4.5
4.5/5

ROYAL MALEWANE

THORNYBUSH PRIVATE GAME RESERVE ǀ GREATER KRUGER

ABOUT ROYAL MALEWANE

Ultimate luxury seamlessly blends into the rugged splendor of the African bushveld at Royal Malewane; one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations located in Thornybush Private Game Reserve. Every aspect is touched by the stylish wand of Liz Biden; yet it exudes the familiarity and comfort of a much-loved family home.

Renowned for its Big 5 game viewing and some of the best wildlife sightings in the Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane offers guests the ultimate African safari experience. It is part of a collection of exclusive hotels, lodges and private residences called the Royal Portfolio and a proud masterpiece of the Biden family.

There are many indulgent moments at Royal Malewane; from contemporary cuisine prepared by a dedicated team of chefs to sumptuous suites fit for Royalty and luxurious pamper sessions at the lodge’s award-winning spa. Experience classic style and elegance with layers of warmth and old-world charm.

Owners, Phil and Liz Biden, have created a splendid safari lodge in a corner of the Greater Kruger National Park which promises unrivaled game viewing and the safari retreat. They turned their beautiful family home in the African bush into what is regarded as one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations.

ROYAL MALEWANE EXPERIENCE

Royal Malewane caters for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a beautiful bushveld setting, where old-world charm merges seamlessly with classic style and elegance. A stay at this sumptuous safari lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park promises guests the ultimate safari experience with lashings of indulgent moments.

Big 5 safari destination

Royal Malewane is a Big Five luxury Kruger safari destination in Thornybush Private Game Reserve. It is one of several high-end luxury lodges which now fall within the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP). The area is characterised by rolling Lowveld savanna grasslands and wooded thickets and is home to an abundance of antelope, predators and prolific birdlife.

Thornybush Private Game Reserve is a premier safari destination for international tourists and has earned itself a reputation as one of South Africa’s finest African safari experiences. The private reserve spans 14 000 hectares and lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It has earned numerous international awards for both conservation and hospitality.

The private game reserve operates as an eco-tourism destination and is funded through the commercial operations of up-market safari lodges located within its boundaries. Thornybush Private Game Reserve has evolved over many years and is now one of over twenty private reserves that fall within the Greater Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park was declared a protected wildlife sanctuary in 1898; firstly, known as the Government Wildlife Park and then Sabi Game Reserve. It was finally re-named Kruger National Park in honour of the former president of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger, who was instrumental in creating the safe haven for South Africa’s threatened wildlife.

Over time, the farms surrounding the Kruger National Park were turned into privately-owned game farms. Over twenty of these established the Associated Private Nature Reserves, a non-profit organisation to uphold the principles and values of conservation, sustainable land use and local community development. In the early 90s, the Kruger National Park and Associated Private Nature Reserves dropped their fences; effectively adding 180 000 hectares of land and creating the Greater Kruger National Park.

The Greater Kruger National Park includes Balule, Kapama, Klaserie, Timbervati, Sabi Sands, Manyeleti, Letaba, Umbabat and Thornybush private game reserves. There are no fences between them which gives animals ample area to roam.

The only restriction is on visitors themselves; GKNP is restricted to guests staying at one of the twenty exclusive safari lodges. This means the reserve is a lot less crowded than the national park and remains untouched and unspoilt by tourist and traffic congestion.

Stylish elegance

Liz Biden has a unique gift for creating beautiful spaces that are both stylish and comfortable. She fills her exclusive properties with exquisite pieces of furniture and exotic fabric which she sources on her travels around the world. She is a genius with colour combinations and creates spaces that are warm, inviting and inspiring.

Modern pieces sit aside tattered relics which she has salvaged and lovingly repurposed for a special spot somewhere in the lodge. Her attention to detail and eye for the unusual means every nook in every corner of the Royal Malewane is an exquisite nod to her tireless and meticulous sense of design.

Warm hospitality

Royal Malewane may be an Out of Africa experience but the warmth and passionate culture of the people working there remind you that you’re ensconced in the heart and soul of Africa. The Biden family believe the people running the lodge are fundamental to the overall experience and they place a strong emphasis on finding the right people who embody the values of their own family.

It’s a family-owned and run safari lodge but it’s the extraordinary people at the helm of Royal Malewane who add a layer of warmth and comfort to your stay. From an award-winning Executive Chef to internationally qualified therapists, some of the best game rangers in South Africa and the dedicated kitchen and cleaning staff; guests experience a strong sense of loyalty and passion throughout their stay at Royal Malewane.

