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Royal Malewane
- Where:
- Why:Parent's first time in Africa coupled with mom's birthday
- When:November 2021
- Who:My parents and I
"A harmonious blend of five star safari luxury and nature in all its glory "
AT A GLANCE: Its location in the Greater Kruger National Park, built to be completely one with the bush, means the view from your balcony holds elephants and giraffes cooling off in the hotel’s watering hole with a barrel of monkeys chilling right beneath you. With extremely friendly staff going above and beyond to make your stay as memorable and special as possible, a chef who chats with you every morning to curate your menu for the day, and every room with its own private pool — safari living does not get more luxurious than this. Accommodation options range from rooms in the main lodge to suites and exclusive villas with multiple bedrooms, making Royal Malewane perfect for an exciting trip for two or ten.
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BFF4LYF Royal Malewane edition. Thank you for making the most special trip that much more special
Hello! I live here now
The Royal Suite is essentially a two bedroom home in the bush of dreams
Catching up on my birding and feeling riiiight at home
10/10 sleep in this regal setting
Took ALL the Penhaligons toiletries AND the silk robe to go with it
"Casual" five star lunch, the food was unreal
The property has its own watering hole which means you can often find elephants, giraffes and other new friends hanging around
Like this (tiny!!) baby elephant and his mom cooling off
Not pictured: a "barrel" of monkeys chilling straight beneath me
Interior details
When nature plays set designer for your happy hour. Swoon
Dinner in the bush, under the stars
Taking stealable merch to the next level
Highs & Lows
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The people! From the moment we were whisked away at the airstrip by Nick, who was our expert tracker for the duration of the trip along with Robert, to chef Archie, I could seriously go on. Every single staff member felt like family, and was just all around awesome humans.
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Loved the over all non-hotel, intimate feel. I felt like I was arriving at my super fabulous aunt’s home in the bush. It had just the right amount of beautiful Persian rugs and carefully curated items sprinkled throughout that really made it feel like a home.
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Hands down the best wildlife/game drives I've seen in my life. Given its location, you will spot the big five on almost every drive and yet no two outings are the same.
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The FOOD. Definitely not your standard “safari” fare. I was obsessed with how hyper-personalized each meal was.
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Not enough time to do everything! In a perfect world I'd easily do a week here to do alllllll the things.
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LEAVING. Tears may or may not have been shed...
Important Bits
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Type
Epitome of a luxury safari lodge
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Vibe
Classic "Out of Africa" safari vibes with just the right amount of cozy
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Location
Blissfully off the grid and one with South Africa’s flagship wildlife reserve
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Rooms
10 in the main lodge; 6 luxury suites and 2 royal suites. Additionally there are 3 exclusive-use villas — Africa House, The Farmstead and The Farmhouse which each have between 3-6 bedrooms
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
Bubbles, greeted by the whole staff / new BFFs like out of a movie
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Future Forward
Plastic free and an on-site water purification system plus waste recycling. They also have counter-poaching/conservation efforts across the board
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Music
Sounds of the bush is all you need
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Year Opened
1999
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Designed By
Designed by owner Liz Biden, the lodge was originally her private holiday home
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Health & Wellness
Yes, the bush spa has both a gym and a pool but more importantly, every room has its own private pool
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Food
OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD. Archie, the head chef chats with you every morning to curate both your lunch and dinner menus. From truffle to perfectly roasted lamb to crocodile carpaccio — 10/10 for every single meal
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
The Masiya bar pays homage to the history of Royal Malewane and its Master Trackers, in particular Wilson Masiya who was a part of the family since they opened their doors in 1999
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Minibar & Retail
Nothing mini about this, full kitchen and bar are at your disposal. Wine? Bubbles? Just buzz and they’ll send it right over — all complimentary
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Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
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Pet Friendly
Definitely not. With so many new animal friends, best to leave your furry ones at home
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Children
Technically over 12 are allowed, but the private villas have no set rules so rather do that if its a family affair
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Price
Rates starting at around $2,000 USD per person all inclusive and worth every single South African ZAR
- Tel.
- Website
Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa
The Counter Poaching Dog Unit at Royal Malewane, also known as Tango K9
Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa
Curio Shop
Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa
The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa
Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa
In the Area
Hotel Location Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa
The Royal Malewane hotel is located in the Thornybush private game reserve in the famed Greater Kruger National Park. Sounds far and intimidating but getting there is quite seamless with flights to Hoedspruit Airport and then a 45 minute drive, where you will most likely be welcomed by some animal friends!
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