MalaMala Sable Camp

Imbued with the spirit of MalaMala, Sable Camp is an intimate camp and the ideal choice for those seeking a more private safari experience.

Situated at the southern end of the MalaMala Main Camp in a prime elevated position overlooking the Sand River and surrounding bushveld, Sable Camp accommodates a maximum of 20 guests. It may also be reserved exclusively for between 14 and 20 guests.

Game viewing is exclusive to the camps of MalaMala, meaning guests are able to enjoy wildlife sightings for longer periods. Game drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive vehicles, allowing for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa's unique animals including the legendary Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Each game viewing vehicle takes a maximum of 6 guests only.

The camp has a truly colonial feel enhanced with modern comforts. A library with satellite television and internet connectivity gives guests the option to stay in touch with the world whilst the intimate safari bar, swimming pool and large wooden deck surrounding the camp provide the platform from which to admire the unimpeded views that make the Sable Camp experience so rich and interactive.

Each of the 5 individually decorated, spacious and comfortable suites under traditional thatching occupy an idyllic vantage point and provide a platform from which to admire the panoramic view.  Some of the suites can accommodate 3 adults. There is also the interleading 2 bedroom Lion's Den Suite, which is ideal for families.

Rates Include

All meals and snacks; all drinks (excluding premium brands); twice-daily shared game drives in open 4WD safari vehicles; nature walks; the Community Levy; a laundry service (maximum 10 items only per room per day only for guests staying 2+ nights); and transfers to/from the MalaMala Airstrip are included. PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks are NOT included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Normal adult rates apply.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to partake in nature/bush walks. A respectable grasp of the English language should be understood by any guest partaking in a nature walk at MalaMala.

Walks are conducted in the latter morning part of the day and the duration depends on the weather and the people doing the walk and interests of those people. Most walks are between an hour or two and are not challenging. These are conducted out in the reserve and are on the road, in open areas, so that any animals that are approaching can be seen. There is a ranger who leads the walk and then a ranger driving a vehicle behind in case of danger. All rangers are qualified to conduct the walks. The walks are for the smaller things such as plants, trees, insects, birds etc, things that tend to be missed a little while driving on game drive.

Guest safety is of the utmost importance and the responsibility lies with the ranger leading the nature walk and it is at his/her discretion of who can partake in a nature walk or the type of nature walk that will be conducted.

Directions For Drivers

MalaMala Game Reserve is a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg. Access to MalaMala is via the Sabi Sand Wildtuin utilising Shaw's Gate. It is essential to contact the camp to receive up to date details regarding the best route to travel through to the reserve.

It is important to call the camp from Hazyview.

From Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction): Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536.

Once on the R536, continue along this road for approximately 34.5 km and on the left-hand side of the road, you will see lodge signboards for various lodges including Inyati, Idube, Exeter and Savanna. Go past these, and approximately 3 km further on, on the left-hand side of the road, you will see signposts for the private game reserves of MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi. Turn left here onto the gravel road. Travel for approximately 8.5 km and you will get to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve Shaw's Gate. 

From the Kruger Mpumalanga/Nelspruit International Airport: Turn right out of the airport onto the R538 and follow the signs to White River (Witrivier). Continue for approximately 12 km, until you reach the first set of traffic lights in White River, with the mosque on your left. Turn right and travel towards Hazyview on the R40. After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a T-junction. Turn left, staying on the R40. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn right here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport: Turn right out of the airport onto the Argyle Road and follow this road for approximately 6 km until you reach a T-junction. Turn left here onto the R40 signposted to White River. Continue on the R40 for approximately 88 km, until you reach the junction with the R536 in Hazyview with the Lowveld Mall on the corner. Turn left here onto the R536 and then follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway respectively to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Keep on the N4 until you reach Nelspruit, where you will turn left onto the R40 to White River. In White River, at the first set of traffic lights in the town itself, turn left, following signs to Hazyview and Wildtuin/Kruger National Park. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right. Cross over the next set of traffic lights and then at the final set, with a Caltex garage on your right, turn left on the R40 for Hazyview (the R538, via the Numbi Gate, is a busy road and not recommended). After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a T-junction. Turn left, staying on the R40. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Johannesburg/Pretoria via Scenic Route: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing. In Lydenburg/Mashishing, follow the signs to Sabie over the Long Tom Pass (the highest tar road in South Africa). In Sabie, take the R536 to Hazyview. Just before Hazyview you will reach a T-junction. Turn right onto the R40 towards Hazyview. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport: Turn right out of the airport towards the R40. At the T-junction, turn left onto the R40 towards White River and Hazyview. Proceed on the R40 for approximately 88 km until you reach a set of traffic lights in Hazyview with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn left here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536.  Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From the Paul Kruger Gate: Go through the gate, and follow the R536 to Hazyview. Continue along this road for approximately 4.5 km and on the right-hand side of the road, you will see lodge signboards for the private game reserves of MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi. Turn right here onto the gravel road. Travel for approximately 8.5 km and you will get to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve Shaw's Gate.

ONCE AT THE SHAW’S GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

General Information For Guests

MalaMala Sable Camp is situated at the southern end of MalaMala Main Camp in a prime elevated position overlooking the Sand River and surrounding bushveld.

All rooms have a private deck overlooking the bushveld with river or waterhole views, an en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and private WC, and outdoor shower, 24 hour temperature control (air-conditioning, heating and overhead fans), direct dial telephone, a mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, and a mini safe.

The Lion's Den Suite has two en-suite bedrooms separated by a large sitting room.

The main area has an air conditioned library with satellite television, internet connectivity and DVD player, an air-conditioned safari bar and dining room with a large wooden safari deck, and a filtered swimming pool.

A safari boutique and a fitness facility are available at Main Camp.

Mobile phone coverage (MTN) and Wi-Fi are available at all the MalaMala Game Reserve camps.

Mala Mala retains the exclusive use of the 33,000 acres/16,000 hectares that make up this property. The lodge does not traverse over other reserves, nor do they have traversing rights over Mala Mala's property. The camp will put just 6 guests per safari vehicle on game drives.

Master Card, American Express and Visa are accepted.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the camp is an 8 minute drive away from the airstrip.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to partake in nature/bush walks. A respectable grasp of the English language should be understood by any guest partaking in a nature walk at MalaMala.

Walks are conducted in the latter morning part of the day and the duration depends on the weather and the people doing the walk and interests of those people. Most walks are between an hour or two and are not challenging. These are conducted out in the reserve and are on the road, in open areas, so that any animals that are approaching can be seen. There is a ranger who leads the walk and then a ranger driving a vehicle behind in case of danger. All rangers are qualified to conduct the walks. The walks are for the smaller things such as plants, trees, insects, birds etc, things that tend to be missed a little while driving on game drive.

Guest safety is of the utmost importance and the responsibility lies with the ranger leading the nature walk and it is at his/her discretion of who can partake in a nature walk or the type of nature walk that will be conducted.

Popular Alternatives to MalaMala Sable Camp

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at MalaMala Sable Camp, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that MalaMala Sable Camp was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.