Rattray's Lodge

This stately camp was named after Mike and Norma Rattray to pay tribute to the incredible pair who founded and built up the MalaMala Game Reserve to become an internationally acclaimed wildlife destination.

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Standing proudly in a forest-like setting of giant riverine trees on the banks of the famed Sand River, Rattray’s Lodge offers genuine seclusion. All eight of the grand award-winning freestanding “villas” overlook the lush floodplains and the river beyond. It forms part of the 13 500ha MalaMala Game Reserve.

Location

MalaMala Game Reserve
Greater Kruger National Park
South Africa

Highlights

Secluded Intimate destination

Captivating river views throughout

Private, tranquil sanctuary

Built in forest-like setting

Abundance of wildlife

Subtle, tasteful sophistication

Lodge Details

The Suites

The lodge is eclectically styled throughout, with a combination of elegant traditional décor, eye-catching contemporary art and beautifully curated vintage pieces that serve as reminders of a bygone era.

From your spacious riverside deck, your safari begins and continues whilst chilling in your private plunge pool, or freshening up in the outdoor shower. Treat yourself to a gym workout or an indulgent pamper by a skilled masseuse, either in-room, on the deck, or the spa treatment rooms adjacent to the pool.

Features

Pool with deck overlooking river
Stately stand-alone houses
Comfortable lounge/bar/library area
Bath, with indoor and outdoor showers
Personal mini-bar and coffee station
His/Hers bathrooms

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Dining Area & Cuisine

The historic bar in the guest area is an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks and meals are served in the location of your choice, either in the privacy of your own home-from-home, on the enormous deck of the master lodge or around the fire in the reed ‘boma’. Sumptuous culinary delights are creatively prepared and an impressive selection of sought-after wines set the tone for superb dining experience.

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Info

Useful Information

Guests travelling to the Greater Kruger region are encouraged to consult their physician or travel clinic prior to departure to discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention. While the area is considered low risk, simple precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves in the evening are advised. Guests should also travel with any required personal medications and ensure appropriate travel insurance is in place. The lodge team is always available to assist should any medical needs arise during your stay.

The MalaMala Game Reserve and the surrounding Greater Kruger National Park enjoy a warm, inviting climate year-round, making this region an exceptional safari destination in every season. Summer (October – April) brings warm days, often in the high-20s to mid-30s °C, with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the bush and awaken vibrant birdlife, while many animals give birth during this lush, green season.

Winter (May – September) offers crisp mornings and mild, sunlit days, with very little rainfall and more open vegetation, allowing for excellent visibility. Wildlife often gathers around the Sand River and nearby water sources, making game viewing particularly rewarding during the dry winter months.

By Air

Guests can fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Skukuza Airport, located within Kruger National Park. From here, a scenic road transfer of approximately one hour brings guests to MalaMala Game Reserve. Alternatively, guests may fly directly from O.R. Tambo International Airport to the MalaMala private airstrip via scheduled shuttle services, with a short transfer through the reserve to the lodge on arrival. Private charter flights can also be arranged directly to MalaMala for a seamless safari arrival.

By Road

MalaMala Game Reserve is approximately a 5–6 hour drive from Johannesburg. The journey follows well-maintained national and regional roads through the scenic Lowveld to the town of Hazyview, before entering the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve via Shaw’s Gate and continuing on to MalaMala.

For further details and personalised arrangements, kindly contact the concierge team.

Rattray’s Lodge does not allow children under the age of 16 as it is designed specifically for a tranquil safari experience for adults. However, children over the age of 12 will be allowed if the entire ramp is exclusively reserved.