MALAMALA & CAMP JABULANI
SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
MALAMALA GAME RESERVE AND CAMP JABULANI
DAY 1 & 2:
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be met by a Journeys of Distinction
Representative who will hand over all travel related documents and assist you to check in for the flight
to MalaMala.
On arrival at MalaMala Airfield, you will be met by MalaMala staff and transferred to MalaMala Main
Camp which will be your haven for the following two days.
Check-in at MalaMala Main Camp.
Accommodation at MalaMala Main Camp in luxury room inclusive of all meals and game
activities.
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MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
MalaMala Game Reserve is the oldest and most historical private game reserve in South Africa, in existence since 1927. Sound conservation management, sheer size of land (it’s the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa) and a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border shared with the Kruger National Park contribute to MalaMala’s reputation as the finest game viewing destination in the world.
The open boundary provides unimpeded access to Kruger’s wildlife, which are attracted by MalaMala’s vast array of habitat types – ranging from open savannah to dense riparian zones and granite kopjes. At a mammoth 13 200 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala is not only the largest private Big Five game reserve in the country, it also features the largest piece of land in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve – South Africa’s oldest conservancy of private game reserves. But perhaps of strongest allure to wildlife is the perennial Sand River of which 13 km (8 miles) flow through the reserve.
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MalaMala Game Reserve also consistently features in the world’s top tourism and travel awards such
as Travel and Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Hotel’, and Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘Top Hotel in Africa’.
While it’s become the exception rather than the rule for all members of the Big Five not to be seen on
a single day, MalaMala’s certainly not just about the big and hairy. CEO and owner, Michael Rattray,
has been closely associated with the MalaMala area for almost 70 years and his formidable
conservation expertise ensures that smaller beasties like dung beetles have right of way! Indeed,
MalaMala is a sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife where nature lovers may see threatened
animals such as cheetahs, pangolins and the wild dog – Africa’s second most endangered carnivore!
The variety of birdlife in the reserve regularly rewards even the most seasoned ornithologist with
surprising finds: the martial eagle and ground hornbill for instance.
Activities range from walking safaris to 4x4 safaris which may include sumptuous bush breakfasts,
picnic lunches and the opportunity to savour sundowners as the sun sets behind the dusty horizon.
Outdoor activities are led by highly qualified rangers, most of whom have university degrees in the
natural sciences and are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of bushveld ecology. To optimise the
guest’s game viewing experience, trackers from the
Shangaan tribe collaborate closely with their rangers. These Shangaan trackers have a fabled
understanding of the bushveld passed down through the ages by their fathers and their fathers’
fathers.
MalaMala’s thrilling game viewing is a prime draw-card for some of the world’s most renowned wildlife
photographers and filmmakers. It should therefore come as no surprise that MalaMala has also
provided the subject-matter for many a celebrated wildlife book, such as long-time MalaMala ranger
Nils Kure’s Living with Leopards, currently one of the most in-depth scientific studies of this elusive
cat.
But ultimately it’s the environment and how it’s experienced that makes MalaMala what it is today.
With the resources at its disposal, and the experience of over 40 years as a leader in its field,
MalaMala Game Reserve is well-established as a premier safari destination in southern Africa – and
the world!
MALAMALA MAIN CAMP
The ochre-coloured buildings of MalaMala Main Camp are clustered amid shady trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The individually decorated, spacious and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching offer spectacular views of the river and the wild- and bird life that are attracted to the water for refreshment and refuge from the hot African sun. The rooms are equipped with ‘his-andhers’
bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini-safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala retains an authentic bushveld camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which MalaMala is world-famous shines through.
Dinner is another highlight of the MalaMala experience and is served around a log-fire in the grand old African manner, under star-punched skies and in a reed boma – a MalaMala tradition for 60 years. The delectable dinner fare features a smorgasbord of bush cuisine, including venison specialities and outstanding South African wines.
The spacious, beautifully adorned Buffalo Lounge, which displays bronzes, works of art and wildlife trophies, leads onto an expansive wooden deck that provides an elevated view of animals congregating at the Sand River. MalaMala Main Camp offers luxury and comfort in breathtaking, untainted wilds, where exhilarating game drives and guided walks engender close encounters with Africa’s game – big and small. These features – and MalaMala’s famous ‘X-factor’ – conspire to make for a bushveld experience that is world-renowned and routinely recognised in the world’s top tourism awards.
RATTRAY’S on MALAMALA
The Rattray's on MalaMala experience is altogether exclusive and discerning, with each of the 8 luxurious suites or khayas occupying its own elevated site overlooking the Sand River. Designed specifically to enable guests to stay at Rattray’s on MalaMala for as long as they wish, each suite or khaya (Zulu for ‘home’) functions as an inclusive home, resplendent with the finest furnishings, lavish his-and-hers bathrooms and a secluded outdoor shower. Each khaya is fronted by a verandah with grand river views. A filtered plunge pool built into the private verandah provides an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the surrounding scenery, as does the outdoor dining area, where once can enjoy bush cuisine – any fare from breakfast to dinner – in total seclusion.
To enable the communication-conscious traveller to remain connected to the outside world. Each khaya offers optional wireless internet and a laptop, as well as crystal-clear satellite landlines. A plasma screen TV with entertainment channels and global news networks like BBC and CNN keeps guests in touch with market-moving events. So as not to detract from guests’ enjoyment of the wild and untainted surroundings, all communications’ equipment (except landline telephones) is locked away in a cabinet, and there it shall remain, out of sight, unless guests ask for the key.
