Royal Malewane | Day 1
This luxury all-inclusive safari lodge is located on the western border of Greater Kruger National Park. Upon arrival we were greeted by a team of vibrant staff and were served some refreshing drinks to cool down from the heat. We opted to fly from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit airport via SA Airlink which was a quick 45 minute trip. Kielan Kallis, the General Manager of Royal Malewane swiftly checked us into our hotel room and informed us he had a little surprise for us. He had kindly booked us into the Royal Suite. I was completely lost for words at the generosity of the team. From the lovely home-cooked- styled meals which were prepared for us every single day to the early and late evening drives with Matt, (our ranger), to the lovely therapists at the spa. We felt as if every staff member had become our own family.
Royal Malewane and its three luxury lodges offer an unrivalled safari experience in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park that exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age while offering every modern comfort. The most qualified guiding team in Africa delivers a thrilling wildlife experience providing fascinating insights into the complex ecosystems of the South African bushveld.
There are three accommodation options at Royal Malewane – The Lodge which is more classic and traditional in style; The Farmstead which is more intimate and contemporary; and Waterside which is a spacious sanctuary elevated above the banks of a bustling watering hole.
Checking-In
The Royal Suite
A huge outside deck complete with crystal-clear pool allows you to make the most of the surrounding wild beauty and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine in complete privacy. Inside, the décor is classic, brimming with old world elegance but adorned with Liz Biden’s signature playful touches and splashes of colour. There are two huge, en-suite bedrooms either side of a vast living room and dining area. Royal Suites have their own private services.
The Wildlife Experience
From expert rangers and trackers to specialist photographic safaris, Royal Malewane offers a classical safari experience where nature is paramount. We were lucky enough to have an expert guide named Matt along with his tracker, Shadow who showed us the beauty of the Kruger for three memorable days. We managed to spot all of the Big Five. From seeing a pride of Lions, to a beautiful female Leopard, to a bustling herd of Elephants, to a lone male White Rhino and a relaxed male Buffalo wallowing in a pool of mud to cool off from the African sun, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky.
Shadow
Our incredible guide, Matty.
The Royal Portfolio is also currently hosting a special where you can:
Book and pay for six nights at any combination of The Royal Portfolio properties: ROYAL MALEWANE, BIRKENHEAD HOUSE, LA RESIDENCE OR THE SILO HOTEL Valid from 16 January to 14 December 2022 and receive a complimentary night at either Birkenhead House, La Residence or The Silo Hotel.