Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane is set in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve which shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. Known for its expansive 14 000 hectares of wild natural territory, its exceptional Big 5 habitat offers some of the best game viewing in the country. Within the reserve, a full Big 5 sighting is not unlikely within the first 2 days of your safari. You can be assured of uncrowded safari encounters and noteworthy photographic opportunities with limited lodges and guests in the private reserve.
Royal Malewane offers game viewing opportunities from private viewing decks in the comfort of your suite. When it’s time to head into the bush passionate guides and trackers at Royal Malewane offer insightful information on each game drive, explaining the ecosystem and how the smallest of creatures interact with and relate to the largest mammals. This offers an extraordinary glimpse into the wild and makes every sighting even more spectacular. Thornybush Game Reserve offers a range of exciting safari experiences and wildlife activities including bushwalks and night drives to explore the nocturnal animals of Africa.
The Royal Malewane Bush Spa offers a 25m heated lap pool, three treatment rooms, fitness centre, steam room, African baths, and casitas. If you aren’t being served by a private chef and butler in the exclusive villas, enjoy feasts around glowing lanterns in the romantic Bush Tent or relax by the waterside Masiya Bar with a selection of gins and whiskies.
The bush lodge offers accommodation at the Main Lodge which comprises 6 Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites, and the Africa House’s exclusive use 6-bedroom villa. The Farmstead is a 12-minute drive from the Main Lodge offering 3 Luxury Farm Suites, and a 3.5 bedroom exclusive villa. The latest addition to Royal Malewane is Masiya’s Camp, this luxurious camp offers guests accommodation in 6 luxury canvas tents.
Wildlife
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Large number of White lions live in the reserve.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Activities & Facilities
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
Highlights
- Four ultra-luxurious lodges, under the prestigious, award-winning Royal Malewane brand.
- Malewane Lodge is a traditional bush style lodge with 6 luxury suites, 2 Royal suite and the four-bedroom exclusive-use Africa House.
- Farmstead is an intimate lodge with only 3 Luxury Farm suites and the exclusive-use three-and-a-half bedroom Farmhouse.
- Waterside lodge is built next to a waterhole with 4 Luxury suites, 2 Aloe suite and 1 two-bedroom Baobab suite.
- Masiya’s Camp is a luxury camp offering accommodation in 6 ultra-luxurious tents, strategically positioned around the reserve.
- All of the Royal Malewane lodges exceed expeditions with meticulous attention to detail and exceptional hospitality.
- All accommodation options have unique décor and feature private viewing decks and plunge pools.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Child Policy
- Malewane lodge welcomes children from 10 years (Royal suite and Africa House accommodates all ages).
- Farmstead welcomes children from 10 years (Farmhouse accommodates all ages).
- Masiya’s Camp welcomes children from 10 years.
- Waterside lodge welcomes children of all ages.
Location
- Situated on the western boundary of the Greater Kruger and Kapama Game Reserve. It is located close to the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.
- The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Getting There
- Thonrybush private airstrip is the closet airstrip, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to Royal Malewane, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Hoedspruit: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Royal Malewane take 45 minutes.
Discover Safari Lodges
In Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane Farmstead
Royal Malewane Waterside lodge
Malewane Lodge
Royal Malewane Masiya’s Camp
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