About Royal Malewane
When staying at Royal Malewane, you can expect an unparalleled experience in luxury, comfort, and safari adventures. Located in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, on the western border of the Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane offers three luxurious safari lodges that create a perfect harmony between romance and elegance from bygone eras, with modern comforts. Guided by outstanding rangers, you will explore the South African wilderness for an unforgettable safari experience, with spotting the famous Big Five as a highlight.
After an exciting day in nature, you can relax with a revitalizing spa treatment and enjoy a delicious dinner under the sparkling starlit sky. Whether you choose the classic Malewane Lodge, the modern The Farmstead, or the colorful Waterside, all three accommodations feature atmospherically decorated suites and villas, each with its own outdoor pool, a refreshing outdoor shower for the ultimate sense of freedom, and breathtaking views.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the African wilderness while enjoying the comfort and luxury that Royal Malewane has to offer.
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What you can expect:
-
Private landing strip called Jackalberry Airstrip
- View of a waterhole from the restaurant where animals come to drink
- Celebrities such as Elton John, Richard Gere, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Bono have stayed here before you
- The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa has been awarded multiple times as the best spa in Africa
- Recognized and experienced safari team with expert trackers and rangers
- Includes game drives, all meals with drinks, and afternoon safari tea
- Royal Malewane is a well-established name in Kruger National Park
Impression




Your Stay
The Malewane suites are among the absolute top of luxury accommodations in the world. Featuring residences with two bedrooms and stunning large beds, complete with jacuzzis, plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and exceptional butler service. The cozy fireplace in each accommodation is perfect for colder winter evenings.
It is not uncommon to see elephants coming out of the pools to drink while you relax on a sunbed. You can also choose the suites of The Farmstead or Waterside.
Hotel Information
Accommodation
Malewane Lodge, The Farmstead, and Waterside are three separate lodges that together form Royal Malewane. The three lodges offer the same outstanding service, facilities, and hospitality for an exciting safari experience, with the only difference being their individual style and design.
Malewane Lodge features six luxury suites, each for two people, and two Royal suites, each with two bedrooms. Additionally, the Africa House, an exclusive bush villa with six en-suite bedrooms, is the perfect option for a luxury family safari or for a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. Malewane Lodge is larger in size and has a classic layout with an elegant interior style of dark wood and expansive, elevated terraces overlooking the African landscape.
The Farmstead has three luxury Farm Suites, each for two people. The Farmhouse is a complete private villa with three and a half bedrooms. The Farmstead offers a more contemporary and relaxed atmosphere with a homely feel and bright spaces. It is ideal for a stylish and comfortable stay.
Waterside has four luxury suites, each for two people, the Baobab Suite, with two bedrooms, and two Aloe Rooms. Lastly, there is the Waterside House—a very private house with four bedrooms. Waterside is spacious and expansive, featuring playful colors that reflect the brighter details of the surrounding nature.
All accommodations have a private pool, fireplace, spacious terrace, and outdoor shower.
Restaurants
Enjoy a culinary experience where anything is possible. Royal Malewane celebrates the creativity and joy of dining and wine through inventive and personalized menus, designed and prepared in the modern kitchens of Malewane Lodge, The Farmstead, and Waterhouse. No matter which lodge you choose, each of the 'dining rooms' at Royal Malewane overlooks a different vibrant waterhole, resulting in spectacular views during your meals.
All meals, local drinks, and wines (excluding French Champagne) are included in the accommodation price, allowing you to relax completely and indulge in the endless temptations available.
Bush Dinners
Bush dinners give a whole new meaning to "al fresco" dining and are not to be missed. Feast under the stars, surrounded by the lively wilderness and warmed by lantern light and a crackling fire. The Bush Tent at Royal Malewane offers a feast in the heart of the lodge. Where better to enjoy a nightcap than by the campfire under the stars?
Delicious Wines and Worldly Whiskies
In the stunning The Masiya Bar, our expert sommelier has carefully curated an extensive wine list featuring South Africa's finest wines — from leading red blends to small producers of lesser-known grape varieties. Choose from the wine list or let the sommeliers guide you in pairing food and wine. Royal Malewane also offers one of the largest whisky selections among lodges in the area. Join the team of whisky enthusiasts for an informative tasting or relax on the terrace with your favorite drink. There is also a fantastic selection of over 40 boutique gins available.
Swimming pool
There is a swimming pool with sun loungers at The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa. Additionally, each accommodation has its own pool.
