// SOUTH AFRICA // GREATER KRUGER //
royal malewane
the gold standard for safari lodges
Royal Malewane is the crown jewel of The Royal Portfolio, the first of a collection of exquisite properties born from the vision of Liz and Phil Biden when they converted the family vacation home to what now lives on as Malewane Lodge. Their commitment to personalized hospitality, design, and conservation has shaped Royal Malewane to set a gold standard for safari excellence in South Africa. The discerning taste has redefined the luxury safari lodge experience to be simultaneously grand and intimate, with a series of distinctly sophisticated lodges and an award-winning safari team.
Over two and a half decades, Royal Malewane has blossomed into three luxury lodges all within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve in Greater Kruger. The reserve is 14,000 hectares of meticulously maintained savannah ecosystem, home to the Big 5, the Little 5, the Ugly 5, and hundreds of other fauna. Each of the properties offers a unique aesthetic, catering to different styles and lifestyles, connected by The Royal Malewane’s unmatched standards of service and safari guiding. In addition to the luxury suites at the lodges, the portfolio also has 3 private villas for families and larger group stays.
MALEWANE LODGE
The original Malewane Lodge exudes traditional, old world grandeur. It’s the pinnacle of what you would expect of a safari lodge, with thatched roofs and earthen tones blending with the African bush, decorated with animal inspired art. Inside, opulent touches like large Persian rugs and luxurious furniture create a sense of classic safari splendor. An elevated boardwalk leads into an airy, open reception lounge that overlooks a grand vista of a busy waterhole, often frequented by water buffalo and elephants, who also love taking sips from the pools. And from there, the open dining space that leads on over to the suites beyond.
Each of the eight suites boasts private wraparound decks and a plunge pool for outdoor lounging, and dramatic canopy beds that overlook the bush. The large bathroom has an indoor and outdoor shower, standalone bathtub, and double vanity as a luxurious place to unwind.
Few things in the world are as magical as looking up from the couch and being face to face with a full on elephant taking a sip from your private pool. Malewane Lodge really invites the safari in, where you can admire views of animals while sipping on a drink from the well-stocked bar cart.
WATERSIDE LODGE
Waterside Lodge, which opened in 2022, completely reimagines the safari aesthetic with vibrant, contemporary flair. Anchored around a large waterhole, the serene waters and tall fever trees provide a peaceful natural backdrop for Liz Biden’s bold, maximalist design vision. The bright yellow arrival pavilion sets the tone with the bold decor and colorful furnishings that almost distract from the glittering waters beyond. The elevated boardwalk flows into the outdoor bar and dining area, and the outdoor lounge and pool, the heart of the lodge often shared with nyalas and the occasional warthog munching on the grass.
Rooms here are extra large and drenched in color, filled with bright bold patterns and beautifully curated art from contemporary African artists, often featuring portraits of women, a deliberate departure from the traditional nature-inspired art. It’s a feast for the eyes that feels refreshingly cosmopolitan, borrowing color palettes that might be more fit for a beach resort than a bush lodge. Enough space to fit a bedroom, living room and office within.
Each suite has vaulted thatched roofs, a spa-like bathroom and walk in closet, and panoramic views of the private deck and plunge pool. The luxurious bathroom would be boasted as a king size studio on StreetEasy in New York: there’s room for a huge shower, claw foot bath tub, double sink vanity, a separate side table vanity, and a lounge chair in case you feel like reading a book, with plenty of room to take a cartwheel in between all these things.
And of course, the deck is also extra large, with a pool, lounge chairs, a little dining area and a daybed that makes for a perfect afternoon nap between game drives.
It’s also well worth stopping by the gift shop here, to pick up some curated, artful homeware and textiles to bring a bit of that Waterside charm home with you.
FARMSTEAD LODGE
The newest and smallest lodge, Farmstead, feels like stepping into a newly built villa with a Spanish name somewhere in suburban southern California. But in a good way. It’s an intimate, secluded experience, that feels contemporary yet rustic, like a rich person’s ranch, a sanctuary of just three luxury suites, plus a private villa. It’s a laidback ambience that feels like home, with the signature luxury of the Malewane safari experience.
The true signature of Royal Malewane is the service. From the moment you arrive, you presented with eucalyptus scented towels and a refreshing welcome cocktail before being led into the welcome pavilion to get an orientation from the property manager and meet the staff. The team is warm and personal, with butlers, chefs, housekeepers and night guards getting to know each guest on a first name basis. Suites and turned around throughout the day, impeccably set up with detailed touches. Laundry folded, slippers at bedside and a little sweet and bottle of water on each night stand. It’s easy to fall into a surreal routine here, when the staff learns about your preferences and anticipates every accommodation. It is the most luxurious hospitality, but it doesn’t feel stuffy, but authentic and genuine.
The safari part of the Royal Malewane experience is truly exceptional, with an industry-leading guiding and tracking team with more certifications and collective experience than any other team in the country. Every game drive is an insightful and thrilling adventure, with the guides answering every question you can dream of with expertise, and the trackers ensuring unparalleled Big 5 sightings. From sunrise pick ups to wake up with the savannah to sundowners with a makeshift bar on the safari vehicle, the team ensures every drive is memorable.
They also operate a Conservation and Research Center, which is an industry leading institution where guests can also get private tours and engage in activities to help preserve the ecosystem explored.
Most people don’t come to the bush for food, but the Royal Malewane changes that with a top tier food and drink program. Menus are tailored to each guest, with dietary restrictions and preferences in mind. Days begin with a cold breakfast before the morning game drive, followed by a lavish two course second breakfast. Lunch offers a selection that ranges from lighter small plates to full mains. And dinner is a true 3 course affair, often featuring local game meats paired with an extensive list of local wines. It’s hard to get bored when things are impeccably planned. From a decadent brunch spread in the bush, to a pop up picnic lounge with a taco bar at sunset, to a classic South African braai back at the lodge, every meal is a sensory experience.
A stay at any of the Royal Malewane lodges is an immersive, luxurious journey. From the traditional elegance of Malewane Lodge to the contemporary colorful chic of Waterside, it’s an unparalleled way to safari that simultaneously allows you to immerse in nature on drives while indulging in comfort at the lodges. It’s a splurge trip of a lifetime for most. And a beloved lodge for some truly famous names. Truly its own tier of safari.
the details
| Address | Thornybush Game Reserve, 1380, South Africa |
| Website | https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane/ |
| @royalmalewane | |
| Price | $$$$ – definitely at the top tier of luxury safari experiences, with all-inclusive rates starting at 52000 zar to 62000 zar ($2900-3500) per person per night for the standard luxury suites depending on the season |
good to know
Go here for: a tentpole trip, an ultra luxurious safari experience with guaranteed Big 5 sightings
Don’t miss: the luxurious spa experiences at Malewane and Waterside Lodge, with a breadth of services for extra pampering featuring localized treatments
Amount of time to spend: 2-4 nights, depending on whether you’re going to any other lodges on the trip
When to come: the best season for sighting the Big 5 is during the dry winter season (June – August)
Getting here: they have a private airstrip (for the 1% that is traveling by private transfers from lodge to lodge), and the closest commercial airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate airport, which has a couple daily flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. From there, Malewane can arrange for a guide to pick you up (or drop you off) to and from the lodge.
Other things to note:
The entire Malewane experience is highly customizable, and they can accommodate pretty much any request ahead of time, from private vehicles to a special anniversary dinner to excursions to surrounding areas for longer stays.
Last visited: August 2024
Last updated: February 2025