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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.
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:
- 3 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 Boabab suite.
- All of the Royal Malewane lodges exceed expeditions with meticulous attention to detail and exceptional hospitality.
- All accommodation options have unique decor and feature private viewing decks and plunge pools.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
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 lodges take 45 minutes.
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.
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).
- Waterside lodge welcomes children of all ages.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and private airstrip transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, commercial airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 50% applicable.
- Exclusive-use villa are priced per villa.
- Rates displayed are valid until 05 January 2026.
Seasons:
- Peak season: 20 December – 05 January
- High season: 01 July – 31 August
- Low season: 06 January – 29 February & 01 September – 19 December
Accommodation Options
The air-conditioned Luxury Suites each feature a private rim-flow pool, deck, and thatched gazebo. Rooms offer a fireplace, canopied king bed, and luxurious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers Read moreas well as a Victorian-style bathtub for the ultimate haven of relaxation. Walkways link suites to the main lodge. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 62,000 per person, per night
High Season R 56,500 per person, per night
Low Season R 52,500 per person, per night
Royal Suites comprise 2 luxurious bedrooms on either side of a spacious living and dining area. En-suite bathrooms feature luxury bathtubs, showers, and double vanities. Read more The thatch suites open out onto an expansive deck with private pool, outdoor lounge, and dining area. Royal Suites include private services. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 284,500 per person, per night
High Season R 261,500 per person, per night
Low Season R 244,500 per person, per night
Africa House is an exclusive six-bedroom villa exuding antique and elegant luxury. En-suite bedrooms feature four-poster beds, bathtubs, a private alfresco shower and deck. Read more The expansive villa deck is the perfect setting to relax beside the private pool, lounge, and dining area. Africa House includes private services. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 518,500 1 - 8 guests, per night
High Season R 472,500 1 - 8 guests, per night
Low Season R 439,000 1 - 8 guests, per night
Set 12-minutes from the Main Lodge, the Luxury Farm Suites offer spacious en-suites with a Victorian bathtub, double vanities, and a shower. Read more Soak in the surrounding nature from your private suite deck and exclusive-use pool. All units are air-conditioned and have a minibar, coffee facilities, and heating. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 62,000 per person, per night
High Season R 56,500 per person, per night
Low Season R 52,500 per person, per night
The Farmhouse is a private villa featuring three main bedrooms with a smaller children’s room. The villa comes with a full staff compliment including a private chef, butler, safari vehicle, and ranger- tracker team. Read more Enjoy expansive indoor and outdoor living areas with a large deck and rim-flow swimming pool. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 396,000 per villa, per night
High Season R 363,000 per villa, per night
Low Season R 399,000 per villa, per night
Aloe Rooms have private decks and plunge pools overlooking the reserve. Rooms boast colour chic decor and offer luxurious bathrooms with indoor showers as well as a Victorian-style bathtub Read more for the ultimate haven of relaxation. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 37,300 per person, per night
High Season R 33,900 per person, per night
Low Season R 30,800 per person, per night
The luxury suites at Waterside are super spacious and boast 100m2 of pure luxury and exquisite decor. The suites have large private decks and plunge pools overlooking the reserve. The rooms feature ensuite bathrooms with shower and victoria bathtub. Read more Colourful chic decor and furnishings are complimented with the finest luxury amenities. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 62,000 per person, per night
High Season R 56,500 per person, per night
Low Season R 52,500 per person, per night
The Baobab Suite is a spacious 2 bedroom unit and boasts wide open plan spaces with a large private deck and plunge pool overlooking the reserve. The suite offers an exclusive experience with your own private guide, tracker Read more and safari vehicle. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 235,000 per suite, per night
High Season R 216,000 per suite, per night
Low Season R 202,500 per suite, per night
Waterside house is a 4-bedroom unit in a truly beautiful setting in the reserve. The villa features wide open spaces, a large deck, swimming pool and stunning views over the surrounding bush. 4 luxury bedrooms open onto private decks. Read more Waterside house offers an exclusive experience with your own private guide, tracker and safari vehicle. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 372,000 per suite, per night
High Season R 339,000 per person, per night
Low Season R 315,000 per person, per night
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