The Farmstead is the latest offering from The Royal Portfolio and combines elegant interiors, world-class dining and exhilarating wildlife encounters in the game-rich surrounds of the Thorneybush Private Game Reserve.
Highlights
The sister property of the renowned Royal Malewane, The Farmstead offers just four suites and an elegantly refined main lodge
The three Luxury Farm Suites and four-bedroom Farmhouse can be booked individually or as a whole
Guests of The Farmhouse have a private chef, housekeeper and butler, along with a dedicated ranger and tracker to accompany them in their private safari vehicle
Each Suite boasts large outdoor verandas and decking with swings, day beds, deckchairs and a private pool
A short drive south of the main lodge of the Royal Malewane, The Farmstead is a stylishly designed, luxuriously appointed property made up of four suites that can be booked individually or as a whole, providing accommodation for up to 14 guests. The Thorneybush Private Game Reserve offers exceptional wildlife spotting potential, including the Big Five, while the private pools, custom-made daybeds and indulgent living spaces create a welcoming space to unwind when not on safari.
The Farmstead consists of three Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse, a three and a half-bedroom villa that comes complete with private butler, chef and housekeeper. The suites are at once homely and luxurious, with Persian rugs, eclectic works of art adorning the walls, and mismatched furnishings in the style of a modern country home. Capacious beds are swathed in billowing nets, bathrooms boast a roll top bath and separate shower, while the outside living space is equally well-appointed with spacious verandas, outdoor showers, dining areas and private pools.
At the heart of The Farmstead, the Main Lodge provides a welcoming, sociable hub where deep sofas, velvet bar stools and Chinese vases combine to create a decadently comfortable home-from-home. A repurposed bank counter creates a characterful serving hatch in the dining area where the chef whips up delicious meals accompanied by premium wines. A large fire pit on the veranda provides a scenic spot for sundowners and pre-dinner drinks with fellow guests, friends and family, sharing tales of the day’s encounters and photos of the Big Five. When not tracking lion through the bush, a double spa treatment room is a restful space for a restorative massage while the gym comes in useful after the indulgence of a pastry-laden afternoon tea.
While it would be tempting to stay cocooned in the luxurious comfort of the property and be content with the wildlife sightings from the verandas and decking, the surrounding bush boasts exceptional sighting potential. Aside from the Big Five, the 32,000-acre Thornybush Reserve is home to cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena and black rhino. While all guests benefit from the knowledge of an incredibly experienced team of naturists, guests at The Farmhouse can avail of their own safari vehicle, with a dedicated ranger and tracker.
This thoughtfully designed, indulgently stylish safari lodge will soon feel like a luxurious home-from-home, albeit one where the veranda looks out over pristine bush and mesmerising sunrises, and where curious wildlife may join you for a morning coffee.
When to visit
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Enquire NowThe Farmstead is located around 12-minutes’ drive south of the Royal Malewane, on the Thorneybush Private Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.
The Lodge at Royal Malewane
Set on the Thornybush Private Game Reserve in one of South Africa's most game-rich areas, The Lodge at Royal Malewane offers some of the best luxury safari accommodation around, sleeping only 20 guests in very private suites.
Waterside at Royal Malewane
Overlooking a waterhole frequented by abundant wildlife, Waterside at Royal Malewane is perfect for an unforgettable family safari. Expect unrivalled game viewing led by Africa’s most experienced guides and deluxe accommodation with private plunge pools.
Saseka Tented Camp
Located on the 14,000 hectare Thornybush Game Reserve, Saseka Tented Lodge is the brand new luxury camp from the Thornybush Collection. This lodge offers attention to detail and excellent service in a Big Five reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
4WD Game Drives
Go on private or shared game drives in the world famous Greater Kruger Area, South Africa to see the Big 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - and a host of other animals. The Kruger is also a brilliant spot for birders so pack some binoculars.
Spend a night in a Treehouse - Lion Sands
Lion Sands offers an experience in the heart of the Sabi Sands that is like no other: the opportunity to spend a night high above the ground in one of their magical treehouse platforms in the bush.
Sleep Out Experience
Spend a night sleeping under the stars on a beautiful deck overlooking the Veldt.
Activities at Lion Sands
Activities at Lion Sands are a fantastic way to take full advantage of the African bush. From game drives to adventurous sleep outs, you will go home feeling like you have fully experienced what the famous Sabi Sands region has on offer.
Search for leopard in the Sabi Sands
The Sabi Sands is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding regions for spotting leopard in Africa. With good populations and the ability to go on night game-drives which coincides when these big cats are most active, all you need is good timing!
Activities at &Beyond Ngala
Enjoy a variety of game drives and bush walks at Ngala in the Timbavati. &beyond’s fabulous guides will teach you everything there is to know about the bush and there is even the chance to go on a night safari, a definite must.
Cascades and Canyon Helicopter Experience
Experience an exhilarating flight over the Sabie River Valley and along the edge of the escarpment as you swoop over winding rivers, sheer cliffs, deep gorges and cascading waterfalls.
Activities at Garonga
Enjoy a variety of game drive and bush walks at Garonga in the Makalali Conservancy. The property also hosts a variety of unique experiences such as sleep outs over a water hole and bush baths, perfect for a romantic retreat or honeymoon.
