Style & Décor
Think ‘Baroque in the bush’: like an empress’s jewellery chest, Africa House dazzles with peacock colours, ornate detail and offbeat details. Wake up in a 4-poster bed that was hand carved in Mombasa and is now draped in a froth of muslin, and wallow in an old-fashioned slipper bath tub in your enormous en suite bathroom. In the morning, take breakfast on the pretty terrace next to the watering hole – where antelope and elephants will also be having their first drinks for the day – and, that night, stretch out on the tan leather sofas with a nightcap in the art-and-antique-adorned living area and swap stories about your day.
Neighbourhood
Royal Malewane is situated in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, a private game area in the greater Kruger Park in South Africa’s Limpopo province. Thornybush is home to the Big 5, as well as over 500 species of birds and 300 of trees. It is most set in open savannah, ideal for game tracking by vehicle or on foot. Royal Malewane has a top-notch spa with a gym, heated lap pool, steam room, Jacuzzi, and hot and cold African baths. All the hydrotherapy treatments use untainted, mineral-rich water that is sourced from an underground stream that flows through Thornybush.
Suitability
Africa House is perfect for groups of up to 12 who want a ‘home from home’ feel but who also want to be spoilt with luxurious interiors and personalised service. Children are welcome and there are plenty of interesting and exciting diversions to keep them amused.
Best time to visit
The greater Kruger area is considered a year-round destination but does have two distinct seasons, each with their own advantages. Summer, which runs from September to February, is hot and rainy, which makes for a humid climate. The vegetation is lush, green, thick and tall which can make game spotting trickier – but also more rewarding! The beginning of summer sees plenty of adorable newborns and the abundance of game makes the chance of seeing a thrilling kill much higher. In winter, from March to August, the dry, cold weather thins out the bush, making it easier to spot game. First-time safari-goers may enjoy the dry season because of the heightened chance of spotting game in the sparser vegetation.
Special Notes
Africa House falls within a malarial area so check with your doctor for precautions before travelling, especially in the wet and warm summer months. Please request special children’s meal or specific dietary requirements prior to travelling.
