Find all hotels by Independent in Mala Mala Game Reserve

"Our trip to Kruger Shalati was one of the best experiences we've had. It is a magical place and the staff catered to our every need. The room was beautiful (we stayed in a bridge house room), the meals were fantastic (they had wonderful dishes that accommodated our vegetarian diet), and the game drives were experiences we will never forget (our guide Elvis was amazing!). This was our first safari and now we're hooked. We want to do this all the time!"

"Kruger park was only about 20 minutes away by drive. All of the staff were wonderful. So friendly. Whatever you wanted, they would get for you. I couldn’t single out one staff member because they were all perfect. The suites are gorgeous and spotless with a wonderful view of the Sabe River. The food was excellent and so plentiful. I couldn’t think of a better place to stay to get to Kruger and experience the game drives. The drivers were excellent and it was easy to see their love for the animals and nature of South Africa. Highly recommend."

"One star for the dinner and the dinner staff, one star for the coffee shop and the shop staff, then 0 stars for the rest of the service and the staff. The hotel safari tour is a scam - you spend almost an hour waiting at the gate and another 40 minutes “resting” in the middle of the tour. Our guide clearly just wanted to spend as much a time as possible chilling. More than half of the hotel staff don’t know what they’re talking about - giving us false information before we even arrived and continued like that during our stay. The pool restaurant takes one hour to serve a burger and a pasta, which taste very bad."

"I feel it was overpriced for what we got. Our room was booked for occupancy of 4, yet the set-up of cups, plates, etc. in the room, was for 2, as was the dressing gowns and the chairs on the patio. The service in the dining area was appalling - it took 20 mins to get a waiter to notice us and then equally long to get our drinks that were way overpriced and small in comparison to the same drink at other establishments. Getting luggage to our room was a mission with no assistance. The door handle was not sealed, and batteries were exposed on the handle outside the door. Signage around the property with directions is poor. Lighting in the room is not practical - especially having the bathroom and passage light in the bedroom connected - makes nighttime bathroom visits a problem for all. There's also no towel holder in the guest toilet. I would not be coming back any time soon, especially based on the price we paid and the disappointment we experienced."

"Absolutely incredible stay. So looked after from start to finish, all of the staff are incredibly welcoming. Beautiful rooms and delicious food. Twice daily game drives included and are amazing with chances to see all of the animals in Kruger"

"Wonderful staff of this river lodge bordering Kruger National Park. Large spacious room. Great sunrise and day safaris from their own staff. Sunset safari is run by the National Park so needs transport to Kruger Gate if you don’t have your own vehicle. Couple of things could be improved. Firstly, the wi-fi could be faster. Secondly, windows should be kept closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering rooms since it’s a malaria area. Overall, a lovely stay to see Kruger National Park and its animals. An elephant was along the river the first afternoon while a hippo was along the river on my morning departure. You’re also see animals while arriving and leaving SZK airport. "

"We loved our stay at Mantobeni. The whole experience was very special and unique. Our tent was comfortable and atmospheric and the food excellent. We loved the drives each day and saw some incredible animals and birds. Special shout-out to Brilliant, our guide. He was very knowledge and kind."

"A wonderful place to stay! "

"You couldn’t ask for a better safari lodge! The room was spacious and comfortable, the food was good and the game drives were absolutely amazing!"