Waterside Lodge at Royal Malewane

Simply sensational. Our favorite place and experiences in the World is at this lodge complex (Royal Malwane, Farmstead and Waterside). The staff, accommodations and food/wine are World-Class across the board.

Stop wasting your time reading this and book a room at Waterside Lodge! I'm a travel writer, so I see a lot of amazing properties around the world, but this one is lightyears ahead of most of what I've experienced. The location is stunning, you can watch hippos while you drink your morning coffee on the deck, and the design of the lodge makes it a destination in itself. I've stayed at dozens of other safari camps, but none as aesthetically pleasing as Waterside. I also loved the amenities from the games room that made me wish my niece and nephew were here to the gym where they even have large screen TV with Netflix and fast enough WiFi that I could stream my favorite shows! That's something I've never experienced at a camp before. That said, the most magical moments took place in the dining room where every dish is delicious and the service is outstanding, and on the game drives. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, Stan, were amazing. Stan could spot a gecko, at night, from 100 meters away. He's such a great tracker and Matt did an amazing job getting us up close, but not too close, to the animals. My mom, who stayed with me, and I also loved the spa. Do NOT skip out on this. Skip a game drive if you have to:) Seriously, the treatments were amazing and the ladies are lovely. In fact, everyone here is amazing. I can't recommend Waterside Lodge enough. Book it! But don't book it the same weekend I want to come back. My worst nightmare is it being sold out:)

What a bespoke safari experience in South Africa. I had private safari and amazing accomodation with unique decorated room.GM Jon, ranger Lorenzo, trekker Kris, reception lady Shanti.Special thank you to Steve. As a travel company owner, focusing on private tours in South Africa, I have been in many wonderful 5* hotels. Waterside Royal Malelane is just a different world.Highly recommendedWarmest Regards;Olga Mc IntyreInst @olgacapetown

For my first African safari, my daughter couldn't have picked a better venue to get my feet wet, literally and figuratively! After an amazing morning game drive and gourmet breakfast, it was tough choosing between a relaxing swim in our private, heated pool or a slow soak in the amazing clawfoot soaker tub with a view. Our guide Matt and tracker, Stan left no stone unturned in getting us up close and personal with The Big 5 as well as many other species the Greater Kruger call home. The entire staff went out of their way to make our stay the best that it could be. They made us feel as though we were the only people on the planet! One of the highlights of the stay was relaxing in a swinging chair waterside, enjoying the playful grunts and antics of a bloat of hippos! The food and service was top notch and left me wishing I could stay a few more days in order to sample everything the chef had up his sleeve. Oh well, I guess it gives me a reason to come back!