Regal rooms

Royal Malewane sleeps 32 guests in six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites and Africa House. This is an exclusive-use bush villa with six bedrooms, sleeping 12 people

Each suite is nestled in a grove of acacia trees with a stunning view of the splendid bushveld. They are designed to offer guests an elegant and classic experience coupled with the familiar and warm atmosphere of a much-loved family home.

The suites are air-conditioned and equipped for modern comfort and convenience. A butler and private chef are on hand for guests staying in the private Royal Suites. Spacious bedrooms and the elegant lounge areas lead out onto shaded private decks which offer a welcoming respite from the warm African sun.

The Royal Suites have their own private pool. Africa House is a spacious and stylishly-decorated villa for the exclusive use of a family or group. Royal Malewane can be booked by one group and guests are treated to the undivided attention of the team.

Royal refurbishment

Exciting additions have been made to the already luxurious safari lodge. Recent refurbishments have given Royal Malewane a lovely lift and checks on its structural integrity have gone on behind the scenes.

This includes new walls and floors in the suites, wooden doors and frames reconditioned, new entrances to the Royal Suites, new thatching throughout the lodge, resurfacing of pools and a number of new walkways. Completed in April 2018, Royal Malewane is more indulgent than ever.

Starlit dining

A newly-built bar built on the site of the existing boma means guests are treated to a superb evening dining under the stars. The bush bar is positioned on the water’s edge and blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings, much like a traditional hide on a beautiful water hole.

Wild grasslands run up to the curved wall and cover the rooftop of Royal Malewane’s bush bar. It’s the perfect retreat to sample a fabulous collection of premier wines, craft beers, infused gins and over 50 brands of whisky.

Kosha kitchen

Another exciting addition at Royal Malewane is an upgraded kosher kitchen. Fresh and delicious meals are prepared using the finest kosher ingredients created by a team of specially-trained chefs who have been trained on the subtleties of kosher requirements.

Luxurious pampering

Royal Malewane is almost as famous for its award-winning safari spa as it is for its luxurious accommodation and unsurpassed game viewing. The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is nestled in a beautiful bushveld setting and promises guests the ultimate spa experience. The spa only employs therapists with international qualifications.

Facilities include a fully-equipped gym, a heated lap pool, steam room, hot and cold African baths and private casitas for relaxation and treatment. It’s no wonder Elton John spends no less than two weeks at Royal Malewane when he visits.

Contemporary cuisine

Royal Malewane is synonymous with exceptional food and wine. It may be a safari lodge located in the heart of the African bush, but the owners see no need to dish out ordinary game lodge fare. The menu can be tailored to personal tastes and dietary requirements in consultation with the Executive Chef.

Heading up the dining experience is Executive Chef, Brandon Souris. Ably assisted by a highly-qualified team of sous chefs, delicious meals are created and served in one of Africa’s most breath-taking locations. Meals are paired with a selection of fine wines, spirits and craft beers.

Guests are treated to a remarkable and romantic dining experience at The Bush Tent; with glowing lanterns casting a gentle light over the rustic dining space. The sounds of the wild and the local village choir provide the soundtrack to a very special evening.

Unsurpassed game viewing

Royal Malewane has the most qualified guiding team in Africa. Accumulatively, they have over 300 years of African bush experience and the perseverance and passion needed to treat guests to the ultimate safari experience.

All game rangers at Royal Malewane hold the highest FGASA qualification as well as advanced rifle-handling certificates. These qualifications ensure guests have an exceptional game viewing experience, particularly on foot on a morning bush walk.

Famous guests

Staff at Royal Malewane are used to famous people and A-list celebrities wondering through the main lodge and lounging around the sparkling outdoor pool. The safari lodge offers guests uncompromised privacy whether you’re part of the Hollywood set or the Sandton set.

Famous people who have graced the threshold of Royal Malewane include the late Nelson Mandela; iconic struggle veteran, activist and humanitarian and former president of South Africa. Richard Gere and Elton John have stayed Royale Malewane as well as former president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy; and Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen Source.

That being said, the Royal Malewane team is more concerned about how you’re enjoying the bushveld experience than how famous you are. Relax and soak in the healing power of the African bushveld and forget about the busy and important life you’ll eventually have to get back to.

