Mala Mala Safari Review: Luxury Big Five Adventure in South Africa
After a few unforgettable days in Cape Town, it was time to trade city life for the wild heart of South Africa. We flew from Cape Town to Skukuza Airport, the gateway to Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves. From there, we climbed into an open-air, covered jeep for a 30-minute ride through the guarded gates of Mala Mala Game Reserve. The afternoon sun was beating down, but the moment we arrived at Mala Mala Resort, we were welcomed with cool towels and a glass of bubbly—a refreshing start to what would become one of the most memorable adventures of my life.
Luxury in the Bush: Mala Mala Accommodations
Mala Mala is known as one of South Africa’s most exclusive private reserves, and the lodge itself exceeded every expectation. Our suite felt like a private retreat with a huge bathroom, both indoor and outdoor showers, a soaking tub, dressing area, and two large closets. From our private porch, we could look out over the wilderness.
The property featured everything you’d expect from a luxury safari camp: a gym, infinity pool overlooking the riverbed (where animals frequently wandered), a bar, gift shop, reception hall, and multiple outdoor dining spaces. Service was seamless and warm, creating a relaxed atmosphere while still offering every detail of comfort—including laundry service.
Game Drives at Mala Mala: Six Adventures into the Wild
Our safari experience included six game drives: three at sunrise and three in the late afternoon that stretched into night. Each drive felt like stepping into a live wildlife documentary.
During our stay, we were fortunate to spot four of the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino—just missing the buffalo. But Mala Mala delivered much more than the famous checklist:
Mating leopards, a rare sight that even seasoned guides get excited about
A den of African wild dogs with playful puppies
A dramatic clash between a leopard and hyena over an impala
A lion pride reuniting, complete with affectionate greetings and roars
Our guide was phenomenal—deeply knowledgeable, passionate, and determined to give us not just sightings, but experiences. Sundowners (gin and tonic for me) as the sun dipped below the horizon became a highlight, followed by the thrill of driving in complete darkness with only the tracker’s spotlight sweeping across the bush.
The close encounters were both magical and heart-pounding: an elephant coming within startling proximity, lions lounging next to our vehicle, and giraffes moving gracefully against the sky. My favorites? Without a doubt, the leopards and giraffes.
Dining at Mala Mala
Every meal was an event in itself. Dinners often featured local game like antelope, cooked to perfection, and served under a canopy of stars. The combination of firelight, incredible flavors, and the soundtrack of the wild made dining here one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
What to Pack for a Safari at Mala Mala
Packing for safari doesn’t have to mean buying a whole new wardrobe. Here’s what I found most useful:
Layers: Early mornings are chilly, afternoons are hot.
Earth tones: Neutral colors blend in best.
A wide-brim hat: My Wallaroo hat was such a hit that one of the female guides even snapped a photo of it!
Athleisure wear: My Lululemon and Vuori staples worked perfectly.
We visited at the end of the dry season, which I highly recommend. With little foliage, the views were unobstructed, and animals gathered near the riverbed, making sightings more frequent and dramatic.
Final Thoughts: Why Mala Mala Was My Favorite
Cape Town was lively and beautiful, but Mala Mala was the experience that stayed with me. The combination of luxury, wildlife, and the raw thrill of the bush made this safari even better than I imagined. Every drive was filled with anticipation, every meal felt special, and every moment brought a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
If you’re planning a safari in South Africa, a stay at Mala Mala should be at the top of your list. It’s more than just a trip—it’s a life experience.
