Luxury, in its purest form, transcends both the material and the sensual. It is a pannier for the soul, suspended quietly in space and time, high above life's familiar course.
The joys of a bygone era await you at Royal Malewane, situated within the greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Accommodating a maximum of 16 guests in the utmost colonial splendour, Royal Malewane is an exclusive getaway for those who value privacy, personalised service and the best game viewing Africa has to offer.
Each of the six freestanding and private suites rests in harmony with its magnificent surroundings with a rich deck wood terrace, thatched gazebo and spillway pool finding easy residence in nature.
Since opening in January 2000, Royal Malewane has always striven to provide its guests with a safari experience of a truly superior nature. This commitment to excellence has resulted in Royal Malewane being featured in no fewer than 35 local and international publications, and receiving international acclaim in the form of the following prestigious awards:
- Top 10 Spas of the World - Tatlers (UK) August 2003
- Top 101 Hotels - Tatlers (UK) 2001 & 2002
- Top 57 Hot Spots of the World - Condé Nast Traveller 2001
- "Hideaways of the Year 2001" Grand Award Winner - Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report
- Best Destinations for 2001 - Forbes Magazine
- One of the top 150 places in the World - Harpers & Queen Travel Awards 2003
- Chaine des Rotisseurs Blazon for Cuisine
Royal Malewane is widely recognised for serving up some of the most exciting cuisine Africa has to offer. Our culinary expertise has culminated in Executive Chef John Jackson and Creator Liz Biden being invited to exhibit their skills at these international food promotions:
- April 2001 – Athenaeum Hotel, London
- October 2001 – Beau Rivage, Mauritius
- January 2002 – Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Dublin, Ireland and Hibernian Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
- July 2002 – Athenaeum Hotel, London
- October 2002 – Napoleon Hotel, Paris
The colonial style of the lodge is especially visible inside the suites, which features a palatial air-conditioned bedroom/sitting room with a fireplace, antique furniture and canopied king-size bed as well as an extravagant bathroom with a window-side Victorian bath and indoor and outdoor showers. The suites luxurious interior appointments draw inspiration from the grand colonial ethos; neo-classical refuge in the raw uncompromising bush. Here, after a long day of exhilarating game viewing, you can journey into dream's domain draped in Ralph Lauren linen, as the lion-roars echo through your window of stars.
Elevated walkways link the suites to the main camp with the African sky your ceiling.
The main camp complex is the heart of Royal Malewane. African thatched-roof buildings house the library, shop, dining and reception areas. Furnished with rich antiques and Persian carpets, every fitting creates the feel of original colonial elegance.
There is a wonderful new gym and spa facility offering health and skincare therapy by an internationally qualified in-house therapist. Guests may enjoy a treatment of their choice at the luxurious spa or in the sala, with only nature surrounding them. Alternatively, they may relax with a treatment in the complete privacy of their own suite.
Royal Malewane's luxurious accommodations redefine the concept of solitude.
The Royal and Malewane Suite
The plains of Africa are stage to an age-old drama; the perpetual tale of the hunter and the hunted. Watch this gripping epic unfold before your eyes from the bushveld’s ultimate vantage point – Royal Malewane’s Royal Suite.
Stretching out majestically in the shade of Acacia thorn and boasting panoramic views, the Royal Suite is the pinnacle of refinement and opulence and is the largest in Africa at 210 square meters. This ultra luxurious private hideaway accommodates four guests in two en-suite rooms, private lounge and dining facilities. Complimentary services include a private butler and chef, masseuse and private game drives. Dining is a grand affair with the very best china, silver and crystal set against crisp white napery. Only the wildlife witnesses guests relaxing in the private Jacuzzi and pool.
Guests wishing to arrive incognito may request the use of a helicopter or executive jet.
Repose, refresh and rediscover yourself in the company of all things wild.
Royal Malewane is for those who would like to escape the constraints of modern life to experience a synthesis of wildest Africa and age-old colonial splendour. As the suites are set deep in the African bush - this unspoilt paradise may not suit those who seek a tame, sterile environment. Rather, it suits the more adventurous traveller who wants to experience true Africa.
We are normally able to accommodate requests for singles and since most groups mix together, guests travelling alone are unlikely to feel excluded.
Because of its unique size and exclusive nature, Royal Malewane is suited to being reserved in its entirety for family gatherings or close friends wishing to have the camp exclusively.
