Search Ranches in Mala Mala Game Reserve

"Fantastic and completely unique hotel on a train. We stayed in a garden suite which was lovely. The staff were really helpful and friendly and the food was fabulous. We had Nelly as our tour guide on the game drives and saw the big five. We will definitely be back"

"Experience with elephants was special, but the lodge needs some TLC and lacks attentio to detail"

"It fit the bill. It could have had a little kitchen. But apart from that it was good. "

"This is my favourite hotel to stay at before entering The Kruger. I love everything about it."

"Generally incredible stay. Staff were very attentive. Not as luxury as hotels such as say lion sands which is twice the price though you get all the comfort you need given how busy the days are. If you plan on spending more time in the hotel / room maybe look for more luxury but the balance of comfort and access to the park was perfect for us as first time safari travelers Perfect mix of hotel comfort and access to safari with two daily drives with very knowledgable guides. Small negative was the food was only ok but the quality of the surrounding and access to Kruger more than compensated. We had a family of elephants welcome us on our first day with regular hippo and bird sightings from the terrace during out four nights. We also got engaged in the park. The staff and Elof the guide coordinated an unforgettable experience for my partner and I. Truly made the experience special. "

"We had an incredible stay at Elephant Plains. Shuna was an amazing and fun host, and Darren and Colbert were outstanding guides. Thanks to their efforts, we saw the Big Five within the two short nights we were there. The food by Tilly was fantastic! It was probably the perfect safari experience for us, and we would definitely come back. The location is quite remote, and getting to the hotel can be challenging due to potholes. Additionally, there's limited flexibility in booking because it's so popular, and I believe they should allow for changes or cancellations rather than requiring bookings a year in advance. Despite these minor issues, our experience was unforgettable."

"Picked imbali as a good place for a short 3 day safari. Food portions were large and of good quality . There are some areas where the wood at the lodge and around the property need some replacement but overall didn’t detract from a lovely setting . Watering hole for elephants is directly opposite the restaurant area so good for breakfast and lunch . Safari drives were good and Jayden did a great job for us . Would have been nice to have a transfer from local airport Skukuza included in the cost of the room. Private hire was around £135 each way."

"Really good and perfect for us!We needed to be close to an airport and Kruger Park for safari, so that we could fly in, go safari, fly out without long drives as our time was restricted. So this was perfect. It is only ~30 mins from Skukuza airport and also 30min drive to Paul Kruger Gate, entrance to Kruger Park. It is a 3star accommodation but it is super-nice.We stayed in the Luxury Cabin overlooking the Sabie River. It has 2 bedrooms,sitting room,really nicely tiled bathroom, and a fantastic porch to sit and watch the wildlife on the river-a family of hippos was daily viewing and a crocodile sunning on the river bank. There is also a decked area for all guests with small swimming pool, overlooking the river. Again perfect for watching wildlife on the river while enjoying a cold drink! Lovely grounds and gardens meticulously cared for. Very friendly, helpful staff. The bar is nice with satelite TV to show sports- eg Premier league and European football.We were halfboard, breakfast very good (full English, omelette) and dinner also very good and varied each night.They arrange safari for an extra cost (amount very reasonable compared to other places). And the safari guides were great, really knowledgeable and keen to maximise our experience. We saw all the big 5 on the first day-even leopard which is difficult at the best of times. And Skukuza Airport is actually in Kruger Park.So safari starts from pick up at airport as you go to Sabie River Lodge! Highly recommended!"