MalaMala to Madikwe
From safari legend to a wilderness less travelled.
At A Glance
Collection | Discovery Safari Collection |
Journey Type | Two-destination Safari |
Destination | MalaMala Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands & Madikwe Game Reserve |
Recommended Stay | 6 Nights (3 nights at each destination) |
Choose From | 2 MalaMala Lodges & 3 Madikwe Lodges |
Nearest Airport | MalaMala Airstrip / Madikwe Eastern Airstrip |
Wildlife Highlights | MalaMala: Big Five, leopards, African wild dogs, cheetahs and abundant general game. Madikwe: Lion, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, cheetah, African wild dog, hyena & abundant plains game |
Ideal For |
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Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
Two Sides Of Safari
Experience the intimate, wildlife-rich wilderness of MalaMala before discovering the expansive bushveld of Madikwe.
Different Landscapes, Different Rhythms
The riverine landscapes of MalaMala gradually give way to Madikwe’s open plains and wide horizons.
Predators And Wild Dogs
From MalaMala’s renowned big-cat encounters to Madikwe’s exceptional wild dog sightings, the wildlife story keeps evolving.
From Intensity To Space
MalaMala can deliver exhilarating, close encounters, while Madikwe offers a wonderful sense of openness and freedom.
Two Distinct Safari Atmospheres
The contrast isn't just in the landscape, each destination has its own character, pace and way of experiencing the bush.
A Journey With Real Variety
For travellers who don't want to choose between two different safari experiences, this combination gives you both.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
Choose from our handpicked lodges in MalaMala and Madikwe, each offering its own character, setting and style. We can tailor the combination, length of stay and lodge choice around exactly how you want your safari to feel.
MalaMala Main Camp
As the original heart of MalaMala, Main Camp combines timeless safari tradition with contemporary comfort. Overlooking the Sand River, it offers a vibrant atmosphere, spacious accommodation and exceptional hospitality, making it an ideal choice for guests experiencing MalaMala for the first time.
Best Suited For
First-time safari travellers
Couples
Families
Wildlife enthusiasts
Multi-generational holidays
Lodge Atmosphere
Classic • Welcoming • Timeless • Iconic
MalaMala Rattray's Camp
Inspired by the romance of a bygone safari era, Rattray's Camp offers one of South Africa's most exclusive luxury safari experiences. Spacious freestanding suites, elegant colonial-inspired interiors and uninterrupted views across the Sand River create an atmosphere of complete privacy and refined sophistication.
Best Suited For
Honeymooners
Couples
Luxury travellers
Milestone celebrations
Repeat safari guests
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive • Elegant • Romantic • Timeless Luxury
Jamala Madikwe
Jamala is one of South Africa's most celebrated luxury safari lodges, renowned for its intimate atmosphere, personalised service and exceptional dining. Overlooking a busy waterhole, guests often enjoy remarkable wildlife sightings without leaving the lodge. With only five ultra-luxurious villas, Jamala delivers an exclusive safari experience centred around privacy, making it an outstanding choice for honeymooners, couples and guests seeking boutique luxury.
Best Suited For
Honeymooners
Couples
Luxury travellers
Romantic celebrations
Guests seeking personalised service
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive • Romantic • Elegant • Intimate
Madikwe Hills
Perched among rocky outcrops overlooking the reserve, Madikwe Hills combines luxurious accommodation with breathtaking views and exceptional game viewing. Private plunge pools, spacious suites and highly experienced guides create a safari experience that is both refined and deeply connected to the surrounding wilderness.
Best Suited For
Couples
Honeymooners
Luxury travellers
Wellness-focused guests
Repeat safari travellers
Lodge Atmosphere
Contemporary • Sophisticated • Peaceful • Scenic
Molori Safari Lodge
Molori is one of Africa's most exclusive safari lodges, combining contemporary architecture, world-class design and exceptional privacy. Expansive suites, private infinity pools, personalised service and complete privacy combine with exceptional guiding to deliver one of South Africa's most prestigious wildlife experiences for discerning travellers.
