Mala Mala Game Reserve

{{Short description|Game reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} {{Use South African English|date=October 2019}} '''Mala Mala''' is a game reserve located within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga province, South Africa. It is one of the largest and the oldest private big five game reserves in South Africa, covering around {{cvt|1330|km2}} of land. In Xitsonga, the name MalaMala means Sable antelope, it was named so because of the historic abundance of these animals within the game reserve. The Tsonga people, who occupied the land before the establishment of the game reserve, were forcibly removed from this land during the early 1900s and were dumped at Bushbuckridge. The Nwandlamhlarhi Community successfully claimed MalaMala game reserve and the land was restored to them in 2015 when President Jacob Zuma handed them their land in a Government ceremony. The Tsonga people were also forcibly removed from neighbouring game reserves such as Skukuza, Satara, Ulusaba, Manyeleti, Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge and may more in Southern Kruger. The Tsonga people are still waiting to be given back these lands by the Government after the finalization of their land claim.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malamala.com/|title=MalaMala Game Reserve|publisher=MalaMala Ranch|accessdate=12 March 2010}}</ref> The community has 100% ownership of the land and all immovable assests on MalaMala. They also own a significant share in the business and the MalaMala brand. thumb|Giraffes in Mala Mala Game Reserve. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park, which together with some other parks make up the Greater Kruger National Park. thumb|Striped Kingfisher-Halcyon chelicuti, Mala Mala Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

== Wildlife == This reserve contains Africa's ''Big Five''. It was the home of Tjololo, a famous male leopard, as well as the famous Sparta lion pride. Cheetah, spotted hyena, blue wildebeest, plains zebra, hippopotamus, South African giraffe, impala, greater kudu, sable antelope and Cape hunting dog are among the other large mammals that roam here. The environment hosts a diverse range of animals due to the variety of habitat types and the location of the Sand River.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mala Mala Game Reserve - Mala Mala Wildlife |url=https://malamala.krugerpark.co.za/Mala_Mala_Travel_Guide-travel/mala-mala-wildlife.html#:~:text=Mala%20Mala%20Wildlife%20Experience&text=Game%20viewing%20in%20Mala%20Mala,to%20be%20the%20most%20dangerous. |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=malamala.krugerpark.co.za}}</ref>

== Accommodation == It is composed of many camps: * MalaMala camp * MalaMala Sable camp * MalaMala Rattray's camp

The nearest airport is Mala Mala Airport and regular commercial flights can be boarded from Skukuza Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{Coord|24|48|02|S|31|32|29|E|type:landmark_region:ZA|display=title|name=Main camp, Mala mala}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mala Mala Reserve}} Category:Tourist attractions in South Africa Category:Protected areas of Mpumalanga Category:Nature reserves in South Africa