Elevated on the banks of a busy waterhole, Waterside at Royal Malewane is a modern, luxury lodge built in thatch, glass, and steel, but adorned in fantastic prints, elegant decor, and a contemporary style.

Permanent lodge

Luxury

From AU$4,644 – AU$5,132 pp

A family-friendly lodge in the heart of the Thornybush Game Reserve

Bar, games room, spa, gym, library, inside/outside dining, and swimming pool

africa house the lodge, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa

A total of six extra large suites, all decadently designed with a private deck, plunge pool, and living room

Game drives and walking safaris

plunge pool, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
  • Premium price, premium offering
Waterside at Royal Malewane has an amazing location elevated above an active watering hole. The guiding here is second to none as this is one of the most qualified guiding teams in Africa.
Kirsten Jonker Training Director

Activities

Activities here are all about checking out the local wildlife and experiencing high-quality guiding, on dawn and dusk game drives and adventurous walking safaris.

Expertly-guided game drives

Big Five Wildlife

Birding

Walking safari

Spa & Wellness Centre

Wine tasting

  • Twice daily game drives take place with the most accomplished guiding team in South Africa. Guests here are in for a real treat when it comes to the knowledge of the Royal Malewane guide, often referred to as the ‘Harvard of the Bush’.

    lodge dining, elephants, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa
  • All Big Five animals are commonly spotted within the reserve – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino. There are impressive concentrations of other predators and herbivores, such as cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra, antelopes, and hippos.

    lodge dining, elephants, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa
  • The bird life is also first-rate, comprising 517 resident, migrant, and nomad species.

    lodge dining, elephants, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa
  • A guided walk is a fantastic opportunity to spot all the small things that you might miss from the safari vehicle. You can follow the tracks of a leopard or stop to watch a ground hornbill roaming through the bushveld. There is loads to see in this part of the world!

    lodge dining, elephants, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa
  • Guests of Waterside has access to the Reflections Spa, gym, and yoga and meditation room. The ideal way to unwind with a massage or workout after a day of wildlife-spotting.

    lodge dining, elephants, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa
  • At Waterside, guests have the opportunity to try some world-class wines in the cellar.

    lodge dining, elephants, waterside at royal malewane, thornybush game reserve, south africa

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.

Facilities

When thinking of the decor of the Waterside at Royal Malewane, think of jewel-toned oriental rugs, oversized exotic headboards. It features bold opulence and bright, African details.

Make an Enquiry

The main area starts at the Waterside reception and then expands to include the dining areas, library, outdoor bar, and very large outside viewing deck with main area swimming pool. Accessed via pathways, Waterside at Royal Malewane also has a spa, fitness center and yoga room.

Amenities

Guest accommodation consists of six large and luxurious suites, connected to the communal areas via pathways through the trees and gardens.

Make an Enquiry

The suites are the ultimate in safari decadence. There are 4 one-bedroom luxury suites, 1 two-bedroom suite called the Baobab Suite, and 1 four-bedroom suite called the Waterside House. All the luxury suites include a private plunge pool, a living area and a private deck. Children of all ages are welcome, which makes Waterside at Royal Malewane perfect for a family safari.

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