There are three Master Trackers in the Kruger area, and all are based at Royal Malewane. What does that mean? Outstanding safari experiences in a part of the world that attracts the Big 5.

Royal Malewane is located in the 14,000 hectare Thornybush Private Game Reserve, which is next to Kruger National Park, with no fences stopping wildlife roaming between the two. And that wildlife includes the Big 5.

With those expert trackers leading the way, you can expect to spot all five within the first two days of your safari at Royal Malewane.

Top trackers

With such a crack team of guides and trackers working here, every expedition you take into the bush will be full of information and insights about what you’re seeing. Everything from the tiniest insects to the entire ecosystem will be explained in an engaging style that makes your experience all the more memorable.

Your team will take you off-road if needed to increase your chances of getting those photo opportunities that’ll give you pictures to treasure. As well as the Big 5, white lions live on the reserve, so too hippo, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, hyena and wild dog. And then there’s the 500 bird species.

You can take an early morning, late afternoon or night drive into the reserve to see these birds and animals. You can also leave the vehicles behind and enjoy a guided bushwalk, while family-friendly game drives can be booked, evidence of the location’s welcoming attitude towards younger guests.

Suites, villas and now luxury tents

Royal Malewane offers accommodation options that all boast a sundeck with plunge pool, large and comfortable beds and a freestanding bathtub.

The main lodge is home to 6 luxury suites, 2 royal suites and the Africa House villa.

Each of those luxury suites sleeps 2 guests in a room with a large, comfortable four-poster bed, an ensuite bathroom and a seating area leading out to a balcony overlooking the waterhole. Rugs on the floor and exposed beams on the ceiling give these suites a classic safari feel.

Both Royal Suites boast a similar style of décor, but are large enough to sleep 4 adults.

The Africa House villa sleeps 12 across 6 bedrooms and has a private T-shaped pool on decking that extends out into the bush. A private chef and butler will take care of your every need during your stay here.

A 12 minute drive from the main lodge gets you to The Farmstead, with 3 luxury suites, and another exclusive villa that sleeps 6.

If you’re looking for a more traditional safari experience, that’s catered for too, with Masiya Camp having 6 luxury tents for 2, each with private viewing decks.

Main lodge magnificence

Will it be the trio of treatment rooms that draws you to the main lodge? Or the African baths, casitas, steam room and fitness centre?

The main dining room overlooks the waterhole, but it’s by no means the only option when it comes to places to eat, as there are tents and bomas dotted about the location. You can choose to eat in your suite or villa if you prefer. The Masiya Bar is the place to go for drinks and relaxation by the water.

The relaxed attitude across camp is reflected in the approach to eating in general. The lodge team don’t impose any set mealtimes you need to stick to (although the kitchen usually shuts around 9PM) and even the menus can be adapted to suite your tastes.