Mala Mala

The safari industry's blueprint to the luxury photographic safari; in existence since 1927.
The largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa – 13 500 ha (33000 acres), shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Only guests accommodated at one of the MalaMala camps enjoy this privately-owned game land.
As a result the human impact is kept to a minimum and guests are able to enjoy wildlife sightings for longer periods thus increasing their photographic opportunities. The vast area of MalaMala supports a variety of habitat types; dense riverine forest, acacia-combretum bushveld, open grassland and rocky outcrops, each sustaining different plant and animal species. The diversity of game on the MalaMala Game Reserve is therefore enhanced and territorial animals remain in a area’s for many years. Photographic safaris are conducted in open 4-wheel drive vehicles, allowing for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa's unique animals including the legendary Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo.

MalaMala Main Camp - 19 ochre colored units tucked into the greenery which flanks the Sand River. Massive trees and rolling green lawns. Families are welcome at Mala Mala Main Camp, where “Junior Rangers” are treated to an educational yet entertaining bush experience.

Sable Camp - a more intimate version, situated at the southern end of the Mala Mala Camp, 5 comfortable suites under traditional thatching . No children under 12 years,the perfect choice for the traveller who seeks a smaller, more tranquil environment.

Rattray's on Mala Mala (pictured) is the crème de la crème of the luxury safari industry - 8 regal colonial safari-style suites, each with private heated plunge pools. Only 4 guests per safari vehicle. No children under 16 years. ultimate exclusive safari in style, privacy and sublime comfort.

Want to go and experience this premier lodge, contact Go SAfari to arrange this dream Safari

The Sabie Sands Game Reserve

This is a start of a series of posts in which we will bring you details for easy "at your fingertips" knowledge of our wonderful game reserves and great lodges situated in each for these reserves.

We will start with what is probably the best know reserve –
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is adjacent to the Kruger National Park situated near the Kruger Gate. Its 50km unfenced border to the park allows wildlife to roam freely through the 65 000ha reserve between the Sabie River and the Sand River which are the northern and southern boundaries. It is regarded as one of the best areas in the world to view leopards. The Sabi Sand Reserve is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa, and is the oldest of all the private reserves in South Africa. It has only ever been a wilderness area and is home to a vast wildlife population, including The Big Five and the Wildlife viewing is second to none

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers unbelievable safari experiences, and private lodges surpass each other in luxury and laid-back style. They all offer walking safaris, bush breakfasts or dinners, photographic safaris in specially designed safari vehicles. Modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, mini-bars and a centre with internet connections are the norm, as are inside and outside showers, and of course each offer sublime cuisine and extensive wine cellars.

Some of the better know lodges are:
MalaMala Game Reserve, Djuma Game Reserve, Lion Sands Reserve,
Exeter Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Londolozi Private Game Reserve, Singita Game Reserve and Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.

How To Get ThereThe most convenient way to get to the Sabi Sands is to fly directly to the lodges. Federal Air and Bateleur Air Charters operate daily flights that depart from Johannesburg, as well as inter-lodge flights.

Alternatively you can fly into Kruger Mpumalanga Airport from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban (operated by SA Airlink and SA Express) and then be transferred to the lodges either by road (approx 2 hours) or short flight (approx 30 min).

Another option is to drive from Johannesburg. This takes about 5 hours and is an ideal way to explore the countryside of Mpumalanga.

Want to go and experience this reserve, contact Go SAfari to arrange this dream Safari

Royal Madikwe triumphs at 2011 World Luxury Hotel Awards

Royal Madikwe, situated in the game rich, malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve flanking the Botswana border, creates an unrivalled safari experience beyond the ordinary for the discerning traveller, where exceptional accommodation, service and cuisine prevail. Royal Madikwe took top honours at the 2011 World Luxury Hotel Awards by clinching the world's best Luxury Game Lodge title for the 2nd consecutive year.

Formerly exclusive to sole use only, Royal Madikwe recently adapted its 'undivided use' philosophy and now also welcomes couples, honeymooners and small groups to experience and interact with nature in a lavish milieu without having to reserve the entire residence.Royal Madikwe, which can accommodate up to ten guests, features five open style, suites, each with its own distinct, private setting, plunge pool and generous indoor and outdoor living space. The suites are available per person sharing or families and friends can book the entire residence on an exclusive use basis.
Families with children of all ages are welcome with a full-time nanny to assist parents, child-friendly rooms as well as a host of activities designed to take care in stimulating, educating and entertaining the kids while Mom and Dad relax in the lap of royal safari luxury. Adult activities are arranged around the guest's preferences and include daily game drives, guided bush walks, photographic safaris and traditional dancing.

The lavish accommodation includes the signature Royal Suite - a freestanding African bush villa complete with its own kitchen, dining area, lounge and library, perfect for a group or family of four - two Luxury Double Suites; one Luxury Twin Suite, and an additional Luxury Family Suite located in the main residence which is a vast open area comprising a lounge, bar and dining area and surrounded by a variety of decks, salas and outdoor seating and dining areas overlooking a well-frequented waterhole.


Want to come and expeience this worl class lodge, contact Go SAfari to arrange this amazing experince.

SOUTH AFRICA'S LEADING SAFARI LODGE!

MalaMala has also been awarded the accolade of SOUTH AFRICA'S LEADING SAFARI LODGE by the World Travel Awards.
The Wall Street Journal describes the awards as the 'Oscars' of travel and tourism.

This year, a phenomenal 213,000 industry professionals participated in the voting process, which is scrupulously monitored and independently audited.

Want to come and expeience this worl class lodge, contact Go SAfari to arrange this amazing experince.

Paragliding Kilimanjaro

What started as a crazy idea between friends nearly 10 years ago, is finally turning into reality. The first ever legal paragliding flights from Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, are just around the corner. The expedition has also been put together to commemorate the 50 year 'Uhuru' Celebrations in Tanzania. (Uhuru means freedom). They are hiking to the summit and planning to fly off (weather permitting) on the 16 September 2011. Follow this expedition on the website: www.livetrack24.com - Event name 2011 Paraglide Kilimanjaro - where up to the minute live tracking will be provided, from the 11 - 18 September.

South Africa

Glorious beaches, gracious winelands, cosmopolitan cities, sanctuaries teeming with game. South Africa offers the visitor an endless range of excellent options.

Truly cosmopolitan, South Africans are often described as 'the rainbow nation'. South Africa is a vast country (about five times larger than the United Kingdom) which offers a great variety of holiday options and endless things to see and do.

Among the most popular excursions are visits to the country's many superb national parks and game reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Cape Town with its familiar landmark, Table Mountain, remains a favourite destination. The picturesque wine estates and quality wines produced there attract great interest. With year round sun shine and great climate there is never a bad time to visit South Africa.

Any visitor to Johannesburg should include a visit to Soweto while to the north west of the 'city of gold' lies Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City.
Magnificent mountain scenery, including the famed Drakensberg and the awe-inspring Blyde River Canyon, competes with the semi-desert of the Karoo and ancient forests of Tsitsikamma and Knysna for visitors' attention.


Want to come and expeience this worl class lodge, contact Go SAfari to arrange this amazing experince.

Changes in yellow fever policy

The Department of Health has informed the South African Society of Travel Medicine that as of October 1, all travellers from Zambia will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination (unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate). Travellers transiting airports in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission will also be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination, regardless of the amount of time spent at the airport.

All travellers from yellow fever risk countries who are unable to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry will either be refused entry or quarantined until their certificate becomes valid, or for a period of not more than six days. Those with an exemption certificate due to medical reasons will be allowed entry and required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities and be placed under surveillance.