ACCOMMODATION AT ROYAL MALEWANE

Each suite at Royal Malewane captures the vibrance, colour and energy of Africa. Designed with style and elegance in mind, Liz Biden has waved her style wand and given each suite its own unique sense of character and spirit.

Wherever possible, Royal Malewane supports local designers and manufacturers so there are interesting features and rustic touches in each suite. Guests are enveloped in the warmth and comfort of the design style which feels more like home than a carbon-copy luxury safari lodge.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the safari lodge, including Africa House. Housekeeping and laundry services are provided by a team of professional staff; many of whom have been at Royal Malewane for well over five years.

LUXURY SUITES

The 6 ensuite Luxury Suites at Royal Malewane are air-conditioned, beautifully decorated and equipped with all the modern conveniences of a luxury suite. Elevated walkways link the Luxury Suites to the main lodge. Each suite is well-appointed to offer guests complete privacy.

The bedrooms are decorated using exquisite dark wooden furniture and each suite has a canopied King-size bed with luxury linen. There’s a large Victorian-style bath in each bathroom and an inside and outside shower. There’s a fireplace in the bedroom for chilly winter evenings and for glorious sunny days, a private wooden deck with a rim-flow pool and thatched gazebo.

ROYAL SUITES

There are two Royal Suites at Royal Malewane; offering guests an exclusive retreat from the main lodge. Each suite has a private sitting and dining area with a well-equipped kitchen. Guests staying in the Royal Suite have at their service a butler, private chef, professional guide and tracker and open safari vehicle for their exclusive use.

The Royal Suites are all about space and splendour. Inside, the suite is spacious and comfortable with touches of elegance and opulence. Outside, a large wooden deck overlooks the stunning African bushveld; designed to create a sense that you’re the only guests staying at Royal Malewane.

The suites are richly decorated, with a heady mix of old-world charm and understated elegance. Wonderful antiques and artwork adorn the room, collected by Liz Biden on her world travels. Each suite oozes romance and luxury while still capturing the vibrance and spirit of Africa.

AFRICA HOUSE

Africa House is set apart from the main lodge at Royal Malewane and geared for guests who seek complete privacy and exclusivity. It is a self-contained villa that sleeps 12 guests; ideal for families with children or a small group of friends.

The villa is beautifully decorated with a large living area and dining area which leads out onto a large verandah with a sparkling plunge pool. It’s a fully-serviced self-catering option with a private chef and staff available to assist with preparing meals during the day. Guests can choose to isolate themselves at Africa House and use the kitchen and barbeque facilities or make use of the restaurant and other facilities at the main lodge.

Standard features include ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and underfloor heating. There’s a large plasma-screen TV connected to South Africa’s satellite broadcasting facility. Guests have access to the spa and wellness centre at the main lodge and the choice of activities available to all visitors staying at Royal Malewane. This includes game drives and walking safaris.

ROYAL MALEWANE FACILITIES

Royal Malewane offers guests all the modern conveniences expected of a 5-star establishment. The luxury safari lodge caters for an array of guests; from high-end international travellers to corporate enterprises and groups of families and friends.

Highlight features include:

Spa & wellness centre

The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is an award-winning spa renowned as much for its magnificent setting as it is for its luxurious massages and body treatments. It is one of the most exclusive spas in Africa, providing world-class treatments in a remote corner of the African bush.

Surrounded by untamed African bush, the spa at Royal Malewane is an oasis of calm and tranquility. Internationally-qualified therapists provide therapeutic massages, luxurious body treatments and calming hydrotherapy to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

They use the spa’s own Healing Earth products which harness the natural healing powers of indigenous plants as well as a selection of international products such as Dermalogica, Gelish, Morgan Taylor and Essie for manicures and pedicures. Treatments are offered in the privacy of a private casita.

Guests are treated to a selection of healthy juices and snacks and there is complimentary Wi-Fi in the spa. On hand is a qualified hair stylist who provides guests with the option of a hair wash, blow dry and hair treatment.

Royal Malewane also has a wellness centre where guests can work off a decadent meal and sweat out a bit of city stress. Facilities available include a fully-equipped gym, heated lap pool, steam room, and hot and cold African baths.

THINGS TO DO AT ROYAL MALEWANE

You can escape to Royal Malewane for nothing more than complete relaxation and rejuvenation, but most people choose to visit for an ultimate safari experience. The safari lodge is located in the Greater Kruger National Lodge which boasts incredibly fascinating and diverse fauna and flora.

