








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
Private Game Lodges Near Kruger National Park
A trip to Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa is an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to observe some of the world's most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat.
With access to exclusive areas of the park, luxurious accommodations, expert guides and personalised service, these private game lodges provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and enjoy the African wilderness.
Singita Sweni Lodge Review
Are you looking to immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience? Look no further than the iconic Singita Sweni Lodge.
As one of South Africa’s premier safari lodges, Singita Sweni offers stunningly luxurious accommodations and an abundance of exciting wildlife sightings that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Greater Kruger Family Safari
"How many more sleeps?” this became our son's wake-up call as the days neared his first ‘safari’ to the Greater Kruger National Park.
James and I had decided to combine a bit of family time with a quick update of the 'family friendly safari lodges' in the greater Kruger area.
My 4 Day Kruger Adventure
My 4-Day Kruger Adventure was one of the highlights of my travelling; having not visited the area for such a long time, the Kruger National Park was stunning.
Leaving Cape Town and flying north to OR Tambo and then a 5-hour drive to the Kruger from where we stayed in parks board accommodation.