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Rattray’s Lodge

Eight Riverside Suites on MalaMala’s Sand River

The lodge lies on one of the largest privately owned Big Five reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park, wedged between Kruger and the Sabi Sand. This area offers some of the finest game viewing in Africa, and you’ll likely spot a greater diversity of animal species here than in most other South African safari areas. Rattray's on MalaMala recalls a bygone era when luxury and opulence merged seamlessly with the natural world.

In my opinion the best safari lodge in South Africa, not only because of the refined old-world yet contemporary luxury that easily matches other flagship safari lodges, but also because of its location on the Sand River, an exceptional wildlife hotspot.

- Andrew Harvey - African Sky Sales Manager Since 2012

Price Per Person Sharing From:

USD 2,473 - 3,547

Rating | Exclusive Top-End

Suite with a writing desk and window seat.

Highlights & What to Expect

Eight river-facing suites (khayas), each with a private plunge pool and expansive deck.
Exceptional Big Five viewing on MalaMala’s Sand River frontage within the unfenced Kruger–Sabi Sand ecosystem.
Twice-daily guided drives in open 4×4 vehicles; low guest-to-seat density with Rattray’s operating at four seats per vehicle.
Guided bush walks available (by arrangement) for a closer look at tracks, birds, and botany.
Elegant main areas with library, bar, cellar and viewing decks; small on-site gym and spa treatments.

Our Tours & Safaris that visit Rattray’s Lodge

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Overview of Rattray’s Lodge

Set on a productive bend of the Sand River inside the renowned MalaMala Game Reserve, Rattray’s shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park and adjoins the Sabi Sand.

Location & Setting

This positioning concentrates game along the river year-round and enables exceptional predator viewing. MalaMala’s private airstrip, served by Federal Air from Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International, is 15 to 20 minutes from the lodge by road. From Skukuza Airport the drive takes 45 to 60 minutes. The riverside setting brings regular wildlife activity to view from camp, especially in the dry season when permanent water draws herds and big cats.

Rattray’s does not take guests under 16. The one exception is a party that books the whole lodge, which can then bring children aged over 12. Game drives carry four guests or fewer per vehicle, with a professional guide, and guided walks are offered between them. Its sister camps in the Tengile MalaMala collection are MalaMala Camp, Kirkman’s Kamp, Sable Camp and Tengile River Lodge.

Rooms

Accommodation is in eight freestanding suites, or khayas, each oriented to the Sand River for privacy and views. Interiors have elegant, classic furnishings with generous lounge and dining space, and bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, plus a second outdoor shower on the deck. Every khaya has a private plunge pool on a broad deck for relaxed game viewing between drives. Ceiling fans keep the rooms cool on warm nights. The design emphasizes quiet seclusion and unhurried luxury, ideal for photographers and couples seeking space, light and a strong sense of place along the river.

Facilities

The main lodge blends old-world charm with comfort: an air-conditioned lounge, elegant dining room and characterful bar open to generous decks and an infinity pool overlooking the Sand River. A well-stocked cellar highlights premium South African wines, while the library holds rare African titles and wildlife references. Wellness facilities include a small gym; massages are given in the suite, on the deck or in the spa treatment rooms beside the pool. Spaces are arranged for easy flow between social time and quiet reflection, keeping the focus on river views, passing wildlife and the rhythm of daily safari activities.

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