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    Listing cover image

    Waterside at Royal Malewane

    Thornybush Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park

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    Overview

    Still, tranquil waters of the waterhole reflect sweeping blue skies, a backdrop to a grove of primal green fever trees, producing the perfect canvas for the calming elegance and colourful intrigue of Waterside at Royal Malewane. Waterside presents an immersive setting that will engage your senses, rest your mind and reawaken your soul. It is perfect for couples or families who value memorable experiences, personalised service and unrivalled game viewing.

    The lodge provides a bold new African context for Liz Biden’s opulent, bright and breath-taking designs. It draws on the timeless luxury that Royal Malewane has become synonymous with while adding thoughtful innovations to complement its
    own surroundings and anticipate every need of a modern luxury safari.

    Waterside’s extra large luxury suites exude an effortless elegance. Jewel-toned oriental rugs cloak the floors, thatch peeks out between ceiling beams, private plunge pools beckon on expansive decks with views over the bush (and sometimes visiting elephants). All of Waterside’s luxurious freestanding suites are linked up to the lodge’s reception, dining areas, library and spa via paths that are illuminated at night.

    Inviting unlimited opportunities to reconnect and experience a sense of togetherness in this pristine natural setting, guests can spend their days unwinding poolside, enjoying soothing wellness treatments, yoga and meditation, and relishing world-class wine tastings.

    About Thornybush Game Reserve

    Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park lies 11 500 hectares of pristine African bushveld, this is the Thornybush Game Reserve. The reserve is home to an abundance of species - 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near-perfect year-round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination.

    The classic bush landscape both absorbs and comforts you as if you’ve happened upon an old friend. A well-known destination for local and international visitors Thornybush has earned its reputation as one of the country’s finest bush experiences. Situated within 14 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Thornybush Nature Reserve is a true escape from the madness of city life. This haven, which is just over 5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg has scooped numerous world firsts, both for conservation and hospitality. Thornybush Game Reserve has evolved over the years into a visitor’s paradise. Bush lovers can saturate themselves, not only in the big five but also in the remarkable fauna and flora.

    Reserve
    • Name
      Thornybush Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park
    • Size
      14,000 hectares
    Children

    All ages welcome

    Fast Facts
    • Air Conditioner
    • Big 5
    • Camp Unfenced
    • Cellphone Signal
    • Child Friendly
    • Fans
    • Fireplace
    • Malaria area
    • Off Road
    • Outside Shower
    • Pool
    • Plunge Pool
    • Tracker
    • Spa Treatments
    • Wi-Fi
    • Kosher
    View others in these regions
    • Greater Kruger National Park
    • Limpopo
    Why We Love It
    • Waterside at Royal Malewane forms part of the Royal Portfolio of lodges and hotels
    • The guiding team has over 300 years of African bush experience between them and Waterside as well as Royal Malewane is proud to have three of only seven living Master Trackers in the world
    • Experience tranquility and rejuvenate your senses with specialised spa treatments focusing on balance between body and mind
    • Photography enthusiasts can capture some fantastic shots from the hide that overlooks the waterhole
    • Enjoy a personalised wine tasting experience in the camps exclusive wine cellar
    Gallery
    Details
    • 4 Luxury Suites

      1 two-bedroom Baobab Suite

      2 Aloe Rooms

      1 four-bedroom Waterside House

    • Setting: Overlooking a waterhole frequented by wildlife
    Activities
    • Game drives
    • Bush walks
    • Spa treatments
    • Photographic safaris
    • Wine tasting
    • Yoga & meditation
    • Fitness centre
    Children

    All ages welcome

    Children Game Drive Policy

    6+ welcome on game drives

    Guests per Safari Vehicle

    8 Guests

    Gallery
    Rates
    • Per person per night sharing
    • From
      Rates on Request
    • Prices are indicative. Please contact us for a comprehensive quotation.
    Rates Include
    • Luxury accommodation in a Aloe Room
    • All meals and snacks
    • Wi-Fi
    • Transfers to and from Jackalberry Airstrip
    • Full mini-bar
    • Selected local premium wines and beverages
    • All coffees and teas
    • Laundry service
    • Two game drives daily and bush walks
    Closest Airport

    Hoedspruit – Eastgate Airport

    Drive Time

    5-hour drive from Johannesburg

    40-minute flight from OR Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit - Eastgate Airport followed by 40-minute road transfer to Waterside at Royal Malewane

    2-hour, 30-minute flight from Cape Town International Airport to Hoedspruit - Eastgate Airport followed by 40-minute road transfer to Waterside at Royal Malewane

    Reserve
    • Name
      Thornybush Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park
    • Size
      14,000 hectares
    Location
    • Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa

      Get Directions
    View others in these regions
    • Greater Kruger National Park
    • Limpopo
    Terms and Conditions
    • All rates quoted are per person per night sharing, unless otherwise stated
    • Please chat to one of our Game Lodge experts for the single accommodation & child rates
    • Our 'From' rate reflected is only an indication of the property's pricing. Once we have your exact dates, we will send through a detailed quotation
    • A number of our rates quoted are based on specials for SADC Residents
    • All accommodation will be subject to availability
    • All rates quoted are based on a minimum stay of two nights
    • Any applicable Conservation Levies & Park Fees will be quoted as an additional amount
    • When we specify ‘Off Road’, this applies to Big 5 sightings only
    • Bush Walks will often need to be pre-booked
    • Childminding is generally at an additional cost
    • For our comprehensive T's & C's, please see the link in our main 'navigation bar'
    Children

    All ages welcome

    Important Notes
    • A conservation fee of R 625 per person per booking is applicable to all reservations
    • For guests flying in, Landing Fees of R 225 per person per landing is applicable
    • All fees quoted are subject to change & will either be pre-paid or settled directly to the Lodge on departure

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      Your Perfect Africa, a division of the Africa Tailormade Group, offers the best rates, long stay special offers, and last minute bush break deals for those looking to explore our beautiful Africa ❤  

      ✉︎ contactus@yourperfectafrica.com
      ✆ +2710 476 0330

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