Located in the Thorny Bush Private Game Reserve, South Africa, Royal Malewane was an incredible first stay on my most recent Africa trip in November 2018.

With only six Luxury Suites and two Royal Suites, along with the ultra exclusive six bedroom ‘Africa House’, you will find luxury and refinement at every turn.

The customer service at the lodge was one of the best I have ever experienced in Africa. On arrival we were personally met by the lodge manager and were escorted to our incredible suite where a bottle of Champagne was opened for us to enjoy whilst we sat by our private plunge pool and took in the stunning scenery surrounding us.

The suites are palatial and beautifully designed. Suites include a lovely sitting area with electric fire, which is a nice consideration for the cooler months. There is a fully stocked bar with beer, wine, spirits and snacks to help yourself to at any time. The splendid bathroom consists of two vanities and a beautiful free standing bath. The outdoor area provides a wonderful space to enjoy the surrounding bushveld, with a generous private deck including plunge pool, sunbeds and outdoor shower.

The camp also has a fantastic bar and boma area overlooking the waterhole, along with a gym, spa, 25m lap pool and even a hair salon!

By evening, transformed in a soft glow with hundreds of lanterns scattered throughout, Royal Malewane becomes even more beautiful, which I wasn’t sure was possible!

And of the wildlife? It does not disappoint! The game viewing at Royal Malewane was exceptional. The day of our arrival, when we returned to the main dining area for lunch, the waterhole just below the restaurant was full of buffalo cooling off from the midday heat. It was a great view while we enjoyed an incredible lunch consisting of delicious choices such as Asian Duck Salad, Grilled T bone steak and Amarula panna cotta.

We were extremely lucky and witnessed the Big 5 on our first game drive. Our guide, Juan, was one of the best guides I have ever had on safari, his knowledge is outstanding. It really doesn’t matter how many times you go on safari you always learn something from guides like Juan.

At the end of our stay, as a thoughtful bonus, Juan surprised us with the most magical gift. He had secretly put together footage of all of our game drives. He had been taking photos of the game along the way, including footage of a magnificent male lion roaring at night and a leopard with a kill up a tree. All of this he presented to us on a USB, backed to music, as a memento. It is one of the most special gestures I have ever been received on safari and was greatly appreciated.

A trip to Africa always holds a special place in my heart but a stay at Royal Malewane is next level. Luxury at its absolute best. Plus it was some of the best game viewing I’ve seen. If you’re looking for a luxury safari in South Africa I’d have to recommend Royal Malewane.

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Want to find out more about Royal Malewane? Contact Sarah and the team at Forth & Wonder today.
e: curious@forthandwonder.com.au
p: +61 3 9045 9819