The protected region was declared a UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve and is home to an incredible array of animals, birds, plants and trees. It is also rich in cultural history with archaeological sites bearing witness of Stone Age and Iron Age inhabitants.

Explore Thornybush Private Nature Reserve on an open safari vehicle or be a little braver and get closer and more intimate with the bushveld on foot. The choice is yours.

Game viewing

Guests are taken daily on an early morning and late afternoon game drive. Each safari tour is tailored to what guests would like to see and experience. This may be the Big 5 or birds, trees and archaeological sites.

Guests are accompanied by a professional game ranger and experienced tracker. Royal Malewane employs the best in the industry; each possessing an intimate knowledge of animals, birds and vegetation and an intuitive feel for the bushveld.

Royal Malewane has a number of open safari vehicles for the game drives which is a wonderful way to see game. A far more exciting and intimate experience is a bush walk with a professional game ranger.

Photographic safaris

Royal Malewane offers photography enthusiasts the chance to take that perfect shot of wildlife and birds; obviously, only with a camera. The game rangers at Royal Malewane are passionate about photography and more than happy to pass on their knowledge and expertise so you can capture the beauty of the bush and its wild inhabitants.

Pampering or workouts

The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is an award-winning facility which has been voted ‘Best Safari Spa in Africa’. Therapeutic massages, luxurious body treatments and hydrotherapy is on offer in one of the most spectacular spa settings in the country.

If you need a hard work out after a few indulgent meals or to sweat off the city stress; Royal Malewane has a fully-equipped gym as well as an indoor lap pool, steam room and hot and cold African baths.

Bird watching

The professional guides at Royal Malewane are bird enthusiasts and will gladly re-focus a safari tour on birds if guests are birders. Thornybush Private Game Reserve is a birder’s paradise with an incredible array of birds of prey, water birds and regular bush birds.

Star gazing

Another thing Royal Malewane game rangers are good at is star gazing. Spending so many nights out on game drives means the rangers are knowledgeable about star constellations. When you’re dining at The Bush Tent or relaxing at the Bush Bar, ask your ranger to spend some time pointing out constellations in the starry African night sky.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS CLOSE TO ROYAL MALEWANE

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Take a day tour to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and meet several of Africa’s finest wildlife ambassadors. The centre is a safe haven for abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife and birds of prey; some of which are healed and re-introduced to the bush, while others take up permanent residency because they are too badly damaged to fend for themselves.

You’ll see a wide array of animals at Moholoholo; from lion, leopard, serval, cheetah and hyena to Stoffel the famous honey badger as well as vultures, eagles and other magnificent birds of prey. The centre plays an extremely important conservation role, has a very successful breeding programme and is actively involved in anti-poaching initiatives.

The centre is entirely self-funded and relies on the support of visitors and generous donors. There is a small fee for guided tours which last about two hours. Your visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre helps keep this incredible facility going.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is 36 kilometres from Royal Malewane; under 1 hour driving time

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC)

HESC is a non-profit organisation which runs a successful breeding and research programme and plays a vital role in protecting endangered species in Africa. It is world-renowned for the role it has and continues to play in protecting dwindling predator populations in southern Africa.

The centre provides a safe haven for orphaned, sick and injured animals and has set up an impressive education centre where the general public and school children can learn about endangered wildlife species and interact with them. HESC plays a major role in assisting anti-poaching initiatives, in particular, saving our precious rhino from extinction.

HESC is based at Kapama Game Reserve which is a short drive from Royal Malewane. A visit to HESC exposes guests to the incredible work researchers and conservationists are doing in the field; it’s a chance to interact with the animals on a closer level and helps towards raising much-needed funds for conservation and anti-poaching initiatives.

HESC is 22 kilometres from Royal Malewane; just under 1 hour driving time

Visit Sigagule Creche

Owners of Royal Malewane, Liz and Phil Biden, set up the TRP Foundation which serves to raise funds for in a number of social and animal welfare project. Sigagule Creche is a small pre-primary school in the neighbouring community which receives invaluable support from the foundation, with the help of generous donations from guests.

This has included building an additional classroom, laying water pipes to the kitchen and building new toilet facilities as well repainting the creche, putting up new blinds in classrooms, building a jungle gym and play area for the children and establishing a vegetable and fruit garden which now supplies 80% of fruit and vegetables needed by the school.

TRP Foundation has also introduced a ‘Step-by-Step- teachers curriculum for Sigagule Creche and other rural schools in the area.

