Malewane Lodge – the foundation of our Royal journey

The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge

Malewane Lodge was recently named the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge at the World Travel Awards, 2024. As one of the pioneering private lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park and the heartbeat of The Royal Portfolio collection, the lodge’s 26-year journey has transformed it from a much-loved Biden family retreat to a timeless safari destination that continues to lead the way.

Liz Biden is not known for doing things in small measures. When the family decided they wanted to share their holiday home in the Greater Kruger National Park and transform it into a safari lodge so that others could enjoy it, they had no idea that it was the start of an incredible adventure.

“Malewane Lodge was the starting point of our story,” says CEO Matthew Biden. “I remember being lucky enough to go there as a kid, we had such amazing times as a family – and it really laid the foundation of the collection. It will always be the place where it all began.”

While the accommodation options at Royal Malewane have evolved to include more contemporary lodges like Waterside, Farmstead and, soon, Masiya’s Camp, which will be launched in April 2025, Malewane Lodge continues to hold its own as the quintessential South African safari lodge.

The Royal Treatment

Luxury at Royal Malewane feels like no one is trying too hard, yet everything just seems to effortlessly come together. The Luxury Suites each feature a private pool, outdoor sala and en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers.

The Royal Suites take seclusion to another level – two en-suite bedrooms, sprawling decks, and vast living and dining spaces where guests can totally unwind and provide the perfect space for families with young children. With exclusive private services, a swimming pool, and an outdoor sala, this is a sanctuary where you can truly unwind and immerse yourself in nature. The wildlife activity is so abundant that you can enjoy game viewing right from the wooden deck of your suite – though venturing out on game drive is a must.

Left: A Royal Suite at Malewane Lodge; Right: Safari sunrise from bed in a Luxury Suite

Wildlife and Safari Experiences

Twice-daily game drives are led by Africa’s most qualified safari team, who know the region intimately and are proud to share our conservation story. There is so much to see – the Greater Kruger National Park offers a rich diversity of ecosystems that support over 145 mammal species, including elephants, black rhinos, leopards, lions and buffaloes, and more than 500 bird species.

In addition to the game drives, there are other ways to get in touch with the wilderness that is our backyard. Guided bush walks reveal a world where each dung beetle, anthill mansion, dusty track in the sand or sound of an animal calling means something. Guests can also observe rhino dehorning operations (on request and subject to availability) or take helicopter flights with the canine unit to witness anti-poaching efforts firsthand.

Into the Flow

Wellness is an integral part of the offering at Malewane Lodge, and the Royal Waters Spa taps into nature’s healing essence – a mineral-rich underground stream that flows beneath the reserve. These waters enhance our treatments with their natural restorative properties. Set around a tranquil courtyard featuring a 25-metre heated lap pool, the spa has three treatment rooms – one double and two single – alongside a well-equipped gym and steam room. Guests can alternate between hot and cold African baths, visit the hair salon, or retreat to one of four casitas (rest pavilions).

Left: 25m lap pool at Malewane Lodge; Right: Exclusive African baths at Royal Waters Spa

Dining by Design

Spending time relaxing in nature can certainly enhance one’s appetite. Mealtimes are an integral part of the Malewane Lodge experience, with our chefs creating delicious and healthy meals crafted to match individual tastes and dietary requirements. Bush dinners are always a highlight, and there’s not much to beat the thrill of dining under the stars surrounded by wilderness and warmed by lantern light and crackling fires. Malewane Lodge’s dedicated kosher kitchen (certified by the Beth Din of South Africa) means guests can relax, knowing that every detail and requirement will be taken care of.

A Legacy of Care

While Malewane Lodge was the catalyst that gave rise to Royal Malewane as we know it today, far beyond what the Biden family could have imagined 26 years ago, perhaps its most meaningful achievement is how the legacy has expanded beyond the lodge itself. Through The Royal Portfolio Foundation, the initial vision has become a force for positive change throughout the Greater Kruger community.

“Receiving awards and being named the world’s number one safari lodge is a wonderful honour – and what makes it even better is that our continued impact on the lives of our team members and wider community continues to grow,” says Matthew Biden. “That’s the real dream, and the legacy we will continue to build on.”