Lodge · Thornybush, South Africa
Four separate lodges and three private villas sit within an unfenced 14,000-hectare reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, near Thornybush, Limpopo.
Overview
Royal Malewane occupies an unfenced 14,000-hectare reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, in Thornybush country, Limpopo. The property is divided into four separate lodges, Malewane Lodge, Waterside, Farmstead and Masiya's Camp, each with its own suites and its own dining room overlooking a waterhole. Three exclusive-use villas, Africa House, Waterside House and Farmhouse, are available for guests wanting a private stay. The nearest airport is Hoedspruit, about 45 minutes by road, with connections from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International.
Malewane Lodge is the original, classic bush-style lodge, with six Luxury Suites and two Royal Suites set to look out over the bushveld. Farmstead takes a more contemporary approach across three Luxury Farm Suites, each with its own deck and private pool overlooking the bush. Waterside brings a bolder colour palette to its suites, among them the two-bedroom Baobab Suite. Masiya's Camp, a tented camp, is named after Wilson Masiya, a tracker at the lodge. Africa House, once the Biden family's own homestead, sleeps up to 12 guests across roughly 1,448 square metres and comes with a dedicated chef, guide and tracker. Waterside House and Farmhouse, smaller at around 300 and 636 square metres respectively, sleep eight guests each and offer the same private service.
All meals, local beverages and house wines are included in the accommodation rate, prepared to order by the Executive Chefs at each lodge. Malewane Lodge and Waterside operate Beth Din-certified kosher kitchens, and a mashgiach can be arranged for guests staying in the private villas. Guests can also visit the property's Conservation & Research Centre, use the Royal Waters Spa at Malewane Lodge with its 25-metre heated lap pool, or join twice-daily game drives across a reserve that forms part of the wider Kruger National Park, home to more than 145 mammal species and over 500 bird species.
Why we like it
Gallery
Rooms & suites
Categories shown for orientation. Your travel advisor will confirm which are available for your dates and recommend the one that suits the trip.
One of six Luxury Suites at Malewane Lodge, the original classic bush-style lodge at Royal Malewane, offering views over the surrounding bushveld.
One of two Royal Suites at Malewane Lodge, described as palatial and set to look out over the bushveld.
One of three Luxury Farm Suites at Farmstead, each with its own wooden deck and a private pool overlooking the bush.
One of four Luxury Suites at Waterside, the lodge known for its bold colour palette and design.
A two-bedroom suite at Waterside, part of the lodge's collection of colourfully designed accommodation.
An exclusive-use private villa at Royal Malewane, once the Biden family's own homestead, now reinvented as a safari villa with a dedicated chef, guide and tracker, and exclusive safari vehicles. Children of all ages are welcome.
A four-bedroom exclusive-use private villa at Royal Malewane with its own guide, tracker, chef and host. Children of all ages are welcome.
A four-bedroom exclusive-use private villa at Royal Malewane, with one bedroom sized for children, a deck and swimming pool overlooking the bush, and a dedicated guide, tracker, chef and host.
Amenities
Reserving through us
Eligible preferred amenities are applied wherever available, subject to the property at the time of stay, and are confirmed in your proposal.
Location
Sabi Sand lodges, the big five on a private concession and Cape Town a two hour flight away.
Questions
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