ROYAL MALEWANE, Experience the wild heart of the south African bush in classic style and elegance

After a 35 minutes drive from airport Hoedspruit we arrive at one of the most exclusive and extravagant South African safaris resorts located in the private game reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane.

An intimate and luxurious Safari Lodge with six Suites, two separate Royal Suites and one extravagant African House. Each with its own private pools.

“Inside, the décor is a classic colonial bush style, A haven of old-world charm and stylish splendour.”

Sting, Bono and Carla Bruni are just a few celebrities who have signed their names in the guestbook found in the elegant reception lounge.

My lodge is in one of the Royal Suites where Elton John has previously stayed. My bedroom is 4 times bigger than my livingroom at home! The private pool on the veranda is calling me for a refreshing dip, it’s a tranquill space surrounded by the lush sights and sounds of the African bush. Although it is very tempting I don’t have time for it, I must take some photographs and there is a lot to capture here.

African House
On my way to the Spa I sneak in to take a look at the interior of Africa House, a spacious and elegant bush villa with six bedrooms and private butlers. There’s a great collection of furniture.

“Antique furniture, plush silk furnishings and Persian rugs create an exotic and luxurious feel.”

The Spa is award winning
The award wining Spa at Royal Malewane is an oasis of a very special kind.

“A chance to refresh and restore mind, body and spirit in the serenity and peace of the bush.”

A large pool, steam room, hot and cold African baths and private treatments give you plenty of opportunity to refresh your well being on every level and enrich your stay at the Royal Malewane.

“To relax around the pool and take in the tranquility of your surroundings, makes this place magical.”

Game drive, the real adventure!
The next morning is an early one, 6am we are ready to go and experience the real bush and hopefully see the Big Five closely. Accompanied by two excellent guides, we leave the property in an open jeep.

We were a little bit scared of this open-top car and what we might encounter, but I was brave enough to sit in front and have my big camera with me, ready for some action.

Well, I certainly had an encounter with one of the Big Five that I will never forget; it was with the formidable Black Rhino. When we found her she was watching her little ones, immediately she felt threatened by us and started to attack, running right towards me. I was sitting in an open Jeep, so there wasn’t much to protect me from her. I thought maybe the Ranger would raise his gun and shoot her however I was wrong. Instead he waited and when she was halfway to us he stood up, waved with his arms and made a loud noise as if he were a lion. And what happened…? Well it worked. Although she doubted for a split second and held very still for a moment…we saw her thinking and then she turned around and run away. Yeahhh, how happy I was.While she was running towards me I took out my little camera in front of me, instead of my big one…. afraid it would be destroyed after her attack and so I didn’t manage to get a good quality pic of her. 🙁

But at least I had a good story for home. 🙂