Written on
Jan 6, 2025
Written on
Jan 6, 2025
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- Quick Comparison
- MalaMala Overview
- Londolozi Overview
- The Lodges at MalaMala
- The Lodges at Londolozi
- Comparing Game Drives
- Comparing Rates 2025
- Social Investment
- And the Winner Is...
Great Kruger Luxury Lodges: MalaMala and Londolozi
Before diving in, it’s worth exploring why Mala Mala and Londolozi are so often compared. These two iconic lodges are of comparable size and arguably sit on the most prime pieces of private reserve land in South Africa. As the oldest private reserves, their rich histories, strategic locations, and long-standing conservation efforts have cemented their reputations as leaders in luxury safari experiences. Sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, both offer unparalleled wildlife encounters and set the standard for safari excellence.
The reserves themselves are in the Greater Kruger National Park. This means miles of unfenced borders for the wildlife to roam freely across 2.2 million hectares (22,000 km²), or about 5.44 million acres (8,750 square miles).
In fact, all the best reserves in the area are large and unfenced giving them top-tier wildlife. MalaMala in prime position as it flanks Kruger National Park and has 20km of river frontage along the perennial Sand River.
Londolozi and MalaMala seem to track each other: Londolozi was established in 1926, MalaMala in 1927. Both were originally hunting reserves. MalaMala transitioned to conservation in the early 1960s, Londolozi in the early 1970s.
Both are today renowned for their incredible concentration of wildlife and animal sightings – especially leopards – and their ultra-luxury camps.
And both are blueprints and benchmarks for the luxury safari industry in Southern Africa.
MalaMala Game Reserve is a veteran, with 55 years of game-viewing history. It has 13,200 hectares (33,000 acres) of owned land, with 70% exclusive use, and 2,680 hectares of traversing rights.
And it shares a 19km (12 mile) unfenced, eastern boundary with the Kruger.
It is sandwiched between the Kruger and the Sabi Sand Reserve. MalaMala has 20km of Sand River frontage. It’s a perennial river, meaning it flows year-round; making it a magnet for animals and the foundation of MalaMala’s wildlife experience.
Notably, MalaMala does not have trackers on its vehicles, only guides; one could argue that a tracker is unnecessary given the sheer abundance of wildlife. Though this practice actually stems from an earlier tradition on the reserve, where guides handled everything—room checks, serving as porters, waiters, barmen, and even trackers.
Our consultant, Pascal John, says MalaMala is unmatched when it comes to game viewing.
‘Because they are the first reserve bordering the Kruger before Londolozi and other Sabi Sand lodges, it makes them the best game reserve for me.’
Pascal is a Southern Africa expert.
Another of our Southern Africa experts, Sara Van Coillie, agrees.
‘MalaMala beats everyone in game viewing.’
MalaMala was the first game reserve in South Africa to transition from hunting safaris to photographic safaris.
The reserve has 34 rooms across its three camps, giving an incredibly low density of one bed per 200 hectares. Vehicle density is also low, at one vehicle per 950 hectares - vehicles seat six people, with the exception at Rattray’s Camp, where it is only four seats per vehicle.
With these numbers it’s not likely you’ll bump into other vehicles.
Try it for yourself on our 3-Day MalaMala – Best Big 5 Safari In The World.
Amazing experience, everything was fine-tuned and the staff and guides drivers fabulous and friendly … lots of knowledge, lots of fun … loved every minute. Best holiday of my life.’
– Gillian Dodsworth, GB
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The name Londolozi comes from an isiZulu word meaning ‘Protector Of All Living Things’.
Londolozi Game Reserve is another veteran, and is a pioneer in conservation development. Under the stewardship of Dave Varty, they created the blueprint for a new vision of conservation and restoration in Southern Africa.
It is a global leader in ecotourism, praised for its progressive land and wildlife management practices, and community involvement. This alongside a commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service.
For Sara, when it comes to lodge luxury, service levels and food, Londolozi is a winner.