Guests have the opportunity of visiting Sigagule Creche and spending time with the wonderful children and warm and friendly community. Transfers to Sigagule Creche are at no extra cost.

Helicopter flip

Hoedspruit Helicopters is the only scenic helicopter charter company operating in the Hoedspruit. Contact them directly for a one-of-its-kind helicopter flip over the majestic Drakensberg mountain range and the Blyde River Canyon. Gain a different perspective of the lush Lowveld from high up in the air.

Blyde River Canyon Cruise

Blyde River Canon is the third-largest canyon in the world and the largest ‘green’ canyon in the world. You’ll enjoy an interpretation tour of the canyon which takes you to the rare living Kadishi Tufa waterfall; a fascinating 200-metre high natural phenomenon which builds up and lays down tufa rock as a result of a chemical reaction which precipitates cultrate out of the reaction between plant, water and rock.

A canyon cruise is awe-inspiring; the steep cliff faces tower above you while the boat cruises in the shadow of the Three Rondavels (a mountain landscape shaped like three small huts). The tour takes 1 hour 30 minutes and departs from the Blyde River Dam jetty which you get to from Swadini Forever Resort.

Swadini Forever Resort is 50 kilometres from Royal Malewane; about 1 hour driving time

Explore Hoedspruit        

Hoedspruit is the largest town in the region and a thriving tourism hub. It’s grown so much in the last few years that it’s now a destination on its own. A modern shopping centre has just gone up and you’ve got a choice of a number of great restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. It’s where the local farmers and game farm owners come to shop and meet friends and the town’s packed with tourists either passing through or spending a few days in town.

Hoedspruit lies nestled in a fertile agricultural valley at the foot of the majestic Klein Drakensberg, which means ‘Small Dragon Mountain’ in Afrikaans. It lies on the railway line which links Tzaneen in the north-west with Kaapmuiden in the east.

The town got its name – which means ‘hat creek’ in Afrikaans – from an intrepid explorer who allegedly made the long and arduous trek over the Drakensberg mountains, down into the scorching Lowveld. When he reached the cool waters of the Sandspruit River, he threw his hat into the creek and declared he would settle there.

There’s a lot to do in and around Hoedspruit; plan to spend at least a day exploring the area. Most trips to Hoedspruit end at one or other restaurant or pub where the locals will greet you warmly and convince you to drink up and stay awhile.

Hoedspruit is 47 kilometres from Royal Malewane; just over 1 hour driving time

Panorama Route tour

If you are driving to or from Royal Malewane; one way at least should go via the Panorama Route. It’s an incredibly scenic route with spectacular views around every corner; taking you from Hoedspruit via the historic towns of Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest to the town of Sabie. It tracks the ancient paths of gold diggers who came to the area during the gold rush to seek their fortune.

An iconic feature along the Panorama Route is Blyde River Canyon. It’s the third-largest canyon in the world and the largest ‘green’ canyon in the world. Other highlights along the way include God’s Window, a breath-taking viewpoint on the Drakensberg escarpment; the Pinnacle, a rocky outcrop which some people call God’s Finger; and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a beautiful and strange natural phenomenon where river water has over centuries eroded the rocks and created perfectly formed smooth potholes and unusual sculptures.

Stop for pancakes at the legendary Harry’s Pancakes in Graskop or delicious craft beer at the Sabie Brewing Company.

If you have time, enjoy the ride of your life on Misty Mountain’s Long Tom Toboggan which is located on Long Tom Pass. It’s a 1.7 kilometre track that winds down a mountain slope at speed; it’s the longest toboggan run in Africa and a huge amount of fun for children and adults.

Graskop is 96 kilometres from Royal Malewane; just under 2 hours driving time

ROYAL MALEWANE AWARDS

Royal Malewane is a 5-Star ultra-luxury safari lodge in Thornybush Private Game Reserve. It has featured in numerous local and international publications and received many prestigious accolades since it opened to the public in January 2000.

TRAVEL & BOOKING INFORMATION

Check in and Check Out Times

Check in: 14:00

Check out: 10:00

Royal Malewane child policy

Luxury Suites:    Children 10 years and older welcome

Royal Suites:      Children of all ages are welcome, staying with adult parents

Africa House:     Children of all ages are welcome, staying with adult parents

Royal Malewane has a fantastic children’s programme. Children under 6 years may not accompany their parents on an open safari vehicle. Trained staff will ensure their safety at the lodge while the rest of the family are on safari.

