Royal Malewane

Perfect for couples, the luxury suite at Royal Malewane has a classically designed interior, with all the home comforts any guest could want, as well as having an atmosphere of old-traveller charm. Polished wooden furniture and traditional rugs work to fill the room with character. The suite is bright and full of natural light flowing through wide sliding doors which open out onto the luscious bushveld.

A large walnut four foster bed sits in the centre of the living area, and is romantically swathed in mosquito netting and covered in crisp white bed linen. In front of the bed sits a cosy tub sofa and traditional style armchair where guests can unwind and gaze over the treetops of the bush. All suites come with a stylish and luxuriously appointed ensuite bathroom, which includes an indoor and outdoors shower, as well as a freestanding clawfoot bathtub sat opposite large sliding doors.

An expansive and private decking sits at the front of the tent complete with a garden table and chairs, and cushioned sun beds. The decking also comes with its own private pool, allowing guests to catch a refreshing dip in the heat of the afternoon while in the very heart of the bushveld.

A luxurious and well appointed suite ideal for families, the Royal Suite sleeps up to four people and is a stylish and charming home away from home. The interior is classically eclectic, old fashioned wooden furniture sits in harmony with traditional rugs, cosy armchairs, plaster walls, Victorian style cabinets filled with china, and traditional African artwork.

A large living room, complete with dining area sits in the centre of the suite, with two large ensuite bathrooms either side. One bedroom has a large queen size four poster bed, draped with mosquito netting, dressed in crisp white bedding and complete with plush pillows. The second bedroom contains two single four poster beds with draped mosquito netting and cosy red blankets.

The beds in both rooms sit parallel to wide sliding doors which let in natural light and fresh breezes, and showcases the bush in all its green glory. Each spacious ensuite bathroom comes complete with a deep freestanding claw-footed bathtub, hand-basins, an indoor shower and a flush toilet.

These suites come complete with an expansive decking, where guests can truly immerse themselves in the heart of nature, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of the breeze in the trees. A large sparkling infinity pool sits in the centre of the decking where guests can enjoy a dip at any time of day, gazing out across the wild Thornybush Reserve.

Africa House will offer guests an unforgettable stay and is perfect for groups of friends or large family holidays with 6 ensuite-bedrooms and a spacious central courtyard. Classical yet eclectic, the interior is a mixture of beautiful traditional furniture, authentic African art, polished wooden furniture, and china vases.

The lounge and dining area of the house is an expansive room which opens onto the courtyard. Comfortable and cosy sofas sit opposite a feature stone fireplace, and a large green wooden dining table in front of a unique china cabinet is the perfect place for family meals, which can also be eaten outside around the large garden dining table.

The bedrooms all come complete with plush beds which are swathed in mosquito netting and covered in crisp white bed linens. Wide windows and doors look out onto the luscious treetops of the bush, which is a view guests can enjoy from the comfort of their beds. All rooms are also en-suite and come with their own private outdoor shower.

The expansive decking is a convenient and excellent meeting place for the whole group. Relax and unwind in the glistening infinity pool, cooling off in the afternoon’s heat surrounded by wild nature and good company.

For a taste of luxury and style guests can stay in one of the luxury farm suites. Private and uniquely individual, each suite is decorated in a classical interior style with bright bursts of colour and vibrant art throughout. These suites can accommodate up to two people, making them perfect for couples on a romantic getaway.

The main room of the suite is a living and sleeping area, with a comfortable Chesterfield style sofa and a large double bed sitting in the centre of the room. The comfortable bed is dressed in crisp white bed linens with brightly coloured throws and cushions, and is extravagantly draped with mosquito netting.

The suite is bright and full of natural light, which fills the room through wide doors and muntin style windows, which add a modern touch to the suite. Each suite comes with its own spacious ensuite bathroom, which includes classical Victorian style sinks, a freestanding bathtub and a walk in shower.

A verandah sits outside the front and back of the suite, leaving guests spoilt for choice with where to relax and enjoy the views. The spacious decking includes a sparkling private swimming pool, where guests can enjoy a refreshing afternoon dip whilst being an arms reach away from the pristine wilds of Thornybush. Relax and unwind on the unique swing seat while the sunset lights the sky with its golden tones.