Pascal also rates Londolozi’s camps as exceptional. There are five in total, and all offer the most luxurious experiences.
Londolozi has exclusive rights over 9,000 hectares (22,200 acres), and has traversing rights over 15,000 hectares of prime game viewing land. It has 32 rooms across five intimate camps, giving a low density of guests to land, with one bed per 140 hectares.
Trackers accompany guides on the drives, helping to spot wildlife and teaching guests some of the tracks and signs of various animals.
Experience it on our 4-Day Londolozi Varty Camp Fly-in Safari.
Pascal made it incredibly smooth for us to plan our first safari holiday. We really valued his knowledge of the accommodation and region and facilities and advised what would be the best itinerary for us.
– Saish, GB
Londolozi has five of the most luxurious camps to be found anywhere, each with its own identity but all offering that special Londolozi feeling.
In 1993, Londolozi became the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & Châteaux status.
- Tree Camp has six suites cleverly located in the leadwood tree canopy. It’s a celebration of ‘Leopards, Leadwoods and Lanterns’. Spend lazy afternoons on the deck watching the elephants in the river below. No children under 16 unless the camp is booked exclusively.
- Founders Camp honours Londolozi’s wild, early beginnings, distilling the legacy of the past 50 years. Classic and yet modern, here earthy design celebrates natural raw elements – rock, fire, wood and earth. It has 10 superior chalets along the banks of the Sand River.
- Pioneer Camp offers three suites in the shade of 500-year-old ebony trees, all with river views. It also has a bush homestead and is the most secluded and flexible of the Londolozi camps. It can be booked for private multi-generational family groups of between six and 12 people.
- Private Granite Suites is a celebration of elegance and elephants. The three suites promise an extraordinary experience. A sunset river bar and sunken cocktail lounge are suspended high above the Sand River. No children under 16.
- Varty Camp is the symbolic heart of Londolozi. It’s the original camp, a tapestry of brick paths, dolerite rock walls, waterfalls and tangled vines with unencumbered river view backdrops. There are 10 chalets and children over six are welcome. The Guest Gym, Photographic Studio and Living Boutique are all here. The restorative Healing House is a pioneer in wellness safari retreats, with wellness experts, life coaches, wisdom keepers and shamans.
For an introduction to the pure luxury of Londolozi, book our 4-Day Fly-in Londolozi Tree Camp Safari.
The reason why we used Safari.com was because of Anja. We really had no idea of what we wanted so we were not the easiest customers by a long stretch. With Anja’s help and patience we … crafted our dream vacation … all possible because of Anja’s dedication to making our seemingly crazy ideas come to fruition in a manner that was realistic and met our budgetary requirements.
– AD and BD, US
Wildlife is front and centre at MalaMala. Its three camps are all on the smaller, western side of the Sand River, leaving 95% of the reserve to the animals, free of human habitation.
MalaMala is also one of the few safari destinations that has a universally accessible suite – designed in line with South African and international standards. Game drives are taken safely in a suitably equipped Land Rover.
- MalaMala Rattray’s Camp has eight luxury suites for a maximum of 16 guests. It is tucked away in a forest on the banks of the river. This means lush seclusion and excellent views of the Sand River, which is a lure for huge numbers of game. No children under 16.
- MalaMala Camp is the biggest of the reserve’s camps, with 10 luxury suites, 8 luxury rooms and 1 luxury single suite, with those jaw-dropping views of the Sand River and bushveld. Rare photographs, old maps and extraordinary mementos hold their own alongside works of renowned contemporary wildlife artists. Children of all ages are welcome.
- MalaMala Sable Camp can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in 5 luxury suites and the two-bedroom Lion’s Den suite. It’s a smaller, more intimate version of MalaMala Camp, offering a more private and secluded safari. It’s in a prime elevated position overlooking the river and bushveld. No children under 12.
To experience the spectacular wildlife of the region, try our 9-Day Victoria Falls, Cape Town, MalaMala Camp Ultra Luxury Safari.
