Rattray's on MalaMala, South Africa.................the epitome of regal colonial safari-style, offering a glimpse of an era long past.
The beautiful book I was given as a remembrance of my stay.
Paula arriving at our 'home' for 5 fabulous days.
The open doorway welcomed......and the shutters, you must remember how much I LOVE shutters on the windows, outside and in! Paula had prepared me, somewhat! "Mar, you'll love our khaya with a foyer decorated with paintings, a table to drop your bag, camera sunglasses, bug spray and key - not that it's ever necessary to lock the door -and all the luxuries so unexpected in a safari 'tent'!"
Each khaya functions as an inclusive home, resplendent with hand-selected furnishings, lavish bathrooms, a secluded outdoor shower and private heated plunge pool.
On each side of the interior space was a beautiful dressing room with floor to ceiling mahogany closets, my side with toilet, huge marble vanity, gigantic tiled double shower, electric towel warmer on the wall, fragrant Moulton Brown of London toiletries, floor length mirror and piles of towels of the perfect weight and plushness!
On Paula's side, similar set-up but with claw foot tub and bubble bath by the scoop. What more could a gal need after a dusty game drive through the bush......such luxury.
Paula, Mary, Jen and Babs....ready to roll out of camp on the afternoon game drive! Rattray's on MalaMala has
a 4-passenger only limit in vehicles without covered tops, this allows much better wildlife viewing/photography.
Inside this lovely climate-controlled space, besides the king bed there was a second twin bed, writing desk, dining nook, comfy sofa and armchairs, armoire with TV(which of course we never watched as there were too many other exciting things going on!), every comfort one could need.
Doors opening onto the veranda which overlooked the Sand River where we saw elephants passing through.
Another view of the plunge pool/outdoor shower area.
Who would have thought it.......staying in such comfort while on safari in South Africa!
Even pretty from the rear!
Coming up next - the prevalence of antelope including impala, and the sable from which MalaMala Game Reserve takes its name, meant great wildlife viewing. Which do you prefer? The big guys, giraffe, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and of course elephant.......or the little cuties such as naughty monkeys and lizards? Of course I have more beautiful birds to show too - see you back here I hope as I share stories and photos of the last special days of my awesome safari.
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