MalaMala Game Reserve is the Safari Industry’s blueprint to the luxury photographic safari. In existence since 1927, this massive thriving tract of land produces some of the most exciting wildlife experiences . MalaMala Game Reserve comprising 13 300 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sands Reserve.
MalaMala Main Camp is ideal for family safaris. Welcoming children of all ages, youngsters aged 4 – 12 are encouraged to participate in their holistic Junior Ranger programme which is not only jam-packed with fun activities, but at the same time educates them in the hope it will inspire in them a lifelong passion for conservation and the bush. Children are always under strict supervision of a responsible ranger, whether within the confines of the camp, or out in the bush and the activities will depend on the time of the year, their interests and how long the children are staying.
On arrival, the ranger looking after the family will assess the enthusiasm and level of independence of the children, and in collaboration with the parents, various activities will be designed to fill their few days in the bush. Each junior ranger gets his/her own MalaMala backpack is with an interactive animal check-list, bird and mammal colouring books, a compass, thermometer, lip balm and bottle of water.
Accommodation wise, MalaMala Camp is ideal for families, with special family rooms that can accommodate up to 2 children. There are also some rooms that can be connected with inter-leading doors into a central lounge area for larger families. Children under 12 years, sharing with full paying adults, pay a reduced child rate. Children aged four and under are not permitted to dine in the boma in the evenings and special dining arrangements will be made for them. Baby-sitting services are provided on request, at a nominal charge. Children aged four and under are unable to join the game drives, unless their parents / party have reserved sole-use of the game drive vehicle at the additional cost.
SOME OF THE JUNIOR RANGER ACTIVITIES
Animal Tracking
For the curious and adventurous junior ranger. Rangers will teach their charges to follow and identify various animals out in the wild by sheer virtue of their spoor markings.
Survivor Challenge
Junior rangers are taught basic survival skills, such as where to find water, what plants are good to eat, medicinal and practical uses of plants (e.g. the toothbrush and loo paper trees!). This experience is great fun – hands on and educational, while arming juniors with interesting skills to take home to envious friends!
“Read” the Bush
Juniors are taught the warning signs of dangerous animals, and first aid skills for emergency situations in the bush.
Game Walk
A short walk is conducted around the bustling Main Camp area. This is ideal for kids to learn more about the different rocks, trees, birds and nests in the wild. Children will also be taught how to track animals and identify the different spoor and droppings in the bush. Children will be escorted by an armed ranger.
Junior Chefs in the Wild
A bush breakfast enables children to learn how to make fire, and to participate in a sumptuous outdoor meal preparation.
Radio Communication
Children are able to learn the skills and etiquette of radio communication, as practiced on drives and out in the bush by the MalaMala rangers. This activity is enjoyed outside of game drive times.
Kiddies Cuisine
Special meals and “ration packs” are prepared for children both in the bush, and in camp.
Movies and More
In camp there are a range of entertaining children’s movies, wildlife movies (all filmed on MalaMala) and board games.
For more information visit https://www.malamala.com/the-experience/childrens-programme