‘I just booked another incredible experience with safari.com, and one more time Pascal is not only the best agent, but he is a friend that makes dreams happen. Will be my third time in Africa.’
– Tricia Moyses, US
Londolozi features five lodges, all located along the river, meaning game drives begin in the same general area before spreading out into the concession. Londolozi has a large private area for exclusive traversing, complemented by carefully regulated and maintained shared traversing rights with neighboring reserves. At any given time, there are typically 12–14 vehicles in operation, with a maximum of six guests per vehicle. While you may notice other vehicles at the start or encounter one or two during your drive, the setup offers a significant advantage: guides and trackers can communicate with each other, enhancing your chances of spotting the wildlife you’re hoping to see. It’s a well-balanced system that often works in your favor.
Mala Mala, on the other hand, operates just three camps and boasts the largest exclusive-use traversing area in the region, along with an abundance of wildlife. This means game drives are far more secluded, with minimal chances of encountering other vehicles. The vastness of its exclusive territory also provides a much greater sense of space, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the wilderness.
Pro-tip: At Mala Mala’s Rattray’s Camp, vehicles are limited to just four guests, offering an even more intimate and personalized safari experience. This smaller group size, combined with the unparalleled exclusivity of Mala Mala’s traversing rights, ensures a truly private and immersive safari adventure.
It's worth mentioning that Mala Mala is offering a "Stay 4, Pay 3" special, which allows guests to stay for 4 nights while only paying for 3. This effectively reduces the rates listed below by 25% when applicable.
(Valid: 10 Jan 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 and 01 Nov 2025 - 15 Dec 2025)
Londolozi rates:
Mala Mala rates:
MalaMala and Londolozi take their responsibilities to the future seriously.
MalaMala is a black economic empowered ecotourism business committed to delivering long-term, tangible benefits to their local community.
It is in a partnership with the N’wandlamhari Community, who are shareholders in the business and more than half of MalaMala’s employees are community-based.
Through its Londolozi Ripple Fund, Londolozi invests in community upliftment, rural education, healthcare, and the creation of protected areas in which iconic species can roam freely.
When it comes to wildlife, Mala Mala has the edge. The largest exclusive use area of any reserve, 19km of unfenced border with Kruger and 20km of perennial river frontage make it a magnet for animals, creating an unrivaled game-viewing experience. While Londolozi employs expert trackers to enhance sightings, Mala Mala’s sheer abundance of wildlife makes them unnecessary.
On the other hand, when it comes to opulent luxury, Londolozi is the standout. Its lodges are masterpieces of elegance and exclusivity, offering a level of sophistication that’s hard to match—though it comes with a premium price tag.
Anyone fortunate enough to stay at these incredible lodges will leave with unforgettable memories. For those mindful of costs—keeping in mind that "budget" is relative in the realm of luxury safaris—Mala Mala’s "Stay 4, Pay 3" deal at its main camp is unbeatable in low season . It provides access to world-class game viewing at a significantly reduced rate.
For travelers seeking the perfect blend of luxury and value, Rattray’s at Mala Mala is the sweet spot. With the "Stay 4, Pay 3" deal, it provides the most luxurious experience at Mala Mala for a price comparable to Londolozi’s entry-level options—an exceptional way to enjoy the best of both worlds. Additionally, with only four guests per vehicle, Rattray’s offers the most privileged game drives, ensuring an intimate and highly personalized safari experience. This combination of exclusivity, luxury, and value makes Rattray’s a standout choice for discerning travelers.
Whether you choose Londolozi or Mala Mala, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience where the real winners are those who have the privilege of staying there.
Video Safaris
Get a taste of what makes Londolozi and MalaMala so special:
MalaMala Safari Moments @TINY LEOPARD CUBS 🐆🐆
Londolozi Virtual Safari @Leopard Moves Her Tiny Cub! And Epic Elephant Encounter! Virtual Safari #251
Disclaimer: Rates correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
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