About
Location :
Added by Jopie, at 11 September 2015
Opening Hours
- Monday 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
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8 Reviews
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29 March 2018
As I begin to make arrangements for a return stay, I thought I would share the experience of my first visit to The Royal Malawane in September of 2015. It was just my dad and and it remains the greatest adventure I've ever had.
The atmosphere of the property is singular in beauty. From the moment my father and I were greeted at the landing strip by our tracker and guide, the spell was cast. We made our way toward the lobby along a winding cherrywood boardwalk surrounded by lush vegetation bustling with wild life. It hit me that I had found the majestic Africa I dreamt of. The property and surrounding wilderness have joined my very short list of places that no photograph, video, or description can do justice to. My jaw dropped as we rounded the corner and were lead to the Royal Suite. Situated at the very end of the walk way, the first thing that strikes you is the extraordinary view of the reserve. Long crystal clear sliding doors stretch the full length of front and back of the suite. An astonishing effect is created by the symmetry of the structure and makes the building seem an inseparable part of the landscape. Every amenity you can think of is available. The decor is grand and luxurious, yet the tall ceilings and massive windows let the beauty of nature take center stage. Every room has its own appeal and unique vantage point of the reserve. You can't lose no matter where you end up staying on the property.
The focal point of the experience is the Safari. The Royal Malewane employs the greatest experts in the field to provide safe but intimate encounters with the wildlife. I had the extraordinarily rare experience of witnessing a pride of lions stalk and kill a buffalo. It was not something I sought, and it isn't something to hope for. The sounds of a large mammal being eaten alive don't leave the memory so easily. We had been searching for the pride that ultimately made the kill soon after we arrived. The lions hadn't eaten in over 5 days. With several cubs to support it was essential that they find food soon. After a precarious drive through the mud soaked terrain, our determined team, Bennet as tracker, Nicola guiding at the wheel, we found the pride resting on a perch above the road. They were blood soaked having already made a kill. We got close, very close. I'll never forget the sensation of the male lion coming out from the thick bush, approaching the vehicle, and looking us all right in the eye. Not long after we had stopped, a cry rang out in the distance. Nicola informed us it was likely the distress call from a lone buffalo, isolated or injured. The lions took off after the sound and we followed. We were shadowing them on their hunt. The second cry came and the pride bolted into the bush. Nicola found a tiny access point and came in at an angle to meet the pride just as they ambushed the Cape Buffalo. What followed is hard to describe. It was profound and unsettling. It was also just one of many unforgettable moments to come.
I learned things being out in that beautiful wild that can only be learned by witnessing untouched nature in action. I will carry these insights with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Nicola and Bennet (our Ranger and Tracker) for continuously guiding us to the places where we could observe nature at her most intimate. Thank you for refusing to give up searching for an elusive animal that moved into impossible terrain. Thank you for gently nudging us beyond our levels of comfort. For teaching us the subtle languages of leopards and lions and elephants and rhinos and imprints in the earth. Thank you for enduring the sting of thorns and the countless obstacles standing between us and the striking gaze of a wild animal. Thank you for your limitless enthusiasm and passion for nature. You became masters through the hard work and love of craft that is so rare. You both have my undying admiration and respect.
To anyone planning a visit to Africa, you need look no further. This place is the stuff dreams are made of.
Hopelessly in love with The Royal Malewane,
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16 January 2018
A truly exclusive luxury safari experience with the most qualified guiding team in Africa.
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05 December 2017
Insanely amazing, great food, great service, amazing safaris. I highly recommend Nik as your safari guide-- Edward the top manager of the entire place is great as well. I highly highly highly recommend!!!
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22 September 2017
Very special love with brilliant services and offerings from, food, drinks, wine, rooms and game viewing.
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08 September 2017
Excellent in eveeything
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22 March 2017
Staff and service top notch! Best spa facility whilst on Safari
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12 December 2016
Amazing
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18 September 2015
Absolutely the best 5 star lodge.
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