Hotel · 01
Royal Malewane
Sabi Sands & Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa
Ultra-luxury, part of The Royal Portfolio
Africa / South Africa
Sabi Sands & Mala Mala Game Reserve
Africa A premier safari destination in South Africa, the Sabi Sands and Mala Mala Game Reserves offer unmatched wildlife encounters, luxurious lodges, and unforgettable Big Five experiences right on the doorstep of Kruger National Park
- Ideal stay
- 4 Days
- Best season
- May to September
- From
- $1,160–$4,710 pp
The place
About this destination
Africa A premier safari destination in South Africa, the Sabi Sands and Mala Mala Game Reserves offer unmatched wildlife encounters, luxurious lodges, and unforgettable Big Five experiences right on the doorstep of Kruger National Park
My experience
This is Rachana's own 2-day itinerary for Sabi Sands & Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa — the version she'd plan for a close friend. It threads together stays she rates like Royal Malewane and Top, a day-by-day plan, and the meals worth booking ahead. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.
LuxurySafari & Wildlife
Through the lens · 6 frames
Photo journal
01
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 01
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- 01Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles.
- 02Leopard tracking—Sabi Sands is the best place to see them in the wild.
- 03Night: safaris with spotlights for nocturnal animals.
- 04Guided bush walks with rangers and trackers.
- 05Boma dinners under the stars.
- 06Optional: Photographic safaris or private vehicle hire for more flexibility.
Day 02
Mala Mala Game Reserve
- 01Twice-daily off-road game drives with experienced rangers.
- 02Big Five guaranteed (often in one day).
- 03Frequent lion and leopard sightings, sometimes near the Sand River.
- 04Birdwatching walks, especially rewarding in summer.
- 05Specialist photographic vehicle for pros and enthusiasts.
- 06Visit to local community projects (on request).
- 07Unique Experiences Across Both Reserves
- 08Tracking on Foot: Learn the art of following tracks and signs of the wild.
- 09Private Sundowner Spots: Setups in the bush with gin & tonic, snacks, and golden-hour views.
- 10Professional Wildlife Photography Lessons: Available at many top lodges.
- 11Helicopter Flights (optional add-on): Explore the Blyde River Canyon or surrounding bushveld from the sky.
- 12Vegetarian Cuisine
- 13All lodges offer personalized menus and gourmet vegetarian and vegan cuisine with prior notice.
- 14Bush dinners, wine tastings, and sunset picnics can be customized to dietary preferences.
02
Where to sleep
Hotels worth booking
What to order
Local cuisine
Must try
Local speciality
Cape Malay vegetable curry
Must try
Local speciality
Vegetarian bobotie
Must try
Local speciality
Cape winelands cuisine
Must try
Local speciality
Malva pudding
Must try
Local speciality
Koeksisters
04
Logistics
Getting there & around
01 · Light-aircraft bush flights
Most camps are reached by small charter flights onto bush airstrips — scenic and quick.
02 · 4x4 game drives
Open-sided 4x4s with a private guide and tracker for morning and afternoon drives.
03 · Airport arrival
A private meet-and-greet transfer is arranged from the moment you land.
The numbers
Budget breakdown
Total · per person
$1,160–$4,710 pp
USD
Breakdown
- Accommodation
- $400–$1,500 / night
- Food & dining
- $72–$330 / day
- Transportation
- $48–$225 / day
- Activities
- $60–$300 / day
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