
Africa House
6 Bedrooms — 12 Guests
A beautiful and bright safari lodge with infinity pools, a spa treatment room, and stunning bush views
Africa House at Royal Malewane stands as the pinnacle of luxury safari retreats in South Africa. Set deep within the big-five country of the Thornybush Private Game Reserve – which shares an unfenced, seamless border with the legendary Kruger National Park – this palatial 1,500-square-metre villa balances opulent architectural scale with the absolute privacy demanded by discerning families and private groups of up to 12 guests.
At the front of the villa, an expansive outdoor terrace serves as the villa’s main relaxation zone. Here, a magnificent, multi-level infinity pool framed by teak decking extends out towards the rugged bushland. Poolside loungers and plush outdoor seating offer plenty of space to soak up the sun and spot wildlife wandering by the dry riverbed below.
Accented by comfortable daybeds and a fully equipped al fresco bar, this sun-splashed oasis is the perfect spot for mid-afternoon lounging between game drives. Shaded verandas, plush daybeds, and a 10-seater al fresco dining area provide the ultimate setting for leisurely bush breakfasts, decadent afternoon high teas, or sunset gin and tonics. Moreover, a beautifully designed open-air boma sets the stage for unforgettable dinners under a canopy of stars.
The villa’s indoor living and wellness spaces are built around a beautifully planted courtyard atrium, creating a seamless connection to nature from every room. Curated by renowned designer Liz Biden, the interiors feature vibrant, contemporary, high-end design. Moving away from the usual muted safari tones, the villa instead features a bold colour palette and highly textured soft furnishings. Traditional African elements, fine Persian rugs, gleaming chandeliers, and exquisite antiques converge effortlessly within its vast, light-filled spaces.
The social heart of the villa is its expansive Long Room. Flooded with natural light through massive glass doors, the room is designed for multi-generational relaxation, indoor games, and fireside dining. Guests can also enjoy comprehensive wellness facilities, including a fully equipped gym overlooking the bushveld and a luxurious double spa treatment room.
Six uniquely themed en-suite bedrooms offer guests their own private sanctuary. Vibrant walls and opulent furnishings are paired with four-poster beds draped in fine linens, while expansive glass doors lead to private decks and reveal sweeping wilderness views. Several rooms are interconnected, making them ideal for those travelling with children. In addition to the six guest bedrooms, the villa features a Pilot’s Room ideal for those travelling with a personal member of staff.
Guests enjoy the exclusive use of a private 4×4 safari vehicle accompanied by some of Africa’s most highly qualified field rangers and trackers. Whether quietly tracking a pride of lions at dawn or birdwatching from the private terrace, Africa House offers a completely immersive safari experience.
Highlights
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Bedrooms
This property comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests in its 6 bedrooms.
Bedroom 1 – king-size bed, sitting area, en-suite bathroom with dual vanity, bathtub & separate shower + outdoor shower, private deck, and bush views
Bedroom 2 – king-size bed, sitting area, en-suite bathroom with dual vanity, bathtub & separate shower + outdoor shower, private deck, and bush views
Bedroom 3 – king-size bed, sitting area, en-suite bathroom with dual vanity, bathtub & separate shower + outdoor shower, private deck, and bush views (Nb. Interconnects with Bedroom 5)
Bedroom 4 – king-size bed, sitting area, en-suite bathroom with dual vanity, bathtub & separate shower + outdoor shower, private deck, and bush views (Nb. Interconnects with Bedroom 6)
Bedroom 5 – twin beds (converted to king-size on request), sitting area, en-suite bathroom with dual vanity, bathtub & separate shower + outdoor shower, private deck, and bush views (Nb. Interconnects with Bedroom 3)
Bedroom 6 – twin beds (converted to king-size on request), sitting area, en-suite bathroom with dual vanity, bathtub & separate shower + outdoor shower, private deck, and bush views (Nb. Interconnects with Bedroom 4)
ON REQUEST
Pilot’s room (personal staff) – double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower + outdoor shower, private deck, and bush views
Location
Disclaimer: the location on the map may be approximate due to privacy reasons.
About the area
Africa House at Royal Malewane is set within the 14,000-hectare Thornybush Private Game Reserve of South Africa. The villa sits on the unfenced border of the legendary Kruger National Park, where Africa’s iconic Big Five, along with hundreds of other rare mammal and bird species, roam freely across wild acacia woodlands and open savannas. In the distance, the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains create a dramatic backdrop.
Located just a short drive from the main Malewane Lodge, villa guests enjoy total privacy alongside seamless access to the lodge’s award-winning Royal Waters Bush Spa, as well as its library, bar, and wine cellar.
Within the reserve, guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives with master trackers and private guides, guided bushwalks, photographic safaris, conservation activities, wine tastings, and more.
The villa is a scenic 40-minute drive from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, which offers seamless connections to Johannesburg. Or, for guests arriving via private charter, the Royal Malewane Airstrip is located just a 15-minute drive away.
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Africa House
Africa House