Thornybush Game Reserve, Greater Kruger

Africa House at Royal Malewane

Overview

Private safari in style

Situated in the private Thornybush Reserve, one of the Kruger's most game-rich areas, the Africa House is Royal Malewane's (and perhaps the Kruger's) most exclusive stay. Perfect for family and friend groups seeking a luxury South African safari with complete privacy and no schedule.

Spacious and elegant, this villa in the bush can host up to 12 people in six en-suite bedrooms either side of a central courtyard. All rooms are air-conditioned and en suite with Victorian-style bathtubs and walk-in shower. Each room also has its own private deck and outside shower with spectacular views of the bush.

Guests at Africa House enjoy their own private services which means complete flexibility for your family, with your own dedicated game ranger, tracker and private and vehicle on hand for game drives as well as a private chef and housekeeping team to look after you back at the villa. You'll also have access to Royal Malewane's fabulous spa.

Facts

At a glance

  • Private villa with six en suite rooms

  • Swimming pool, lounge and dining areas

  • Private guide, tracker and vehicle

  • Access to Royal Malewane's spa

Africa House at Royal Malewane 4

Experiences

  • Royal Malewane Game Drive

    Game drives

    Situated in the Thornybush Reserve, you can mammals including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Bird life her is also wonderful, with over 300 species to spot.

  • Royal Malewane Game Drive Night

    Night drives

    On your way back to the lodge after your afternoon game drive, try and spot some of the nocturnal animals using a spotlight.

  • Royal Malewane Elephants

    Nature walks

    Explore the flora and fauna of the Kruger by foot. You’ll notice the smaller animals and plants as well as being able to listen to the noise of the bush.

Community & Culture

Royal Malewane continuously supports and uplifts various educational facilities in nearby villages. They have ensured the addition of classrooms, bathroom facilities, kitchen and dining area, boreholes and vegetable gardens as part of their partnerships. All guests are welcome to visit either of the crèches, which are approximately a 20-minute drive from the main lodge.

The Royal Malewane Apprenticeship Programme takes on two apprentice rangers on a rolling two-year cycle before sending them out into the industry in order to raise the quality of guiding in Southern Africa. Tracker and ranger’s apprenticeship programmes ensure that valuable knowledge about wildlife is passed down to the next generation. The aim of this two-year apprenticeship is for a mentor, who has a minimum of ten years’ experience, to share and impart critical knowledge and an understanding of the complex nature of the professional field of guiding.

Conservation

Royal Malewane is a founder member of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) which is a unique anti-poaching initiative whose objective is to protect all wildlife in the central Kruger area to the border with Mozambique. The GKEPF’s initial mandate is to protect wildlife in its natural state, as well as playing an active role in combatting the illegal international trade in wildlife.

In addition, Thornybush Private Nature Reserve has its own anti-poaching initiative including a Counter Poaching Dog Unit is made up of several remarkably capable and highly trained dogs, and a team of armed, special-forces handlers, many of whom have seen military action and have undergone intense counter-poaching training.

None of these initiatives would be possible without the valuable patronage of guests, many of whom generously contribute additional funds after coming face to face with these majestic creatures at Royal Malewane.

What makes us different

Why Niarra

Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.

In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.

Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.

  • Unforgettable experiences

    Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.

  • Positive impact

    Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.

  • Fairness and transparency

    An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.

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