Wi-Fi at Royal Malewane                    

There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout Royal Malewane and in the Royal Suites and Africa House.

Malaria warning

Royal Malewane is in a malaria area but it is regarded as a low-risk malaria area. It is recommended that you speak to your GP or travel clinic for advise on malaria prevention and consider taking anti-malaria medication.

If not taking a prophylactic for malaria, be strict about spraying mosquito repellent in the evening and wear long shirts and pants with socks and shoes in the evening if dining or sitting outside. All suites have mosquito nets in the bedrooms.

Best time of year to visit Royal Malewane

The time of year you go on safari tour in southern Africa really depends on what you are interested in seeing or doing on your trip.

The best time for game viewing is in the cooler winter months; May to August. The bush thins out as it gets drier and the grass is not too thick. This is good for game spotting. Winter temperatures in the bushveld are mild and pleasant but it does it get very chilly at night.

Another important point about the winter months in the bushveld is the risk of malaria decreases significantly and there are fewer pesky insects around.

Summer in southern Africa is the raining season; October to February. There’s nothing like a might African thunderstorm but the rain drives the animals deeper into the bush, which is thicker at that time anyway. It’s not the best time for game viewing but it is a lovely time of the year to be in the bush. The bush comes alive after the rains with the sounds of birds, frogs and bush insects. You’ll also see loads of baby animals.

GETTING TO ROYAL MALEWANE

GPS Co-Ordinates

Latitude: -24.517565

Longitude: 31.164258

TRAVEL BY AIR

OR Tambo International Airport – Hoedspruit Airport

SA Express Airways fly daily from OR Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit Airport. A shuttle service from the airport to the lodge can be arranged an additional cost and takes 35 minutes in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Book directly on www.flysaa.com

Cape Town International Airport – Hoedspruit Airport

SA Express Airways flies 6 days a week from Cape Town International Airport to Hoedspruit Airport. A shuttle service from the airport to the lodge can be arranged an additional cost and takes 35 minutes in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Book directly on www.flyexpress.aero

OR Tambo International Airport – Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA)

Cape Town International Airport – Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA)

SA Airlink flies daily from Cape Town and Johannesburg to KMIA in Nelspruit. Transfers Royal Malewane and back to KMIA can be arranged at an extra cost. The drive from Nelspruit to Royal Malewane takes just over 2 hours but it’s an interesting route and an opportunity to see more of the lush and beautiful Lowveld region.

Book flights directly on www.flysaa.com

PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS

Royal Malewane has a private airstrip so guests have the option of booking a private charter flight. Contact Central Reservations for assistance with booking private charters.

TRAVEL BY ROAD

The road from Johannesburg/Pretoria to Nelspruit and then onto Thornybush Private Game Reserve is a very good open road. You travel most of the way on a wide double-carriage highway with only a few sections that are single-lane and slow; passing through built-up residential settlements.

Travelling by road from Johannesburg to Thornybush Private Game Reserve: approx 484kms/ 5h 47 min

Travelling by road from Nelspruit to Thornybush Private Game Reserve: approx 161kms/ 2h 30 min

SEASONAL RATES APPLY

Mid-season:

1 January to 30 June

1 September to 30 September

1 November to 14 December

Peak season:

1 July to 31 August

1 October to 31 October

15 December to 31 December

Prices quoted per unit per night, except for Luxury Suites which are per person per night

ALL-INCLUSIVE RATE INCLUDES

RATE EXCLUDES

AVAILABLE ON REQUEST (SURCHARGE APPLICABLE)

TRANSFER TERMS & CONDITIONS

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation fees will be levied in the event of a cancellation and in accordance with the reservation terms and conditions of The Royal Portfolio.

A 25% non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is payable within seven (7) days from date of confirmation for all bookings between 1 July – 31 August as well as 15 December – 15 January.

Please note: the full balance of payment is due by 30 April for bookings between 1 July to 31 August and by 31 August for bookings between 15 December to 15 January. These payments are non-refundable. If full payment is not received by the due date, the booking will be released.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is recommended that all guests take out adequate travel insurance to cover the financial implications of The Royal Portfolio Cancellations Terms and Conditions. The guest will bear the sole and absolute responsibility of any cost associated with an emergency evacuation or hospital admittance.

MINIMUM STAY

Please note: During peak season, Royal Malewane operates a dynamic minimum-night stay policy where the safari lodge tries to accommodate any length of stay provided the booking does not create an unsellable night