Spa / Wellness
At the Royal Malewane Bush Spa, you will find a fully equipped fitness center, a heated swimming pool, a steam room, and a hot tub. The expert therapists of the property offer a wide range of massages and beauty treatments. There is also a yoga and meditation studio where daily classes are available. The Bush Spa has been voted multiple times as the best spa in Africa.
The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is located in the central courtyard of Malewane Lodge and features a 25-meter heated pool, three relaxing treatment rooms, a steam bath, and warm and cold African baths. Here, you will also find a hair salon and four shaded casitas. Additionally, The Farmstead has a double treatment room to fully rejuvenate the body and mind. In the Waterside Lodge, the Reflection Spa offers a sense of connection, reflection, and profound rituals with caring spa treatments focused on balancing the body and mind. This spa has three treatment rooms and a hammam. Each lodge has its own fitness area, and in Waterside, there is a yoga and meditation studio where daily classes are offered. The Bush Spa has been voted multiple times as the best spa in Africa.
Safaris
Game drives
A game drive takes you into the nature reserve every morning and evening, in the comfort of an open jeep. It is an immersive experience that introduces you to the wildlife of this unique African ecosystem and the natural habitat of the Big Five, among others.
The tracker sits at the front of the vehicle, so their eyes are the first to catch the fresh tracks. You will be amazed at how their trained vision and years of experience enable them to spot signs and markings in the sand in the blink of an eye.
Walking safari
Exciting and focused on the details of the surrounding landscape. A guided walk through the Greater Kruger area brings you closer to both large and small organisms and introduces the fascinating workings of the African ecosystem. It is also a chance to encounter the Big Five on foot.
Photo safari
Photography requires patience and dedication. The guides at Royal Malewane are passionate photographers with insights into the animal world that are essential for anticipating movements and behaviors — the key to capturing the perfect shot.
Bird safari
The guides have achieved the highest qualifications in the country for birdwatching, so if you have a birding bucket list to check off, you are in the right place.
Africa from the air
Fly through the clouds in a helicopter and emerge on the other side with a breathtaking view of the world's largest green canyon. From one window, you see the savannah of Greater Kruger, and from the other, the rise of the Drakensberg mountain range.
Accessibility
Reaching Royal Malewane is easy thanks to the private landing strip for guests arriving by private charter flight. Prefer a commercial flight? Then the Hoedspruit Airport is a 35-minute drive from Royal Malewane. You can also drive from Johannesburg via the scenic route. Please note that this option takes approximately 6 hours. However, the stunning views along the way make this trip more than worth it.
Sustainability
The Royal Malewane Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to various projects promoting conservation, community development, and education in South Africa. The foundation works closely with local communities and wildlife conservation organizations to bring about positive change in the regions where it is active.
Some projects and initiatives supported by the Royal Malewane Foundation include:
Anti-Poaching Dog Unit:
A highly specialized unit focused on preserving our precious wildlife through strategic anti-poaching operations.
Langutelani Crèche
Providing meals and support for a small but impactful community crèche.
Rhino Conservation
Without majestic animals like the rhinoceros, Royal Malewane would not be able to offer the experience it does today. It is essential that we contribute to promoting conservation and protecting the environment.
Accommodation
Malewane Lodge, The Farmstead, and Waterside are three separate lodges that together form Royal Malewane. The three lodges offer the same outstanding service, facilities, and hospitality for an exciting safari experience, with the only difference being their individual style and design.
Malewane Lodge features six luxury suites, each for two people, and two Royal suites, each with two bedrooms. Additionally, the Africa House, an exclusive bush villa with six en-suite bedrooms, is the perfect option for a luxury family safari or for a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. Malewane Lodge is larger in size and has a classic layout with an elegant interior style of dark wood and expansive, elevated terraces overlooking the African landscape.
The Farmstead has three luxury Farm Suites, each for two people. The Farmhouse is a complete private villa with three and a half bedrooms. The Farmstead offers a more contemporary and relaxed atmosphere with a homely feel and bright spaces. It is ideal for a stylish and comfortable stay.
Waterside has four luxury suites, each for two people, the Baobab Suite, with two bedrooms, and two Aloe Rooms. Lastly, there is the Waterside House—a very private house with four bedrooms. Waterside is spacious and expansive, featuring playful colors that reflect the brighter details of the surrounding nature.
All accommodations have a private pool, fireplace, spacious terrace, and outdoor shower.
