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.
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
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
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.
Activities
Guests can choose to pass their time on thrilling game drives, informative nature walks, birdwatching and star-gazing in the company of a professional guide. Twice-daily drives are deliberately unhurried and limited to four or less guests per vehicle. This ensures an intimate journey around an area renowned for its concentrated levels of spectacular sightings and natural splendour.
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 directly to MalaMala’s Private Airstrip with Federal Air, from either Johannesburg or Kruger Mpumalanga International. Private charter flights to this airstrip are also available. This will be followed by a short 15 – 20-minute road transfer to the lodge. Alternatively, guests can fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town into Skukuza Airport, situated within the Kruger National Park, followed by a 45 – 60-minute road transfer to the lodge.
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.
Rack Rate 2026
11 Jan 2026 - 5 Jan 2027
All rates are quoted in ZAR and subject to change without prior notice.
Please enquire for Child Rates, Transfers, Conservation Levies and contracted rates.
01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
8 Luxury Suites
Per person sharing, per night
R 42 800
Rack Rate 2027
6 Jan 2027 - 5 Jan 2028
All rates are quoted in ZAR and subject to change without prior notice.
Please enquire for Child Rates, Transfers, Conservation Levies and contracted rates.
High
06 Jan - 14 May
16 Oct - 20 Dec
Peak
15 May - 15 Oct
21 Dec - 05 Jan
Luxury Suites
Per person sharing, per night
R 46 170
R 49 650
Private Vehicle
Per vehicle, per night
R 22 000
R 25 500
Pilot Guide Room
Per person, per night
R 5 600
R 5 6 00
Other Accommodations
Lodges & Camps
Our lodges and camps each offer a distinct expression of the wild, from earthy traditional and nostalgic charm to contemporary sophistication. Set along the Sand River, each retreat offers front-row seats to Africa’s most treasured wildlife, where every stay becomes part of the story.