To appreciate all that Royal Malewane has to offer, we recommend a minimum of a two-night stay.
Savage. Inspiring. Humbling. A myriad of emotions flow, as eyes and mind open to the revelations lying in wait among thicket and shadow. The Big Five. And a million more. Up close and intensely personal, the spirit of the wild utterly seduces your senses. Every beat of your heart rustles in thorn and thistle, every breath you take sways and bends the tall grasses. You are at one.
Game viewing at Royal Malewane provides guests with the best opportunities for seeing the natural abundance of big game on the 12000 ha Reserve, home of the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Over 250 recorded bird species are also to be found in the Reserve. Game viewing is tailored to guests’ individual needs, either by open Land Rover or on foot. Our expert ranger and master tracker (one of only two in South Africa) accompany the guests.
The order of the day is usually: Early morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast. Thereafter, guests can enjoy the luxury of the camp before lunch is served. An afternoon game drive and sundowners follow the sumptuous high tea, culminating in a night drive in search of exciting nocturnal game. Dinner is served under the African sky or with silver & crystal in the dining areas.
Summer - December, January, February
December
December is an extremely lively time as the birth of the young calves and lambs offer the predators plenty of opportunity for a kill. The intense heat of day and inevitable thundershowers in the afternoon encourage activity only towards the end of the day when the temperature cools down.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 31°C, 88 F
January
The temperatures in January can be very hot (+35°C, 68 F) during the day, but the relief of the predictable afternoon thundershowers cools the day down. The vegetation is very dense and lush due to the summer rains. As there is plenty of water and grazing, the game is spread out over a wide area in the bush. Some of the browsers give birth around this time.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 32°C, 90 F
February
February brings the hottest temperatures during the summer months. The rains are not as frequent now, and the game only moves around when it is cool enough, mostly seeking shady areas in the thick vegetation.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 32°C, 90 F
Autumn - March, April, May
March
March offers mild relief from the previous month and signifies the end of summer. Although it rains less, the waterholes are still filled with enough water. The young born a few months ago are now stronger, and a little more confident about survival against the predators.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 19°C, 66 F
Maximum: 31°C, 88 F
April
During April, a brief Lowveld Autumn occurs. The temperatures during the day can still be hot, but there is a noticeable change at night as it cools down. The ground water starts drying out, and so the game moves towards the river. Some of the vegetation begins to change colour from green to yellow and brown.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 16°C, 61 F
Maximum: 29°C, 84 F
May
May is a month of change and transformation. The vegetation is less dense and the visibility opens up, providing better opportunity for spotting game. Predators usually select their favourite water points to stalk and lie in wait for their prey. The temperatures during the day are warm, but the nights begin to be cool.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 12°C, 54 F
Maximum: 27°C, 81 F
Winter - June, July, August
June
June brings winter. Although the temperatures are cooler, shorts and t-shirts can still be worn during the day with a warm jacket at night. Due to the cooler temperatures, the predators are fairly active during the day, and witnessing a kill during the day is a distinct possibility.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 9°C, 48 F
Maximum: 25°C, 77 F
July
July is even drier than June, but otherwise the temperatures are similar. The game activity around the rivers is excellent during this time of year.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 9°C, 48 F
Maximum: 25°C, 77 F
August
August is generally viewed as the best month for game viewing as the vegetation is golden brown and least dense. The days begin to warm up again, although the nights are still cold.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 12°C, 54 F
Maximum: 26°C, 79 F
Spring - September, October, November
September
Like May, September brings many contrasts. At this time the colours of spring blossom in the dry bushveld. The bush is still dry, sparse and with the lack of water provides excellent game viewing.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 14°C, 57 F
Maximum: 28°C, 82 F
October
October brings the late afternoon showers, finally bringing much awaited relief to the vegetation. Although there is not too much rain yet, it is enough to see signs of early growth to the trees and bushes, providing the browsers with food.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 16°C, 61 F
Maximum: 29°C, 84 F
November
During November the beginnings of summer show, as the days become warmer. With the afternoon rains, the bush is green and the luscious grass provides grazing for the browsers and their young. With the migration of birds from the north, the avid bird watcher has a wealth of different species to enjoy.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 18°C, 64 F
Maximum: 30°C, 86 F