Rattray’s on MalaMala’s elegant main building incorporates a viewing deck, an air-conditioned library for the literary devotee, an attractive bar that showcases the history of the area and an adjoining wine cellar stocked with a sundry range of South Africa's finest wines. Breakfast and lunch are served in the cool, air-conditioned dining room or on the adjoining deck, whilst the traditional reed boma and its tall, sweeping jackalberry tree make for unmatched outdoor evening dining.
However, Rattray's on MalaMala’s safaris reflects the 40-year-old, traditional ethos of the MalaMala Game Reserve – game viewing. Sound conservation management ensures an environmental sanctuary for an impressive density and diversity of wildlife. At Rattray’s on MalaMala we strive for a maximum of 4 guests per safari vehicle, so enabling this unspoilt piece of African paradise to unfold effortlessly before nature lovers.
Sightings of the Big Five and the interactions of the various species along the food chain – from ants to elephants – provide visitors with a glimpse of Africa as it has always been: untouched by the modern human hand. |
DAY 3:
After an exhilarating game drive followed by breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for the
short light air transfer hop to Hoedspruit Airport where you will be met by Camp Jabulani’s staff who
will transfer you to the lodge. This road transfer will not take more than 10 minutes.
Check-in at Camp Jabulani.
Accommodation at Camp Jabulani in luxury suites inclusive of all meals and standard
activities (exclusive of elephant back safari which can be booked direct at the Camp).
KAPAMA GAME RESERVE
Our reserve, situated in Limpopo Province, covers prime big-game territory and has successfully
combined the wilderness of the bush with the comforts of five-star hospitality and facilities.
The reserve enjoys panoramic views of the nearby Drakensberg mountain range and is only 40 km
from the Kruger National Park.
The reserve is central to most of the scenic areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.
As a result of the game relocation programme, the reserve now supports a wide variety of game
including elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu and many
other species of antelope. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many smaller
species.
The reserve has gained a reputation as a centre for wildlife management and research. Although
tourism features prominently in the reserve, it is the aim of the owner and her team to maintain a
balance between the demands of tourism and conservation.
Bird watching is most rewarding and more than 350 species have been recorded.
The vegetation is typical of the lowveld: mixed woodland, which is dominated by a variety of acacia
and bushwillow species, but also includes tamboti, marula, silver clusterleaf and jackalberry.
It all started with one baby elephant, who was rejected by his herd when he was just three months old.
Lente Roode, owner of Camp Jabulani and founder of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre,
discovered the calf and took him in for help at the centre. She named him Jabulani, “Rejoice”, and that
indeed describes Jabulani: always in the lead, with bouncing gait and mischievous eye. Over the years
he adapted to the ways of his human friends. All our attempts to reintroduce him to the wild failed. He
thought of himself as one of us, though in reality he needed his own kind.
All too soon the calf grew into a five year old bull, and a unique opportunity arose to give him a family of his own kind. A rather special herd from Zimbabwe had to be relocated to South Africa to ensure its survival. These elephants had been trained, with patience and kindness, to safely carry people. The rescue mission was launched by Lente Roode in March 2002 when Zimbabwe was preparing for an election. She learnt that the future of these elephants, and their handlers, was in jeopardy when war veterans began invading farms, including the game farm on which this trained herd was located. The rescue succeeded, and the herd and its handlers arrived at Kapama. We were more than a bit anxious on the day Jabulani was introduced to the herd. To our great relief the Matriarch “Tokwe” immediately adopted Jabulani as her own. He has become part of this close family. He’s their mascot, and their affection for him is obvious, though they don’t let him get too cheeky! |
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Today the herd consists out of 12 full-grown elephants accommodated at Camp Jabulani on the Kapama Game Reserve. Camp Jabulani is the first to offers a luxury elephant experience in South Africa. Meet the herd on which this is based.
CAMP JABULANI
Appreciate nature by experiencing the African bush from an elephant's perspective - walking besides them or riding high allows you to get close to the animals. There is no better way of interacting with the wilderness and wildlife of Africa than on an African elephant back safari. Generally the game is not aware of your presence as you gently 'float' through the wilds of Africa in the company of Africa's finest travelling companions.
This unique and absolutely wonderful African elephant experience is combined with a luxurious and beautiful camp in the exclusive, 13 000ha Kapama Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The camp is named after Jabulani - one of the African elephants that was raised by the Hoedspruit Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
At Camp Jabulani you indulge in a luxury experience like no other, with this distinctive safari for those wanting the best of the best…
Accommodation consists of 6 ultra luxurious suites with en-suite bathrooms, double vanity, private deck and plunge pool, lounge with fireplace, air conditioning and ceiling fans as well as a Victorian bath, an outside shower and mini bar. A gym and masseuse service is also available for those wanting additional pampering. Lavish champagne breakfasts, traditional bush dinners with mouthwatering South African fare, formal-plated dinners with crystal and silver, riverbed culinary adventures, delicate tea-settings, and many other opportunities for guests to tempt more than their taste buds. Every meal an occasion and bush cuisine at its best. Other activities at Camp Jabulani includes game drives, clay pigeon shooting, nature walks, picnics and boat trips. This African elephant back safari in South Africa is an unforgettable experience! |
DAY 5:
After an early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the camp, you will be road transferred to
Eastgate Airport (Hoedpsruit Airport) where you will connect with the scheduled flight to
Johannesburg.
END OF SERVICES
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