MALA MALA Photographic Safari
7 Days
Open to the Western border of Kruger National Park, East to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and playing host to Africa's Big Five is Mala Mala Private Game Reserve. South Africa's largest private concession with arguably the best wildlife photography in Southern Africa with a warm atmosphere and luxurious accommodation.
For nearly nine decades, Mala Mala management has remained focused in preserving and protecting this special piece of Africa. Allowing nature to move at it's own rhythm, our guests experience today what the forefathers of the African Safari would have experienced at the turn of the century. This philosophy has paid off, as experienced by a veritable collection of photojournalists and film-makers who have made MalaMala their destination of choice to capture footage of wildlife viewing that would rival any Hollywood production for thrilling and breathtaking animal encounters.
Your safari starts in Skukuza airport from where you will be transferred to Mala Mala Main Camp
A typical day at Mala Mala will include and early morning Game Drive ( 3.5 hrs min. ) followed by a hearty brunch. Then it’s time relax at until lunch time or meet with Mario who will be available during this time to discuss photo techniques and review images. Lunch at 13:30 and then some more time to relax, work on images or meet again with your safari leader for more photography talk . At approximately 15:30 we will depart on our evening game drive until the sun goes down. At our return to camp dinner will be ready to finish off a perfect day. All times are flexible and will depend on sightings.
This photographic safari accommodates a maximum of 6 photographers distributed in 2 vehicles allowing each photographer to have one complete row in order to facilitate shooting from both sides without disturbing other fellow photographers. Those photographers accompanied by their non-photographer spouses/partners will share their row of seats. Discounts are available for non-photographers accompanying a photographer. There is no time limit on sightings which is an ideal scenario for photographers – no ‘queue to view’ like in other reserves in Greater Kruger as this enormous tract of land has a low density of vehicles traversing the area.
Safari Facts
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Led by Mario Moreno
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Max number of participants : 6
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Use of private 4x4 photographic vehicle
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Off-road driving permitted
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Non photographers welcome
Photographic Highlights
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Mala Mala's Predators
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Incredible Leopard sightings
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A chance to photograph the white lions
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Over 350 Bird species
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Amazing Kruger scenery
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Skukuza Airport where you will be met and transferred on a 4x4 safari vehicle to Mala Mala Main Camp. On arrival after a 30-40min game drive check in followed by lunch. At around 15:30 you will leave on the first game drive of this safari. It will last around 3,5 hours depending on last minute photo opportunities. Dinner will be served at around 20:00 after enjoying drinks around a campfire.
Day 2-6
Each day begins with an early morning coffee before going out on our morning drive. Depending on sightings we will return around 09:30 for a hearty and well deserved breakfast. After breakfast you will have the morning to relax in the lodge, photograph resident birdlife or participate in a casual photographic workshop to discuss darkroom techniques, workflow and review images with Mario. Lunch will be served at around 13:30 after which you will have more time to relax and indulge in the comfort of Mala Mala. During this time Mario will be available for any photography related questions or 1 on 1 meetings. At around 15:30 we leave on our afternoon Game Drive in search of the “ Perfect Moment “ until the sun goes down and only then we will return to the Lodge for dinner and comment the day’s sightings around a fire.
Day 7
We leave before sunrise on our last early morning Game Drive which should last no less than 3.5 hours. Return to the lodge at around 09:30 to enjoy a late but hearty breakfast. Check-out at 12:00. Air transfer to OR Tambo Intn’l Airport to connect with your International flight back home
Dates & Prices
June 2024
USD 8,650.00 per person sharing
USD 2,220.00 single supplement
COMPLETED
December 2024
USD 8,650.00 per person sharing
USD 2,220.00 single supplement
COMPLETED
June 2025
USD 9,500.00 per person sharing
USD 2,220.00 single supplement
AVAILABLE
December 2025
USD 9,500.00 per person sharing
USD 2,220.00 single supplement
AVAILABLE
Included
Not Included
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Airport Transfers Skukuza - Mala Mala - Skukuza
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6 nights Full Board in Mala Mala Main Camp
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All meals and selected beverages
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All park and conservation fees
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2 Game Drives daily ( morning and evening )
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Private use of 4x4 safari vehicles with guides
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Bottled water during Game Drives
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Photographic guidance and workshops
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International flights to Johannesburg
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Domestic flights from Johannesburg to Skukuza
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Travel Insurance
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Medical Insurance
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Visa fees if applicable
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Tips for lodge staff and guide
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Extra hotel nights before or after safari