The Farmhouse offers guests an exclusive and private safari stay, with a private chef, butler, housekeeper, safari vehicle, safari rangers and trackers. The house is spacious and bright, filled with natural light through wide windows and doors. With 3 bedrooms and a smaller child bedroom, the farmhouse can accommodate 6 adults and 2 children, making it perfect for a family safari trip.

The bedrooms are all unique and spacious, with double beds in the adult bedrooms and two single beds in the child room. The beds are all plush and comfortable and are covered in crisp white bedding as well as being swathed in mosquito netting, allowing guests to have a bug free sleep. Ensuite bathrooms are stylish, with marble features and claw-footed bathtubs with doors which open on to the wilds of Kruger.

A spacious living area comes complete with modern sofas and comfortable armchairs arranged around a fireplace. Green and forest print scatter cushions recall the stunning nature from the surroundings, and a large dining table with green velvet chairs sat in front of a large china cabinet is the perfect place for a group meal with delicious food prepared by your private chef.

A covered outside dining table offers the best place for a refreshing breakfast or light lunch, enjoyed whilst feeling the fresh breezes and hearing bird song fill the air. The expansive decking is where you can find a large glistening swimming pool which flows into the bush, where guests can swim within an arm’s reach of leafy trees. A unique swing seat offers the perfect view over the swimming pool and the surrounding vivid green wilds.

All food at Royal Malewane is creatively cooked by professional and talented chefs who will make a delicious feast for your senses. Enjoy dining in the main dining area of the camp which overlooks the Malewane River, allowing you to enjoy their tasty meals while looking out over the panoramic views and keeping an eye out for any wandering animals stopping at the river for a quick drink.

A wide variety of drinks are available at any time of day, from some of South Africa’s finest wines to specialised whiskeys. All you have to do is alert staff and they will craft you a cooling cocktail or pour you a glass of smooth wine.

For an unforgettable safari experience guests can enjoy a delectable meal in the very heart of the bush, in the specialised bush dining tent. Surrounded by glowing lanterns, enjoy a romantic meal while immersed in the sounds, smells and sights of the bush and the gentle tones of a local village choir.

In a specialised Toyota Land Cruiser head out on a traditional game drive to explore the pristine wilderness of the Greater Kruger. Journey through the bush with a professional and highly experienced guide and tracker from one of the best guiding teams in the whole of Africa.

Extensive training means that these rangers will be able to take you to all the best viewing spots with their years of experience, and will be able to point out animals lounging in the long grasses which may be missed by the untrained eye. This is an exciting and immersive safari activity, and one of the best ways to see wild animals in their natural habitats.

Explore the untouched wilderness on foot, as you truly immerse yourself in your surroundings and become part of the bush. Following an expert tracker, saunter through the bushveld while listening to bird song, and the sounds of the bush rustling in the breeze. Marvel at the micro-ecosystems of the bush, and track animal prints which can lead to some amazing up-close animal viewings.

For guests who have a keen interest in birds, there are over 300 species which fill the Greater Kruger with their song. Specialised safaris can be tailored for guests who wish to learn more about these colourful birds, or for guests who wish to be introduced to the wonderful world of birding.

The rangers and trackers are trained in all areas of bush life, and can focus on finding birds nests, or identifying bird song on a game drive or a bush walk.

If you have a keen interest in photography then a specialist photography safari is available at Royal Malewane. The rangers and trackers all have a keen interest in photography and film, and can help you capture the perfect picture of a leopard grabbing a drink, or an elephant wandering in the distance. A specialised private photography safari is the perfect way to focus on capturing the diverse wildlife of the bush.

For some well earned rest and relaxation then guests can make their way to The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa. Spend some time focusing on your wellbeing whilst sitting in harmony with nature before opting for a stress-relieving massage, detox massage, or reflexology treatment. Also found here is the fully equipped gym, perfect for those guests who wish to start their day with a quick workout.

