Royal Malewane sits in the southeast of the Thornybush reserve, on the western side of the Greater Kruger, overlooking a waterhole. It has six one-bedroom Luxury Suites and two two-bedroom Royal Suites, each with a private plunge pool on its deck, plus Africa House, a six-bedroom villa. The lodge closed in January 2026 for a five-month renovation, its first major one since opening in 1999, and has since reopened.
Days follow the usual rhythm of morning and evening game drives, with bush walks, birding and photographic safaris on top. The Waters of Royal Malewane spa has treatment rooms, a gym and a heated lap pool, which makes the middle of the day easy to fill. Guests fly to the Jackalberry airstrip, served from Hoedspruit and Kruger Mpumalanga airport, with lodge transfers included.
It suits couples and honeymooners who want a quiet, beautifully run lodge, and groups who can take Africa House. Children under 10 can stay in the Royal Suites and Africa House, but shared game drives are for over-10s and walks for 16 and up. Thornybush is a smaller reserve than the big Sabi Sand properties, and it is in a malaria area.
Royal Malewane is a small, very polished lodge in the Thornybush reserve, run by The Royal Portfolio, with a large spa and an unfenced boundary with Kruger. We recommend it for couples who want Big Five game drives paired with real comfort and service.
Mammals
Birdlife
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