Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane Safari and Price Guide (2026)
- Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane offers one of the most refined and exclusive safari experiences in Thornybush Private Game Reserve.
- Known for its old-world elegance, exceptional guiding team, and extraordinary Big Five sightings, Malewane Lodge is considered one of the finest luxury safari lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park.
- With just six luxury suites and two expansive Royal Suites, the lodge delivers privacy, world-class service, and immersive wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s richest safari landscapes.
Plan Your Royal Malewane Safari With Trusted Africa Specialists
We partner with two of Africa’s most respected luxury safari operators. Both offer tailor-made safaris with expert planning support.
Key Facts About Malewane Lodge
- Location: Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
- Suites: 6 Luxury Suites + 2 Royal Suites
- Style: Classic colonial safari elegance
- Wildlife: Big Five, wild dogs, hyena & abundant plains game
- Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, spa experiences
- Best For: Honeymooners & ultra-luxury safari travellers
Malewane Lodge Price 2026
From $3,385 per person per night (sharing)
Fully Inclusive: Accommodation, meals, beverages, safari activities, and transfers.
Seasonal Rates (Per Person Sharing)
| Travel Dates | Price |
|---|---|
| Jan – Feb 2026 | $3,385 |
| Mar – May 2026 | $3,445 |
| Jun – Aug 2026 | $3,810 |
| Sep – Dec 2026 | $3,445 |
| Festive Season | $4,205 |
Rates include luxury accommodation, gourmet dining, premium South African wines, twice-daily game drives, and transfers from Jackalberry Airstrip.
What Your Malewane Lodge Safari Rate Includes
A stay at Malewane Lodge is fully inclusive, designed so guests can focus entirely on the safari experience without worrying about additional costs.
This Rate Includes
Luxury private suite with plunge pool and viewing deck
Twice-daily game drives in Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Optional guided bush walks with expert trackers
Access to Africa’s most qualified safari guiding team
All meals and snacks prepared by Royal Malewane chefs
Premium South African wines, spirits and beverages
Transfers to and from Jackalberry Airstrip
Full minibar in suite
Laundry service
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the lodge
**Access to the Royal Waters
Typical Extra Costs to Budget For
Many guests choose to add a few optional experiences during their stay, such as:
International flights to Johannesburg
Domestic flights to Hoedspruit or private charter flights to Thornybush
Travel insurance (strongly recommended for all safaris)
Spa treatments at the Royal Waters Spa
Scenic helicopter flights over the Greater Kruger region
Community visits to local conservation initiatives
These extras are entirely optional and can be arranged during your stay.
What Does a 3-Night Stay Cost?
Low Season Example
$3,385 × 3 nights
= $10,155 per person
Approximately $20,310 per couple
What Does a 3-Night Stay Cost?
Low Season Example
$3,385 × 3 nights
= $10,155 per person
Approximately $20,310 per couple
A Royal Malewane safari is considered one of South Africa’s most luxurious wildlife experiences, combining elite guiding, exceptional hospitality, and outstanding Big Five sightings.
How Do You Get to Royal Malewane safari lodge?
Fly internationally to OR Tambo Johannesburg, the main international gateway to South Africa.
From there you have two easy options:
Scheduled Flight Transfer
Take a short scheduled flight to Hoedspruit Airport (approximately 1 hour), located near Kruger National Park.
From Hoedspruit, it is about a 45-minute road transfer to Royal Malewane in Thornybush Private Game Reserve.
Private Charter Flight
Guests can also fly via private charter aircraft directly to Jackalberry Airstrip, located within Thornybush Reserve.
From the airstrip it is a short 10–15 minute game drive transfer to Malewane Lodge.
Self-Drive Option
Unlike many remote safari camps, Royal Malewane is accessible by road.
Guests can drive from Johannesburg to Thornybush in approximately 5–6 hours, making it one of the most convenient luxury safari lodges to reach in South Africa.
Accommodation – Luxury Suites and Royal Suites
Malewane Lodge combines classic safari architecture with modern luxury, offering spacious private suites connected by elevated wooden walkways through indigenous bushveld.
Luxury Suites
Each freestanding suite features:
Private plunge pool
Wooden viewing deck
Thatched outdoor sala
Canopied king-size bed
Indoor fireplace
Victorian freestanding bathtub
Indoor & outdoor showers
Air-conditioned lounge and bedroom
Panoramic bushveld views
The design reflects timeless colonial elegance, creating a romantic safari retreat ideal for couples and honeymooners.
Royal Malewane Safari Suites
The two Royal Suites are among the most luxurious safari accommodations in Africa, offering 510 square metres of private space with two ensuite bedrooms, a private rim-flow pool, lounge, and dining area. Each suite includes a dedicated chef, personal butler, and exclusive private game drives, creating a completely private and bespoke safari experience for families or small groups.
Wildlife and Safari Activities
Located within Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Malewane Lodge offers access to one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems in the Greater Kruger region.
Big Five Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives reveal frequent sightings of:
Lion
Leopard
Elephant
Rhino
Buffalo
The area is also known for African wild dog, spotted hyena, and exceptional leopard encounters.
Guided Walking Safaris
Explore the bush on foot with highly qualified guides while learning about animal tracks, birdlife, and the smaller ecosystems that make the African wilderness so fascinating.
Night Drives
After sunset, night drives reveal nocturnal wildlife rarely seen during the day, including civets, bush babies, and elusive predators.
Scenic Helicopter Flights
Optional helicopter safaris offer breathtaking aerial views of the Greater Kruger wilderness and surrounding reserves.
The Royal Waters Spa Experience
One of the highlights of Malewane Lodge is the renowned Royal Waters Spa, a tranquil sanctuary designed for relaxation between safari adventures.
Facilities include:
25-metre heated lap pool
Three luxury treatment rooms
Steam room and African baths
Fully equipped gym
Hair salon
Outdoor relaxation courtyard
Spa treatments can also be arranged in the privacy of your suite.
Dining at Malewane Lodge
Dining experiences at Malewane Lodge celebrate the flavours and rhythms of the African bush.
Guests enjoy:
Gourmet multi-course dinners
Bush breakfasts after morning game drives
Elegant deck dining overlooking the waterhole
Candlelit dinners under the stars
Sommelier-selected South African wines
Meals are prepared using seasonal ingredients and paired with fine wines from South Africa’s top vineyards.
Who Is Malewane Lodge Perfect For?
Luxury Safari Travellers
Guests seeking world-class hospitality and exceptional safari guiding.
Honeymooners
Private plunge pools, romantic dining, and intimate suites make Malewane Lodge perfect for luxury safari honeymoons.
Big Five Enthusiasts
The Greater Kruger ecosystem delivers some of the most reliable wildlife sightings in Africa.
Families & Private Groups
Royal Suites offer complete exclusivity with private chefs, guides, and vehicles.
Wildlife Photographers
High predator densities and expert trackers create incredible photography opportunit
Why Royal Malewane Is So Famous
Royal Malewane has earned a global reputation for delivering one of Africa’s most exceptional safari experiences.
Reasons for its prestige include:
The most qualified guiding team in Africa
Exclusive access to Thornybush’s wildlife-rich landscapes
Exceptional leopard sightings
Ultra-luxury accommodation
Personalised service and private safari experiences
Because of its international reputation, Malewane Lodge often books 10–12 months in advance, especially for peak season.
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Facilities at Malewane Lodge
Guests enjoy a wide range of luxury amenities including:
Spa and wellness centre
Heated swimming pool
Fully equipped gym
Library and lounge areas
Wine cellar and bar
Laundry service
High-speed Wi-Fi
Viewing decks overlooking wildlife waterholes