Sumptuous Five-Star Safaris at Royal Malewane in South Africa
Uniting wilderness with contemporary luxury in the Greater Kruger National Park…
An idyllic oasis in the wild African Bush is Royal Malewane, inclusive of three sumptuous safari lodges tucked within the Greater Kruger National Park. Fusing the finest five-star safari escape with the excitement of Africa’s iconic wildlife, Royal Malewane is one of four that establishes The Royal Portfolio hotel group: a collection of exceptional properties that illustrate the diverse corners of South Africa. A remarkable handful of hotels, the incredible people who work across The Royal Portfolio group curate extraordinary guest experiences, and Royal Malewane is the perfect example of this. Rounding off our tour of the group over the past few years, in March, we checked into Farmstead at Royal Malewane to see first-hand how The Royal Portfolio sprinkle their magic through conservation and hospitality in the Greater Kruger National Park.
Uniting wilderness with contemporary luxury, Farmstead is an extension of Royal Malewane’s original lodge which opened 25 years ago. Welcoming guests from May 2019, this elegant and modern sanctuary can host up to 14 guests across three Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse (an additional three- bedroom villa with private services). Checking into our private villa at Farmstead, an example of the team’s unforgettable hospitality includes a personal welcome note, marking our return to the Royal Portfolio Group, this time with ‘The Farmstead Family’. Here, the team congratulated us following our engagement the previous year at their sister hotel, Birkenhead House, with a framed photo of myself and my fiancé. This level of personalisation and attention to detail (seen across the group) ensures guests feel like they’re stepping into something extraordinary.
Tall ceilings which frame a fairytale four-poster bed, large desk, sofa and bar unit lead onto a capacious en suite with a spacious open shower and rolltop bath with his and hers sinks. Inviting the outdoors in, and indoors out, is a private pool with a veranda and large swinging sofa seat to while away the afternoons, whilst wrapped in the wilderness. Offering a fresh perspective to safari life, the hub of Farmstead includes large open fireplaces, intimate dining areas, a gym and a welcoming lounge with a fully kitted bar for afternoon drinks and evening nightcaps.
Illustrating The Royal Portfolio’s distinctive style which can be seen across the characterful properties, at Farmstead step through antique doors from Zanzibar into spaces abundant with light oak, tin rooves and wrought iron which are set against hues of blue and white and colourful bursts of emerald and ruby. This design concept sets the scene for some striking art pieces from notable artists alongside some local talent, which remains in keeping with the group’s community-driven ethos.
Capturing the magic of the lodge’s surroundings at sunrise, the first game drive of the day kicks off at 5:30am. Weaving our way deep into the reserve in the comfort (and safety of the jeep), at Royal Malawane guests can expect to be looked after by the highly knowledgeable safari guide team, this notably includes just one of a handful of master guides in South Africa. Under the guidance of our exceptional experts, we quickly witnessed Africa’s famous big five, including large prides of lions and their cubs, herds of elephants and even a leopard sitting elegantly in a tree. On return from the morning drive, you can anticipate a welcome back to Farmstead with fresh coffee, pastries and hot eggs, cooked to personal preference. With a signature tapas-style selection combining a variety of fresh ingredients and produce, from fresh and juicy prawns served alongside tender meats and vegetables, the wonderful team which makes up the ‘Farmstead Family’ are on hand to create dishes throughout the day, tailored to your wishes and desires. Meanwhile, the wine whilst staying at any of the properties across The Royal Portfolio Group is always a highlight. Enjoy cold glasses of pale rosé, a smooth rich red, each produced from grapes grown on the estate of the sister property La Residence in Franschhoek, the famous wine-producing valley in the mountains of the Western Cape.
Expanding their sensational luxury safari adventures, the latest chapter for Royal Malawane is the recent opening of Masiya’s Camp. A combination of Malawane’s magical blend of world-class opulence with the untamed beauty of the African wilderness, the namesake of this exciting new tented camp is Wilson Masiya who was the first recognised Master Tracker in the Greater Kruger in 1999. In celebration of Wilson’s fearless spirit and profound connection with the bush, his legacy remains alive through this luxurious new lodge.
An intimate safari experience, the tented suites each feature private plunge pools overlooking the wild African bush beyond, secluded decks and dining areas for romantic meals beneath the sparkling Milky Way. A haven of tranquillity, Masiya’s Camp design concept is a showcase of local artist’s work. This includes wooden doors, vintage-inspired patterns and bold pieces to create a timeless style that embodies the local African culture in harmony with the lodge’s surroundings.
Room rates are seasonal and start £2,260 per person sharing and are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, drinks, game drives and bush walks. www.theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane
