"A picture is definitely worth a 1000 words"

Adjacent to the Kruger National Park located in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa is MalaMala, a privately owned game reserve. Differentiating this reserve from others is a determined effort on the part of the Rattray family, who are the owners, to conserve resources, educate visitors and employees and manage the land intelligently and sensitively. For the tourist, emphasis is placed on the observation of the animals and the environment, rather than on their hunting.

Photographers Amanda Lumry and Jamie Thom journeyed to MalaMala and they have shared their fascination and awe of this distinctive reserve in their coffee table book entitled: MALAMALA: PATHWAY TO AN AFRICAN EDEN. In their own words they have stated, "On numerous occasions, we truly felt as if we were in Eden."

In order to convey to the reader the drama of the area, Lumry and Thom have conveniently divided the book into eight distinct sections each depicting a different breathtaking aspect of the photographic journey. Mixed in with the photos are several descriptive essays. These writings contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of MalaMala and the wildlife experience. The reader gains an appreciation as to why this private reserve furnishes an exemplary prototype for emerging eco- tourism as well as illustrating the benefits of sensitive and intelligent development to the animals, the environment and the national economy.

From the opening chapter we are beckoned to hop into the Land Rover and enjoy "the gentle hues of the early morning sunrises to the excitement of the starkly lit night drives, from the vast expanse of the rolling savannas to the jagged drama of the ravines and koppies." During our photo ride we notice the magnificence of such animals as the hippo, buffalo cow, leopard, zebra, lion, rhino and elephant. There seems to be a kind of mystique attached to the animals and the landscaped they inhabit.

No doubt these magically realistic images evoke in the reader a contemplative mood. How will we be affected if these animals become extinct and their environment destroyed? The brief texts describing the photos such as "a buffalo cow ruminates amongst the large herd, numbering a few hundred," or "a hippo uses large square lips to rip off large quantities of grass, its only source of food," adds to our consternation.

It is noteworthy to mention that a portion of the proceeds from the book is donated to the World Wildlife Fund South Africa, World Wildlife Fund US. and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. All, no doubt, are worthy organizations.

Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Posted November 5, 2002

Summary

Talented photographers Amanda Lumry and Jamie Thom recreate through exquisite images the thrill of safari adventure at MalaMala, the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa. This heartfelt pictorial account celebrates one of the most biodiverse areas remaining on earth.