Best Suited For
Ultra-luxury travellers
Families
Exclusive-use groups
Special celebrations
Lodge Atmosphere
Ultra-Luxury • Exclusive • Contemporary • Bespoke
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 6 Nights | 7 Days
We recommend three nights at MalaMala followed by three nights in Madikwe, bringing together two very different expressions of South African safari. Begin with the intimate wildlife encounters of the Sabi Sands before moving into Madikwe's expansive bushveld, where the landscape opens and the safari rhythm changes.
Day 1: Arrival at MalaMala
Arrive at MalaMala Airstrip, where you'll be met and transferred to your chosen lodge.
After checking in and settling into your suite, enjoy lunch before taking some time to relax and familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
Set out on your first afternoon game drive as the bush begins to come alive, stopping for sundowners as the light fades before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Inclusions: Air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 2-3: Discovering MalaMala
Rise before sunrise and head into MalaMala with your guide for a morning game drive, stopping in the bush for coffee and light refreshments.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before enjoying a leisurely morning at your lodge.
After lunch, head out again for an afternoon game drive, following the wildlife into the golden hours before pausing for sundowners.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening beneath the African sky.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Day 4: From MalaMala to Madikwe
Enjoy one final morning game drive before returning for breakfast and check-out.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight towards Madikwe.
Arrive at your chosen Madikwe lodge and settle into your new surroundings.
Enjoy lunch before your first afternoon game drive, followed by sundowners and dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 5-6: Discovering Madikwe
Head out before sunrise for a morning game drive through Madikwe, stopping for coffee and refreshments in the bush.
Return for breakfast and enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge.
After lunch, venture out again for an afternoon game drive before stopping for sundowners.
Return to the lodge for dinner and your evening in the wilderness.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy one final morning game drive before breakfast and check-out.
Your transfer will take you to the appropriate airport for your onward journey.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, air transfer back to Johannesburg.
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The All Out Safaris Perspective
We love this combination because it proves that safari doesn't have to look or feel the same from one destination to the next. MalaMala brings its legendary wildlife and riverfront setting, while Madikwe opens into a completely different wilderness where you feel even closer to the wild. Together, they create a wonderfully balanced safari with two distinct personalities.
Questions about this safari
Why combine MalaMala and Madikwe?
The two destinations offer wonderfully different safari experiences. MalaMala is intimate and wildlife-rich, while Madikwe opens into a more expansive bushveld landscape, giving you variety without sacrificing exceptional safari.
How many nights should I spend at each destination?
We recommend at least three nights at MalaMala and three nights at Madikwe. This provides enough time to experience both destinations properly, while longer stays can be added if you'd like a slower journey.
Which destination should I visit first?
We recommend MalaMala first, followed by Madikwe. Its concentrated wildlife experience makes an exciting opening chapter, while Madikwe's spacious landscapes provide a natural change of pace for the second half.
How do I travel from MalaMala to Madikwe?
The recommended option is an air transfer, allowing you to move efficiently between the two destinations while experiencing the dramatic change in landscape from the Greater Kruger to Madikwe. We'll build the logistics into the journey so the transition is seamless.
What wildlife will I see?
MalaMala is particularly renowned for leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino, while Madikwe offers excellent opportunities for elephant, lion, wild dog, cheetah, black and white rhino and diverse plains game.
Is this a good first safari?
Yes. The combination gives first-time safari travellers a wonderful introduction to two different landscapes and safari styles, without trying to cover too many destinations.
Can I choose which lodges I stay at?
Yes. You can choose from all the MalaMala and Madikwe lodges we offer, and we'll help you find the combination that best suits your travel style and priorities.
Can I stay longer than six nights?
Absolutely. Six nights is our recommended starting point, but either stay can be extended depending on how much time you have and how deeply you'd like to experience each destination.
Similar Safaris
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If the thought of experiencing two very different sides of South African safari excites you, we'd love to help you start planning your journey.
Once we've received your contact request, Josh will set up a WhatsApp or video meeting to get to know you better.