Overview
Royal Malewane is one of South Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges located in The Greater Kruger National Park. Expert and friendly staff deliver an unrivalled wildlife experience with every modern comfort and convenience. From daily game drives with the most qualified guiding team in Africa to relaxing spa treatments and nightly feasts under the African stars. There is something to delight every taste at Royal Malewane.
The Property
Royal Malewane has spacious and unique interiors that are authentic to the surrounding region. Guests enjoy dramatic views over the canopies of The Greater Kruger National Park and get thrilling close to its abundant wildlife including the Big 5.
There are two stylish accommodation options – Main Lodge and The Farmstead.
The Main Lodge has six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites (which each have two bedrooms), and Africa House – an exclusive use villa with six bedrooms. Guests have access to the lodge’s main dinging areas, library and world-renowned bush spa and gym. The Farmstead is a 12-minute drive south of the Main Lodge and consists of three Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse – a three and a half bedroom private villa. Both are located either side of a central lodge area where guests can enjoy delicious meals. There is also a double spa treatment room as well as a gym.
As a whole, Royal Malewane has spacious and unique interiors that are authentic to the surrounding region. Guests enjoy dramatic views over the canopies of The Greater Kruger National Park and get thrilling close to its abundant wildlife.
Room & Suite Types
Royal Malewane’s accommodation options include six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites and Africa House at the Main Lodge and three Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse at The Farmstead. The Main Lodge has a more classic and traditional style, whereas The Farmstead offers something unique with a more relaxed and contemporary feel.
Boasting unparalleled views over the surrounding bushveld, the one-bedroom Luxury Suites (165m²) are ideal for couples. Luxuriously appointed and fully air-conditioned, they provide an elegant refuge in the heart of the bush complete with private pool, an outdoor gazebo and a splendid bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers.
Brimming with old world elegance but adorned with Liz Biden’s signature splashes of colour, the Royal Suites (510m²) each have two spacious, en-suite bedrooms either side of a vast living room and dining area. There is also a huge outside deck and crystal-clear swimming pool. Africa House (680m²) is an elegant, exclusive use bush villa within the Main Lodge’s complex, consisting of six en-suite bedrooms either side of a central courtyard. The vast front deck provides the ultimate space to relax, dine and enjoy the beautiful swimming pool. The Royal Suites and Africa House have their own private services.
The Farmstead consists of three Luxury Farm Suites (182m²) and The Farmhouse (636m²) which are either side of a central lodge area. Each Luxury Farm Suite has a spacious bedroom and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower. There are large front and back verandas as well as a beautiful deck and a private pool overlooking the bush where animals roam freely. The Farmhouse is a three and a half bedroom private villa which is ideal for families or a group of friends. There is a magnificent deck with a large swimming pool flowing out into the bush. The Farmhouse has its own private services including a chef, housekeeper and butler. Guests will also have their own private safari vehicle with a dedicated Ranger and Tracker
Location
Royal Malewane is located in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park and can be easily accessed by air and road. The lodge is an easy 35 minute road transfer from the closest airport in Hoedspruit. Daily flights are available from both Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airports.
Guests also have the option of chartering their own flights directly onto the private airstrip. Royal Malewane’s expert reservations team can assist with booking private charters on request.
Guests who are travelling to the lodge by road have the advantage of experiencing the small, scenic towns surrounding Royal Malewane and a backdrop of the spectacular Drakensberg mountains.
Experience
The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and one of the world’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries with a rich diversity of ecosystems that support over 145 mammal species including the Big 5 and over 500 bird species. The untamed environment of The Greater Kruger National Park stirs deep emotions. Visitors experience meaningful and often life-changing encounters with wildlife replacing bustling city life with the tranquil sounds and splendour of nature. Time slows down as your body adjusts to the natural rhythms of the African bush.
There is certainly no shortage of activities at Royal Malewane, including twice daily game drives with the most qualified guiding team in Africa, rejuvenating spa treatments at The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa, golf at Leopard Creek and Hot Air Ballooning over Blyde River Canyon.
Dining at Royal Malewane is a sensory experience. We recommend a romantic bush dinner in the bush tent where glowing lanterns cast a gentle light among the brightly burning braziers.
Your personalized daily activities can be coordinated by the lodge’s expert reservations team on reques
What we like about it
Upon arrival one finds themselves in a natural and unique setting that allows you to break free from the routines of daily life. Home to three of only seven Master Trackers in the whole world, guests engage with the landscape even more intimately while exploring the bush on foot or during daily game drives.
Owner Liz Biden is a genius when it comes to creating warm and inviting spaces. She has never been afraid to play with colour, adding a touch of theatre to the guest experience. Travellers are increasingly looking for more meaningful, personal experiences – a connection with the destination. Liz delivers that through her destination-specific design that is influenced by the local culture, landscapes and heritage.
Lastly, we love that The Farmstead is a pioneering community empowerment project that forms part of The Royal Portfolio Foundation. The Farmstead land is leased from the local community, meaning not only will The Royal Portfolio employ and develop members of the community, but at the end of that long lease both the land and the asset will revert to the community with the option to continue working with The Royal Portfolio in perpetuit
