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.
Highlights
Take a ringside seat to view the bird and wildlife that come to drink from the property’s private waterhole.
Scout for the Big Five with some of Africa’s most experienced guides and trackers on game drives and bush walks.
Relax in upscale accommodation with private pools, a one-of-a-kind bush spa, hammam and gym.
Watch the children embrace the opportunity to track the animals, enjoying a tailormade programme and safari activities.
Part of the Royal Portfolio, a collection of South African hotels operated by the Biden family, Waterside at Royal Malewane is a 12-bedroom luxurious safari lodge in Kruger’s Thornybush Game Reserve. The emphasis at this exclusive getaway is on privacy, service, and superlative game viewing. Set amid a forest of ornamental fever trees teeming with colourful birdlife, waterside boasts a glimmering waterhole that attracts the local wildlife. Designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and to maximise the views of the expansive waterhole, this family-friendly safari lodge features free-standing, generously sized and beautifully appointed suites for up to 16 guests, as well as a private villa sleeping up to 8 guests. The opulent interiors feature rich colours, textiles, and textures, reflecting both the peace and drama of the bush, making a stay here an immersive and memorable experience.
Each thatched suite includes an air-conditioned sitting room (some with open fireplace), sumptuous bedroom, limestone bathroom with free-standing tub, complimentary minibar, plunge pool, deck, and gazebo. Entry level suites are the one-bedroom Aloe Suites or for more space book a one-bedroom Luxury Suite. Families can book the Baobab Suite featuring two-bedrooms or splash out on a stay at the private villa, Waterside House, which includes four ensuite bedrooms, a private guide, tracker, and vehicle. Waterside is particularly suited to families offering child-friendly game drives, a children’s games room, jungle gym, arts and craft activities, as well as board games and puzzles.
There is an award-winning chef, whose superb cuisine is served up on the best china, silver and crystalware. The Afro-Mediterranean menu uses local produce, such as game and rainbow trout and guests can choose to dine in various locations including the silver service dining room, the Bedouin tents and bomas. Mealtimes are flexible.
Guests enjoy twice daily game drives with some of Africa’s most accomplished guides and trackers, as well as a morning bush walk. Facilities include the Reflections Spa, a hammam, gym, large swimming pool, yoga room and wine cellar. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Royal Portfolio also works hard to conserve the areas in which it operates, with sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
The Thornybush Game Reserve is packed with abundant wildlife including white rhino, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, and zebra, along with the Big Five: lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and black rhino. Along with game viewing, the hotel can also arrange helicopter tours, horseback safaris and golfing excursions. It is around a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg or just 35-minutes from Hoedspruit Airport.
When to visit
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Enquire NowLocated in Kruger National Park’s Thornybush Game Reserve, a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg, or a 35-minute drive from Hoedspruit Airport.
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.
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.
The Farmstead at Royal Malewane
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
