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Royal Malewane

Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

An award-winning safari collection of four lodges and three private villas in Big 5 country, with genuine choice depending on the age of your children

At a glance

Royal Malewane sits within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park's wilderness, one of the largest protected ecosystems in Southern Africa. Originally the Biden family's own holiday home, the property has grown into four distinctive lodges, Malewane Lodge, Farmstead, Waterside and the newer Masiya's Camp, plus three exclusive-use private villas, all led by some of the most decorated guiding and tracking teams on the continent.

Family safari here depends on which lodge you choose, and it's worth knowing this upfront. Waterside welcomes children of all ages across every suite, with its own family games room, while Malewane Lodge welcome younger children only in their Royal Suites, Africa House and Farmhouse respectively, with a minimum age of 10 in their standard suites. Masiya's Camp and Farmstead is 10 and over, though booking the whole camp lifts that restriction for larger family groups. Wherever you stay, families are given real time and space, with a private guide, vehicle and tailored programme woven through every day.

Why families love it

Waterside welcomes children of all ages across every suite, with a dedicated family games room, climbing wall and pizza oven

Three private villas, Africa House, Waterside House and Farmhouse, all welcome children of all ages with a dedicated chef, guide, tracker and private safari vehicle

Africa House sleeps up to 12, ideal for larger, multi-generational family groups

Little Explorers programme introduces children to nature through the guiding team's own knowledge of tracks, signs and animal behaviour

Optional Royal Rangers bush backpacks and a Junior Rangers tracking course for older children

Royal Cubs spa menu, plus flexible mealtimes and menus for younger guests

Child-minding services available on request, giving parents time to enjoy the bush alone too

Genuinely private game drive vehicles for family bookings, so pace and timing stay entirely in your hands

Where you'll stay

Accommodation spans four lodges and three private villas, with age policies that differ by lodge, so it's worth checking which fits your family before booking.

From £2,750/night*

*Prices from are indicative only - see Terms & Conditions for details.

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View Room Types

Malewane Lodge

Six Luxury Suites (children over 10) and two two-bedroom Royal Suites (children of all ages), each with its own pool, deck, lounge and dining area.

Farmstead

Three Luxury Suites for six guests, with wide wooden decks and bush views. Children over 10 in the Luxury suites; Farmstead's private villa, Farmhouse, welcomes children of all ages, four suites sleeping eight guests.

Waterside

Four Luxury Suites, the two-bedroom Baobab Suite, and two interconnecting Aloe Rooms, all genuinely welcoming children of all ages (subject to a private vehicle being booked for the suites). Waterside House has four suites, sleeping eight guests. A dedicated family games room with a climbing wall and pizza oven keeps children entertained between drives.

Masiya's Camp

Six tented luxury suites named after Master Tracker Wilson Masiya, each with a private heated plunge pool. Only children over 10 are allowed, though booking the whole camp exclusively lifts the age restriction for larger family or friend groups.

Africa House

Reimagined as an exclusive-use villa sleeping up to 12, with private chef, butler, guide, tracker and vehicle. Children of all ages welcome.

Waterside House

A spacious four-bedroom private villa capturing the tranquillity of the bush. Children of all ages welcome.

Farmhouse

An intimate four-bedroom villa, including one smaller bedroom well suited to children, with a pool deck set into the wilderness. Children of all ages welcome.

Lodges: Malewane Lodge, Farmstead, Waterside & Masiya's Campe

Villas: Africa House, Waterside House & Farmhouse

Dining for all ages

Dining at Royal Malewane is personalised rather than fixed to a single restaurant, moving with the mood and the setting.

  • In-suite and villa dining - Every villa and suite can host private meals, with flexible mealtimes and menus for younger guests

  • Bush dinners - Meals served under the stars, by lantern light or beside a waterhole, a memorable setting for older children

  • Sommelier-led wine pairings - Drawing on South Africa's finest wines, best suited to accompanying adults' meals

  • Private chef service - Included at all three private villas, allowing families to eat entirely on their own schedule

Experiences for all ages

Twice-daily game drives sit at the heart of every stay, alongside a genuinely broad activity programme.

  • Twice-daily game drives and guided bush walks with some of the most qualified guides and trackers in Africa

  • Royal Rangers Programme - Introduces children to the bush through tracks, signs and animal behaviour in an age-appropriate way, with bush backpacks for younger children and a Junior Rangers tracking course for older ones

  • Conservation activities, including close encounters with endangered species alongside the reserve's own experts

  • Photographic and birding safaris, both suited to older children with a genuine interest

  • Star Safari, an evening journey through the constellations, guided by the team

  • Helicopter excursions, including a flight to Leopard Creek Country Club for adults wanting a round of golf

Wellness for parents

Each lodge has its own spa, with a children's menu available for younger guests.

  • Royal Waters Spa at Malewane Lodge, with a 25 m heated lap pool, three treatment rooms, sauna, cold plunge and outdoor baths

  • Double Spa Treatment Room at Farmstead, with Royal Waters Spa also available to Farmstead guests

  • Reflections Spa at Waterside, with three treatment rooms and a hammam

  • Royal Cubs spa menu available for younger guests, alongside the adult treatment list

  • Masiya's Camp does not yet have its own spa; treatments can be booked at Royal Waters Spa or arranged in-tent

Family Logistics

Getting to Royal Malewane is part of the experience, with several route options depending on where you're travelling from.

Around 35 minutes by road from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), reachable via daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town

Charter flights available direct to the lodge's own Royal Malewane Airstrip within the reserve, around an hour from Johannesburg by private aircraft

Around 5 to 6 hours by road from Johannesburg (roughly 525 km), for those preferring to self-drive

Private villas include a dedicated chef, butler, guide, tracker and safari vehicle, ideal for families wanting complete independence

Child-minding services available on request

Minimum age policy differs by lodge: Waterside and its private villa welcome children of all ages with no restriction; Malewane Lodge welcome children of all ages only in their Royal Suites, Africa House and Farmhouse respectively (luxury suites are 10+); Masiya's Camp and Farmstead is 10+ unless booked exclusively as a whole camp

Family Suite Exclusives

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Exclusive perks designed to make your family feel truly welcome — from personalised gifts for little travellers to complimentary activities and flexible check-in options.

Booking via The Family Suite includes:

TFS Exclusive Credit: £100 (or equivalent in local currency) towards a family experience

*Subject to Terms & Conditions