Restaurants
Enjoy a culinary experience where anything is possible. Royal Malewane celebrates the creativity and joy of dining and wine through inventive and personalized menus, designed and prepared in the modern kitchens of Malewane Lodge, The Farmstead, and Waterhouse. No matter which lodge you choose, each of the 'dining rooms' at Royal Malewane overlooks a different vibrant waterhole, resulting in spectacular views during your meals.
All meals, local drinks, and wines (excluding French Champagne) are included in the accommodation price, allowing you to relax completely and indulge in the endless temptations available.
Bush Dinners
Bush dinners give a whole new meaning to "al fresco" dining and are not to be missed. Feast under the stars, surrounded by the lively wilderness and warmed by lantern light and a crackling fire. The Bush Tent at Royal Malewane offers a feast in the heart of the lodge. Where better to enjoy a nightcap than by the campfire under the stars?
Delicious Wines and Worldly Whiskies
In the stunning The Masiya Bar, our expert sommelier has carefully curated an extensive wine list featuring South Africa's finest wines — from leading red blends to small producers of lesser-known grape varieties. Choose from the wine list or let the sommeliers guide you in pairing food and wine. Royal Malewane also offers one of the largest whisky selections among lodges in the area. Join the team of whisky enthusiasts for an informative tasting or relax on the terrace with your favorite drink. There is also a fantastic selection of over 40 boutique gins available.
Swimming pool
There is a swimming pool with sun loungers at The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa. Additionally, each accommodation has its own pool.
Spa / Wellness
At the Royal Malewane Bush Spa, you will find a fully equipped fitness center, a heated swimming pool, a steam room, and a hot tub. The expert therapists of the property offer a wide range of massages and beauty treatments. There is also a yoga and meditation studio where daily classes are available. The Bush Spa has been voted multiple times as the best spa in Africa.
The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is located in the central courtyard of Malewane Lodge and features a 25-meter heated pool, three relaxing treatment rooms, a steam bath, and warm and cold African baths. Here, you will also find a hair salon and four shaded casitas. Additionally, The Farmstead has a double treatment room to fully rejuvenate the body and mind. In the Waterside Lodge, the Reflection Spa offers a sense of connection, reflection, and profound rituals with caring spa treatments focused on balancing the body and mind. This spa has three treatment rooms and a hammam. Each lodge has its own fitness area, and in Waterside, there is a yoga and meditation studio where daily classes are offered. The Bush Spa has been voted multiple times as the best spa in Africa.
Safaris
Game drives
A game drive takes you into the nature reserve every morning and evening, in the comfort of an open jeep. It is an immersive experience that introduces you to the wildlife of this unique African ecosystem and the natural habitat of the Big Five, among others.
The tracker sits at the front of the vehicle, so their eyes are the first to catch the fresh tracks. You will be amazed at how their trained vision and years of experience enable them to spot signs and markings in the sand in the blink of an eye.
Walking safari
Exciting and focused on the details of the surrounding landscape. A guided walk through the Greater Kruger area brings you closer to both large and small organisms and introduces the fascinating workings of the African ecosystem. It is also a chance to encounter the Big Five on foot.
Photo safari
Photography requires patience and dedication. The guides at Royal Malewane are passionate photographers with insights into the animal world that are essential for anticipating movements and behaviors — the key to capturing the perfect shot.
Bird safari
The guides have achieved the highest qualifications in the country for birdwatching, so if you have a birding bucket list to check off, you are in the right place.
Africa from the air
Fly through the clouds in a helicopter and emerge on the other side with a breathtaking view of the world's largest green canyon. From one window, you see the savannah of Greater Kruger, and from the other, the rise of the Drakensberg mountain range.
Accessibility
Reaching Royal Malewane is easy thanks to the private landing strip for guests arriving by private charter flight. Prefer a commercial flight? Then the Hoedspruit Airport is a 35-minute drive from Royal Malewane. You can also drive from Johannesburg via the scenic route. Please note that this option takes approximately 6 hours. However, the stunning views along the way make this trip more than worth it.
Sustainability
The Royal Malewane Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to various projects promoting conservation, community development, and education in South Africa. The foundation works closely with local communities and wildlife conservation organizations to bring about positive change in the regions where it is active.
Some projects and initiatives supported by the Royal Malewane Foundation include:
Anti-Poaching Dog Unit:
A highly specialized unit focused on preserving our precious wildlife through strategic anti-poaching operations.
Langutelani Crèche
Providing meals and support for a small but impactful community crèche.
Rhino Conservation
Without majestic animals like the rhinoceros, Royal Malewane would not be able to offer the experience it does today. It is essential that we contribute to promoting conservation and protecting the environment.

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