Royal Malewane, An Ultra-Private, Elegant Safari Camp near Kruger National Park
Greater Kruger, Limpopo, South Africa
Royal Malewane is a regal retreat in a stunning private nature reserve (Thorny Bush) adjoining Kruger National Park—one of the best places in the world for game viewing. The property combines colonial elegance and every imaginable comfort while in the bush. When we arrived, the feeling was that of someone's private camp complete with roaring fire in the outdoor salon, the warmest and most welcoming staff. The camp has just 8 ultra-private and free-standing thatched suites with generous living and bedroom areas, fireplaces, Victorian baths plus indoor and outdoor showers.
If you want to go the whole hog (or rather warthog!), opt for one of the magnificent Royal or Malewane suites where you'll also have your own private butler and chef, and can take advantage of exclusive game drives and complimentary massages each day. (Personally we liked eating with and getting to know other interesting guests). Elevated walkways link the suites with the main camp, which has a library lounge and a plush dining room brimming with antiques. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are like a David Attenborough documentary come to life: I saw the largest elephant imaginable on the second drive! Craig, a very knowledgeable and respected guide made us feel we were in safe hands all the while, even when he drove us straight into the bush to track a male and female lion! Worth the exploration is Malewane's Cheetah and Endangered Wildlife Breeding Project. One can also book a helicopter or hot-air balloon flight; start with coffee at sunrise, then drift over rugged canyons and vast savannahs filled with flora and faun or … explore the reserve by riding on elephants or on horseback.
As much as I love safari, I find it difficult to sit so much all day. The Royal Malewane's new spa and health center is sublime with an elegant lap pool, small glass enclosed gym and the most spa services you can imagine – done well. Dinner is a crystal and silver affair in the main dining room, or more casual around a roaring log fire under the stars. It would be impossible to eat better quality food at a safari lodge (Elton John takes it over the first 10 days every January when their chef gets to really go all out for the 20+ guests). Of course, the impressive cuisine is complemented by some of South Africa's best wines. Special occasion? I'm hard-pressed to think of many places on par to celebrate. 30 minute small aircraft flight from Hoedspruit Kruger; the lodge arranges flights and transfers.
Room rates from $935 inclusive of meals, wine, game drives.
Insider tip from Mr & Mrs Smith, one of my trusted resources:
"There is a low malaria risk, so pack some pills."
Get more tips, see photos, and book the guaranteed best rate on Mr & Mrs Smith:
www.mrandmrssmith.com/royal-malewane
Geography: Kruger, South Africa
Tags: game reserve, safari camp, game drive, big five, big 5, honeymoon, wildlife, safari lodge, mr and mrs smith
anniebody on Jan. 14, 2009
I loved the Royal Malewan for all the reasons you stated. It ranks as one of the top accomodations I've stayed at anywhere. The design is simple, serene, and elegant. The day is structured around three safaris, early morning, sunset and after dinner. Despite the excitement of the safari, the peaceful environment is very restful with plenty of time to relax, read, sleep in between animal adventures. As well as the guides, who were superb, the restaurant staff made you feel like a pampered guest in their own home. The chef would cook something special if you wanted and even asked for suggestions. I've traveled extensively all over the world and my trip there ranks very high on my list.