Royal Malewane is part of The Royal Portfolio who as a group, strive to follow their sustainability framework of the 3 crowns. These crowns are;

• Community
• Conservation
• Environment

The three crowns are interwoven with each other. Local communities are uplifted and supported through various initiatives and projects which help to create a long-term future for both the communities and the properties involved. The Royal Portfolio works in partnership with these communities to ensure that the communities benefit, and they also believe that the revenue created from tourism should help sustain the industry, so they can continue to create jobs, educate, and ‘conserve Africa’s precious wildlife and spectacular landscapes for generations to come.’ Each property under The Royal Portfolio have their own initiatives and projects however they are all guided by the 3 crown principles.

Sigagule Crèche

Working to support the local community is one of Royal Malewane’s main aims, and Sigagule Crèche is one of the community projects which Malewane is highly involved in. The support and resources provided by Melawane helped the crèche turn from one small room with no running water and basic toilets into a pre-school with 4 classrooms, clean and modern bathroom facilities, and a dining/kitchen area with their own vegetable gardens. In 2010 a training program for the teachers and staff at the creche began so the children ‘could receive an introductory education curriculum to prepare them for schooling.’ Today Sigagule cares for and educates around 155 local children.

Langutelani Créche

Founded in March 2014 the Langutelani Créche originally only has 3 children, however since then the number of children has grown to 18 – from 6 months old to five years. With only one small classroom most lessons and activities take place outside. Malewane, with their guests’ help, are working to raise funds to help build new infrastructure so Langutelani can be a ‘fully functioning crèche.’

To help educate the younger generations on the importance of the environment and conservation, Royal Malewane organise day trips for the staff and pupils from the local Sihlekisi Primary School. The day trip consists of a game drive and lunch in the reserve which Malewane hopes will inspire children and ‘expose the children to the importance of eco-tourism and inspire an environmentally sustainable future.’ These day trips happen with the help of guests’ contributions, and guests can be rest assured that 100% of their donations ‘are put into these projects.’

After a recent decline in poaching numbers during the year of 2020, the poachers’ activities have spiked again. The demand for rhino horn is what drives these poachers to track and kill the rhinos, who will have disappeared ‘from natural habitats by 2035’ if something is not done. Royal Malewane, as well as being passionate about conserving wild animals, wants to ensure that everyone’s children and grandchildren are going to grow up in a world where the rhinos are not just surviving, but thriving.

Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation

Royal Malewane is a founding member of ‘GKEPF’ along with The Kruger National Park, Peace Park, Association of Private Nature Reserve, and World Wildlife Fund. All these bodies have come together to create this ‘unique anti-poaching initiative.’ At Malewane the anti-poaching initiative embodies itself in a ‘Counter Poaching Dog Unit’ called Tango K9. These dogs are able to detect and track poachers better than some of the most modern technology. The GKEPF’s main objective ‘is to protect all wildlife in the central Kruger, the APNR reserves to the west and the private game reserves to the east of central Kruger in Mozambique’ by working together and not individually, to protect and preserve the indigenous wildlife as well as ‘combating the illegal trade in wildlife.’

To raise the quality of guiding in South Africa, The Royal Malewane Apprenticeship Programme trains two apprentices every two years, to help them gain a rounded and in-depth knowledge about the surrounding wildlife and so they can pass it on to the next generations. They will be guided by a mentor who has at least 10 years experience, who will ‘share and impart critical knowledge and an understanding of the complex nature of professional field guiding.’ This detailed training course prepares the guides for all interactions they may face in the bush, helping guests, rangers, and guides stay as safe as possible while learning the importance of conserving the areas which they are walking.

Pack For A Purpose

Travellers can help make a positive impact to the communities where they’re travelling by bringing items which are needed, for example school supplies, stationary and books. These will go to local schools and nurseries and will greatly benefit the local children.

Friends of Child Protection 

This initiative was founded by a group of women from Cape Town who wanted to help children who have been victims of abuse. Comfort Packs are given to children which include toiletries and underwear, as well as soft toys, bubbles, balls and stationary to help keep the child safe and occupied while they are at police stations or hospitals. Guests who stay at Royal Portfolio properties can donate money towards one of these vital Comfort Packs.