— BHANDHAVGARH —

OVERVIEW

Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, is one of the country’s most famous wildlife reserves. It’s renowned for its significant population of Bengal tigers, making it a prime destination for tiger safaris. The park is spread over 1,000 square kilometers and features varied landscapes, including dense forests, grassy meadows, and rocky hills.

The park’s centerpiece is the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, perched on a hill, which gives the park its name. It’s believed that the fort dates back to the 10th century and adds a layer of historical intrigue to the wildlife experience.

Bandhavgarh is also home to other wildlife such as leopards, Indian bison (gaur), deer species, and numerous birds. Its rich biodiversity and the likelihood of spotting tigers in the wild make it one of the most popular national parks in India for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

HIGHLIGHTS

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CAMP OPTIONS

MalaMala has 3 camps; MalaMala Camp, Sable Camp, and Rattray’s Camp. Click here to learn more about each of the 3 camps and what they have to offer.

UPCOMING SCHEDULED DEPARTURES

There are no upcoming scheduled safaris to MalaMala.

To book a private safari to MalaMala, click on the button below.

Includes:

🐾 Accommodation

🐾 Meals

🐾 Drinks (excluding premium brands)

🐾 Game drives

🐾 Photographic guide & tutoring

🐾 Conservation fees

Excludes:

🐾 Travel costs

🐾 Visas

🐾 Entrance fees

🐾 Gratuities

🐾 Items of personal nature

In collaboration with Legend Safaris

ITINERARY

  • Arrive at MalaMala at around midday, at which time you will be checked-in and will be given an orientation of the lodge.

    High tea is served before you depart on your first afternoon game drive.

    Once you return from the game drive, you will have time to freshen up before heading over to the bar for a drink or straight for dinner.

  • Early morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.

    Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.

    Photographic tutoring or Lightroom session between the morning safari and afternoon safari. Alternatively, use this as your downtime to relax in the room or at the pool, use the gym or spa facilities.

    High tea is served followed by the afternoon safari.

    Once you return from the game drive, you will have time to freshen up before heading over to the bar for a drink or straight for dinner.

  • Early morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.

    Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.

    Checkout at roughly 11am.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Absolutely not! You may join as a non-photographer, but don’t be surprised if you leave with the intention of becoming one.

  • The photographic tutoring is designed to accommodate all levels of photographers, no matter what experience you have. One-on-one sessions for photo editing or general tutoring can be organised during downtime (time between the morning and afternoon safari).

  • My recommendations:

    A wide angle to capture the stunning scenes along the Sand River and the general landscapes.

    A 70-200mm, which is probably the most versatile lens out there. If I had to choose just one lens for MalaMala, this would be it.

    For those epic portraits of the big cats, a 300mm or a 400mm.

    If you are into birding, a longer focal length such as a 500mm or larger is recommended. Alternatively, using a teleconverter on shorter focal length lenses can also be used for birding when needed.

    Lenses with a large aperture such as f/2.8 or f/4.0 is recommended, especially as you will be photographing animals such as lions and leopards at night time. Large aperture lenses are also faster and allows you to shoot with a shallower depth of field. Too confusing? Contact me and I’ll explain further.

    A lens which covers a lot of bases and is much more affordable is a 150-600mm (or similar). Third party manufactures such as Sigma and Tamron produce brand specific versions.

  • By air:

    MalaMala has their own private airstrip which has daily flights coming in with Federal Air from Johannesburg. Alternatively, Skukuza Airport can also be used with Airlink’s daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Other options include Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Eastgate Airport, albeit you having to hire a vehicle and drive to MalaMala or organise a transfer company to shuttle you to MalaMala.

    By road:

    MalaMala is about a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg, a 2 hour drive from Mbombela (Nelspruit), and a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Hoedspruit. Access to MalaMala is via the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve’s Shaws Gate.

  • MalaMala and its surrounds is regarded as a Moderate Risk Malaria Area, and it is advisable for travellers to take antimalarial drugs from September to May.

    Please consult with your local travel doctor for more information.

COMBINE BANDHAVGARH WITH

Kanha

🐾 Price starting from ZAR 24 000

🐾 4 nights/5 days

🐾 6 people max per departure

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