game reserves now operate.

The photographic experience at MalaMala includes a dedicated ranger to guide you through your safari. Their intuitive knowledge of animal behavior and skilled positioning of the vehicle affords one enhanced wildlife photographic opportunities. This, coupled with the option of either a sliding, cushioned camera rail or a fixed, cushioned camera rail, affords one the greatest comfort and stability when attempting to capture those quintessential wildlife images you’ve been waiting for.

Comprising 13 200 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced boundary with the world-famous Kruger National Park (KNP) and lies strategically sandwiched between the KNP and the Sabi Sand Reserve. Importantly, MalaMala has 20 kms (13 miles) of Sand River frontage. This perennial river acts as a magnet for animals in this pristine wildlife area and is the foundation of MalaMala’s unrivalled game viewing and wildlife experience.

Preserving and protecting the environmental integrity of this special piece of Africa has always been at the core of MalaMala’s existence. This philosophy has paid off and international photojournalists and film-makers have made MalaMala their wildlife destination of choice.

The photographic experience can be booked for individuals, families or small groups travelling together. It is ideal for both enthusiastic amateurs as well as seasoned veterans.

Features of the photographic experience include the following:

- Three rows of bucket seats on the vehicle complete with inter-changeable storage boxes for your gear/sundry items.

- A sliding, cushioned camera rail or a fixed, cushioned camera rail attached to the vehicle.

- Bean bags for added camera stability.

- A dedicated ranger.

Packed breakfasts/lunches available to facilitate more time spent in the field in pursuit of your best shot!

MalaMala has over 55 years of game viewing experience and was the first game reserve to transition from hunting safaris to photographic safaris. This not only gives us many generations of animals which are accustomed to the game drive vehicles, but also superior knowledge on how to manage sightings with the utmost respect for the animals.

Our rangers are expertly trained and all have accredited field guide qualifications. Most of the rangers studied the natural sciences at university and as a result we have specialists in many different scientific fields e.g. Ornithology, Entomology and Zoology.
The strictest protocols are followed when viewing animals to ensure they are relaxed and behave naturally.
Our rangers use headsets so that there are no radio interruptions to disrupt the game drives.

We allow a maximum of 3 vehicles per sighting.

IMAGES & INFORMATION: Credit to MalaMala Game Reserve