Greater Kruger · South Africa
Royal Malewane
The Royal Portfolio's flagship bush lodge, known for exceptionally credentialled guides
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Royal Malewane sits in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger system on the park's western flank. The main lodge holds six suites plus the two-bedroom Royal Suite, each with its own heated pool and a deck facing dense riverine bush. Interiors lean colonial rather than minimalist, with copper baths, antiques and wide verandas.
What separates the lodge from its neighbours is the guiding. It fields several of the small number of guides in Africa holding the highest professional qualification, paired with Shangaan trackers who have worked the same ground for decades. Drives are unhurried and explanatory, and walking safaris are offered to guests who want them.
The Bush Spa is one of the largest in the region, and the lodge shares its traversing area with sister properties Africa House, The Farmstead and Waterside. Dining moves between the terrace, the wine cellar and the sand of a dry riverbed.
At a glance
What to expect
- Private heated pools
- Bush Spa
- Master Tracker guiding
- Walking safaris
- Wine cellar dining
- Twice-daily game drives
- All meals and drinks
- Airstrip transfers
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