Waterside Lodge
Thornybush Private Nature Reserve
In the untamed northeast of South Africa, where the Lowveld savanna stretches toward the escarpment and wildlife roams freely in the Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane offers one of South Africa’s most refined safari experiences. Set in the heart of the Big Five country within the 35,000 acre unfenced Thornybush Private Nature Reserve and as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the property spans four distinctive lodges: Malewane Lodge, Farmstead, Waterside, and Masiya’s Camp, as well as three exclusive-use villas: Africa House, Waterside House and Farmhouse- each reflecting a refined interpretation of safari elegance. The lodging interiors range from classic to contemporary to bold, offering a distinct expression of luxury for every guest. Whether perched on a raised wooden deck beside a private plunge pool, gathered around the fire under starlight, or unwinding at the spa, you feel at once elevated and intimately connected to the land. From the moment you step across the floating entrance bridge, you’ll instantly feel the warm, welcoming ambience of Waterside and the invigorating energy of the African…
bush. The views of the bustling waterhole fringed by fever trees will draw you in – being able to watch wildlife from the lodge is the first hint of the memorable modern safari to come. Stimulating your sense of sight, Waterside promises to leave you enchanted. Speaking to the bold, seasonal hues of the bush, Waterside elevates every shade found in nature. Each room is individually decorated - an eclectic and generous interpretation of color, texture and tone framed by thatch, glass and steel. Waterside brings a splash of color to Royal Malewane, and a sense of celebration.
The heart of the lodge revolves around the waterhole, where you’ll find the bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a grassy lounging spot facing the waterhole, a library, and a gorgeous, full-length swimming pool with sun chairs. Little nooks and crannies are scattered around the property, perfect for hanging out if you ever tire of your fantastic room. There’s also a games room with a pool table, an arcade machine, and some games for the kids. Everything is so well spread out that it feels extremely exclusive and private.
Between game drives, unwind at the Reflections Spa which has three bush and pond facing treatment rooms and hammam for a wide range of scrubs, wraps and massages, including deep-tissue massages using an African knobkerrie stick and a hammam experience using Dead Sea soap. You also have access to the larger wellness area at Royal Malewane, with faint echoes of Roman bathing areas, built around a long rectangular pool surrounded by cabanas and treatment rooms. Set around a serene open-air courtyard, the spa features an eighty two foot heated lap pool, shaded loungers, three tranquil treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym, steam room, hot and cold African baths, and an on-site hair salon. Enjoy a curated selection of South Africa's most celebrated wines over a bush dinner beneath the stars or step into Malewane's conservation work firsthand with a visit to the Conservation and Research Centre. Hosting just twenty guests at a time, this is safari at its most personal, refined and unforgettable.
AT A GLANCE – THE LODGE
- 2 Aloe Rooms
- 4 Luxury Suites
- 1 Baobab Suite
- 1 Waterside House
- Outdoor bar
- Wine Cellar
- Dining areas
- Reflections Spa
- Fitness Center
- Games room
- Library
- Boutique
- Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) private game reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park
- Traversing rights over 35,000 acres
- Wildlife includes cheetah, spotted hyena, various antelope, rhino, giraffe and hippo to mention a few
- Early morning and late afternoon game drives that continue after nightfall
- Interpretive bush walks
- Photography hide
- Birdwatching
- Golf at Leopard Creek (additional cost applies)
- Scenic helicopter flights (additional cost)
- All Inclusive: 3 meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beer, safari activities, laundry
AT A GLANCE – 2 ALOE ROOMS
- Spacious bedroom with king-size beds
- Large en-suite bathroom
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Private deck and heated plunge pool
- Air-conditioning and ceiling fans
- Smart TV and Wi-Fi
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Fully stocked mini bar
- In-room safe
- International plug adaptors and hairdryer
- 442 ft² (including bathroom)
AT A GLANCE – 4 LUXURY SUITES
- Spacious bedroom with king-size beds
- Large en-suite bathroom
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Fireplace
- Private deck and heated plunge pool
- Outdoor sala
- Air-conditioning and ceiling fans
- Smart TV and Wi-Fi
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Fully stocked mini bar
- In-room safe
- International plug adaptors and hairdryer
- 1,668 ft² (including private deck, outdoor sala and plunge pool)
AT A GLANCE – 1 BAOBAB SUITE
- 2 bedrooms with king-size beds
- Large en-suite bathrooms
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Fireplace
- Private deck and heated plunge pool
- Outdoor sala
- Private safari vehicle with a Guide and Tracker
- Air-conditioning and ceiling fans in all rooms
- Smart TV and Wi-Fi
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Fully stocked mini bar
- In-room safe
- International plug adaptors and hairdryer
- 1,668 ft² (including private deck, outdoor sala and plunge pool)
AT A GLANCE – WATERSIDE HOUSE
- 4 bedrooms with king-size beds
- Large en-suite bathrooms
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Fireplace
- Private deck and heated plunge pool and outside barbecue
- Access to Waterside dining areas, library, games room, Reflections Spa and fitness center
- Outdoor sala
- Lounge, dining area with an open-plan kitchen
- Dedicated private chef, host and private safari vehicle with a Guide and Tracker
- Air-conditioning and ceiling fans in all rooms
- Smart TV and Wi-Fi
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Fully stocked mini bar
- In-room safe
- International plug adaptors and hairdryer
- 3,229 ft² (including all rooms, private deck, outdoor sala and plunge pool)
