Mala Mala Game Reserve Safari Reputation Well Deserved

Mala Mala Game Reserve Diary

Destination:

Mala Mala game reserve

Duration: 3 days, 22-24 December 2000

Journal Authors: Michael Poliza, Germany

Hippo Baby Picture by Steven Le Roux (c)

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Micheal Poliza is the project director and initiator of a 1000 day educational circumnavigation of the world using the 75 ft vessel Starship. He took some time out to visit the Mala Mala game reserve in South Africa...

Accommodation:

Luxury bungalows with comfortable rooms under traditional thatching and are equipped with “his” and “hers” bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini safe.

Trip Highlights:

Saw rhino and elephant from the light aircraft on the way to the landing strip close to the Mala Mala game reserve lodge. Got the safari off to a flying start (excuse the bad pun)

A young leopard spotted around sunset was hiding in some bushes and then climbed a tree to avoid a herd of buffalo that were congregating around him. Buffalo don't take kindly to predators and will chase them at every opportunity.

Very early morning wake up call (4:30am) to start the morning drive at 5:00 am. Sunrise is around this time in the summer months and it's a good idea to get out as early as possible to make the most of the cool early morning weather. It heats up fast.

Saw a nervous cheetah which had just caught and killed a small impala gazelle take about 10 minutes to scan the surroundings before it started to eat. (There were lions in the area and they will steal a kill from the lighter, weaker cheetah in an instant).

The absolute highlight of the safari trip was three males and one female lion spotted just before sunset who decided to give a 'lion concert'. Their roars were incredible and they apparently do this to lay claim to their territory and warn any other lions that may be in the area away.

Serengeti Tanzania Tips & Recommendations:

In Mala Mala game reserve all the Landrovers are connected by short wave radio and they stay in contact when something exciting is seen. It increases the chances of finding the game. The leopard was tracked down in this way.

This is a concession reserve which means that the rangers are allowed to go off road and actually track animals through the bush. This really makes a big difference in how close you can get to the game. They actually track the animals from the vehicle using the spoor imprints.

This is a very popular wildlife park (for good reason) so book early if you are planning a visit. You might be able to get a place on short notice like Michael did if you are willing to go during the low season as in this case, just before Christmas.

The best Mala Mala game reserve clothing to take with on your safari