








Highlights at Royal Malewane
- Royal and Malewane suites
- Gym and spa
- Opulence of lodge
- Game drives
- Staff and guides are fantastic
- Best for honeymoons
Royal Malewane Information
- Lodge type; Safari Lodge
- Location; Thornybush Game Reserve
- Lodge size; 9 suites
- Recommended stay; 3-7 nights
Introduction
The Royal Malewane in the "Big 5" Thornybush Game Reserve; an exclusive safari getaway for those who value personalised service, the ultimate in privacy all the while experiencing some of the best wildlife South Africa has to offer.
A colonial-styled feel offers guests a celebration of a bygone era that runs through the lodge from the main guest areas all the way down to the luxury suites and villa.
As an example of just how serious the lodge takes their levels of guest service, there are four staff members for every one guest. That is a ratio that is hardly ever matched in Africa.
Condé Nast Traveler has awarded The Royal Malewane; #10 Top Resorts in Africa and #28 in the 50 Best Resorts in the World.
Reserve Information
The famed Thornybush Game Reserve offers visitors one of South Africa's most exceptional bush experiences. Adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Thornybush comprises of 14 000 hectares of pristine wilderness that is teaming with wildlife and birdlife including the "Big 5".
Unspoilt nature and those stunning vistas of the surrounding African bushveld is what a safari here is all about, not forgetting the wildlife on show. Thornybush is up there with the best private reserves not only in South Africa but Southern Africa as a whole.
Rooms and Suites
Six "Luxury Suites" accommodate two guests in what can only be described as the pinnacle of refinement and opulence.
Private wooden decks, rim-flow pool and thatched gazebos all boasting unparalleled views. Suites offer an air-conditioned bedroom with King-sized beds, a fireplace and an en-suite bathroom window-side Victorian bath, and indoor and outdoor showers. All suites have private pools.
Elevated walkways link the suites to the main camp.
The Royal and Malewane Suites offer up two en-suite bedrooms as well as a private lounge and dining facilities - perfect for families. These suites also include a private butler, chef services and game drives.
Cuisine and Wine
Chef, Brandon Souris, and his team prepare contemporary cuisine with an ever-changing menu served a wide variety of beautiful settings within the lodge or out in the bushveld.
A unique and indulgent experience awaits guests in a dining area that overlooks a water-hole regularly occupied with wildlife. For that something special, bush dinners offer guests a remarkable and romantic experience deep in the heart of "Big 5" country.
All meals are complemented by South Africa's finest wines; a wine steward is available for cuisine and wine pairing.
For interest sake, a kosher kitchen with kosher ingredients is available on request.
Lodge Facilities
The central guest area is magnificent in nature with thatched roofing and furnished with antiques, Persian carpets and decorated in an elegant colonial style. A library and boutique shop are available in the central guest area.
A 25m swimming pool is available in the spa area for guests.
Safari Activities
Game viewing is individually tailored, either by open Land Rover or on foot. An expert and experienced rangers and trackers accompany the guests.
All game rangers are highly trained and qualified; The Royal Malewane is privileged to have the only surviving Master Tracker currently working in Southern Africa.
The order of the day is usually:
- Early morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast
- Thereafter, enjoy the luxury of the camp until lunch
- Afternoon game drives include sundowners and culminate in a night drive
- Dinner is served under the African sky or with silver & crystal in the dining areas
Family Friendly
Children of any age are welcome at Africa House or in the Royal Suites. Children under 10 years of age, unfortunately, cannot be accommodated in the luxury suites unless one books out the entire lodge on a sole use basis.
Spa and Wellness
A dedicated Spa like very few others in Africa awaits, it is here while on safari in the Thornybush Game Reserve that one has the chance to refresh and restore mind, body and spirit amid the serenity and peace of the bush.
Spa facilities include;
- A fully-equipped gym
- Heated lap pool
- Steam room
- Hot and cold African baths
- Private casitas
Rates from R31 050.00 pp
- Per person per night sharing (pp)
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- Parking
- All meals and snacks
- Full mini-bar
- Wifi
- Transfers to and from Jackalberry Airstrip
- South African reserve wines and beverages
- All coffees and speciality teas
- Laundry service
- Daily game drives and bush walks
- Thornybush Levy
- Insurance
- Gratuities
- Telephone calls
- Purchases from Boutique
- French Champagne
- Spa treatments
- Transport to and from the reserve
- Lion Sands Fly In Safari
4 Days / 3 Nights
A 4-day safari that includes the Lion Sands River Lodge located in the Lion Sands Reserve is situated in one of the finest wilderness areas in the Southern Kruger National Park region, our most popular Kruger Park fly-in safari. - Timbavati Fly In Safari
4 Days / 3 Nights
A 4 Day fly-in Safari to what is without a doubt our favourite lodges in the Timbavati Reserve, and that is Motswari Lodge, with the chance to spot the Big 5 including Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Elephant and buffalo as well as Cheetah amongst others. - Nottens Fly In Safari
3 Days / 2 Nights
Fly into Nottens Bush Camp directly from Johannesburg on this tailor-made 3 Day safari, Nottens is one of the finest family run lodges in South Africa, and certainly the best-kept secret in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. - Sabi Sand Self Drive Safari
6 Days / 5 Nights
A 6-day safari to without a doubt one of the best private games reserves in Africa, this being the famous Sabi Sand (including the Mpumalanga Scenic route). All within a comfortable drive that will not leave you tired or drained. - Swaziland & Kruger Safari
7 Days / 6 Nights
A 7 Day camping safari that starts in Johannesburg and finishes in Durban taking in Mlilwane Nature Reserve, Swazi Village, Kruger National Park, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Blyde River Canyon. - Sabi & Timbavati Fly In
5 Days / 4 Nights
A 5 Day fly in Safari where one has the chance to explore the bounty of two private game reserves (Timbavati and Sabi Sabi), located in South Africa's premier wildlife regions, which surround the world-renowned Kruger National Park.