MalaMala

Photographic Safari

Rhulani Safaris proudly presents to you our new vintage MalaMala Photo Safari. 

MalaMala is considered by many as South Africa’s most prestigious safari destination and rarely needs an introduction. Masterfully combining African authenticity with a luxurious touch and magical photographic opportunities, MalaMala provides guests with the pinnacle safari experience, rivalling some of the planets most majestic locations. Our Vintage MalaMala Photo Safari strives to deliver the very best of South African wildlife photography opportunities, while enjoying sublime and comfortable accommodation. 

MalaMala’s rich history ensures guests are not only treated to modern comforts, but are also taken back in time, experiencing the ‘Old Africa’ from a bygone age – an experience few places on the African continent still offer. MalaMala have kept the core values of authenticity in a world governed by forced change, which truly makes this location unique and thoroughly enjoyable for both the photographer and explorer alike.

However it is not only MalaMala’s rich history or its breath-taking beauty that makes it so extraordinary, but also its unique location on the banks of the Sand River that lures some of the planets most established wildlife photographers and filmmakers from broadcasters such as Nat Geo Wild, BBC and Disney. This particular location is a ‘hot spot’ for animals such as leopard, lion and wild dog and coupled with the distinctive landscape can provide the photographer with opportunities like nowhere else in South Africa. There are few places that can rival a MalaMala Photo Safari experience!

As part of the ‘Greater Kruger,’ MalaMala is home to many of Africa’s most iconic wildlife including the famous African ‘big five,’ wild dog, cheetah, general game such as giraffe, zebra, hippo and many more! It is also the abundance of wildlife that ensures the success of every safari to MalaMala, with exceptional game viewing and photography opportunities, particularly with animals such as leopard, wild dog and cheetah which are usually very elusive.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our Vintage MalaMala Photo Safari is Rhulani Safaris’ most exclusive African safari package, combining luxury accommodation and exquisite cuisine with some of Africa’s best game viewing to present guests with one of the finest experiences South Africa has to offer.

As with any wild place there are no guarantees, however guests are often treated to a smorgasbord of quality sightings during their stay at MalaMala. May it be that iconic ‘postcard’ quality image of a leopard sleeping in a Marula tree or a lion strolling across the savanna you are searching for, this safari would present you with one of the best opportunities for such photography.

Due to the fact that MalaMala is its own Reserve and there are no external operators or other lodges traversing the property, this allows for more adequate time at sightings and for photographic groups the usual cycle of 20 minutes does not apply. You can take your time at sightings and if you have a private booking, can spend an entire day out in the bush, packing a bush breakfast and enjoying it while watching the secret story of nature unfold in front of you.

WHAT MAKES MALAMALA UNIQUE?

To stand out from the rest takes a considerable and creative effort, or in MalaMala’s case … location. The lodge, built on the banks of the Sand River is nestled perfectly in one of the region’s most spectacular areas and at MalaMala it’s all about location … location … location.

Whether it is something as striking as a leopard, or simple as an impala, the surrounding scenery or riverine make it almost impossible to take a bad photograph. It is not only the subjects but also the landscape that makes photography at MalaMala so extraordinary.   

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Enjoy modern ‘creature comforts’ of luxury accommodation, delicious cuisine and eccentric game drives during your stay with us at MalaMala.

Your safari will be guided by a professionally qualified and experienced field guide in an open-top Land Rover, perfect for maneuvering off-road while cautiously following the local wildlife. Your expert photographic guide will ensure the vehicle is properly positioned for photography, while providing artistic photo tips both on drive and during the Art of Wildlife Photography Workshops.  

Explore various styles of photography and increase your skills while enjoying the beauty of being outdoors in an inspiring environment. May it be the hippo’s sunbathing on the Sand River, or an enormous breeding herd of buffalo or elephant coming to the water for a drink, a stalking leopard or hunting wild dogs; there is always something going on at MalaMala!

Regular wildlife sightings/ highlights include:

• Leopard
• Rhino
• Lion
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Giraffe
• Painted Dogs
• Spotted Hyena
• Cheetah
• Honey Badger
• Hippo
• Nile Crocodile
• Various Raptors and Resident Birds

You may also be lucky enough to encounter pangolin, honey badger or aardvark on your safari as all can be found at MalaMala.

2025 AVAILABILITY AND RATES

Please enquire for available dates and current rates*

Please Note: Our Vintage MalaMala Photographic Safari is also available as a Private Workshop, please contact Reservations Office for availability and rates. MalaMala is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations and we therefore recommend booking well in advance. Bookings within 2 – 5 months can be more difficult to organize on short notice and therefore recommend booking 6 – 12 months in advance.