MalaMala · Sand River
MalaMala Sable Camp
An intimate camp of seven thatched suites above the Sand River, in the MalaMala Game Reserve.
From R30 150 pp / night sharing
MalaMala · Plunge-pool villas
Rattray's Lodge
MalaMala's most exclusive camp: eight suites, for guests aged 16 and older.
FromR42 800pp / night sharing
The lodge
Eight freestanding suites with private plunge pools on the Sand River, in MalaMala's quiet lodge for guests aged 16 and over.
Rattray's Lodge stands among giant riverine trees on the banks of the Sand River in the MalaMala Game Reserve, in the Greater Kruger, where the reserve shares an unfenced eastern boundary with the Kruger National Park. It is named after Mike and Norma Rattray, who built MalaMala into an internationally known wildlife destination. Its eight freestanding suites, which the lodge calls villas, all overlook the floodplains and the river, and the lodge is designed as a quiet retreat for adults.
Each suite has a riverside deck with a private plunge pool, a bath with indoor and outdoor showers, separate his and hers bathrooms, and a mini bar and coffee station. Meals are served in the suite, on the main lodge deck or around the fire in the reed boma. Game drives run twice a day with no more than four guests a vehicle, and guides also lead nature walks, birdwatching and stargazing. There is a gym, with massages in the suite or in the spa rooms beside the pool.
Highlights
- Only eight suites
- For guests aged 16 and over, or 12 and over when the lodge is booked exclusively
- Private airstrip about 10 minutes from camp
- Drinks, game drives and airstrip transfers included
In pictures
A look inside
Your stay
Where you sleep, how you spend the days
Accommodation
- Eight Luxury Suites, each with a riverside deck and a private plunge pool.
Activities
- Game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced ranger, no more than four guests a vehicle
- Optional guided bush walk after breakfast, on foot with a professional guide (arrange with your ranger)
- Birdwatching and stargazing with the guides
- Massages in your suite or in the spa rooms beside the pool
The fine print
What your rate covers
Included
- All meals and snacks
- Drinks (premium imported brands not in stock excluded)
- Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles with an experienced ranger
- Nature walks
- Transfers to and from the MalaMala airstrip
- Limited laundry service
- VAT
Not included
- Premium imported alcoholic drinks not in stock
- Telecommunication costs
- Skukuza Airport transfers (a shared road transfer is R950 per person each way, 2026)
- Transfers to or from camps outside MalaMala
- Sabi Sand Wildtuin entrance fee when arriving by road
- Community levy, R250 per person a day
- A private vehicle at Rattray's (R7 850 a day for each empty seat of four)
Good to know
- No children under 16, unless the camp is booked exclusively; then children 12 and older are welcome.
Getting there
Finding your way to the bush
Routes and transfers
- MalaMala has its own airstrip, about ten minutes' drive from the camps; airstrip transfers are included.
- The nearest commercial airport is Skukuza; a shared road transfer costs R950 per person each way (2026).
- MalaMala does not run transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, but can arrange them at extra cost for confirmed bookings.
- No arrivals at camp after 20:00.
Every stay is arranged around you. Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we will confirm availability and shape the rest.
Request availability
Tell us when you would like to stay
Send your dates and we will confirm availability and the rate for your stay.
Or email us directly
- Emailhello@lepden.com
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