The Farmstead at Royal Malewane

A short drive south of the main lodge of the Royal Malewane, The Farmstead is a stylishly designed, luxuriously appointed property made up of four suites that can be booked individually or as a whole, providing accommodation for up to 14 guests. The Thorneybush Private Game Reserve offers exceptional wildlife spotting potential, including the Big Five, while the private pools, custom-made daybeds and indulgent living spaces create a welcoming space to unwind when not on safari.

The Farmstead consists of three Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse, a three and a half-bedroom villa that comes complete with private butler, chef and housekeeper. The suites are at once homely and luxurious, with Persian rugs, eclectic works of art adorning the walls, and mismatched furnishings in the style of a modern country home. Capacious beds are swathed in billowing nets, bathrooms boast a roll top bath and separate shower, while the outside living space is equally well-appointed with spacious verandas, outdoor showers, dining areas and private pools.

At the heart of The Farmstead, the Main Lodge provides a welcoming, sociable hub where deep sofas, velvet bar stools and Chinese vases combine to create a decadently comfortable home-from-home. A repurposed bank counter creates a characterful serving hatch in the dining area where the chef whips up delicious meals accompanied by premium wines. A large fire pit on the veranda provides a scenic spot for sundowners and pre-dinner drinks with fellow guests, friends and family, sharing tales of the day’s encounters and photos of the Big Five. When not tracking lion through the bush, a double spa treatment room is a restful space for a restorative massage while the gym comes in useful after the indulgence of a pastry-laden afternoon tea.

While it would be tempting to stay cocooned in the luxurious comfort of the property and be content with the wildlife sightings from the verandas and decking, the surrounding bush boasts exceptional sighting potential. Aside from the Big Five, the 32,000-acre Thornybush Reserve is home to cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena and black rhino. While all guests benefit from the knowledge of an incredibly experienced team of naturists, guests at The Farmhouse can avail of their own safari vehicle, with a dedicated ranger and tracker.

This thoughtfully designed, indulgently stylish safari lodge will soon feel like a luxurious home-from-home, albeit one where the veranda looks out over pristine bush and mesmerising sunrises, and where curious wildlife may join you for a morning coffee.