SOUTH AFRICAN ODYSSEY

Go in search of Africa’s iconic wildlife on game drives with our highly-skilled Guides and Trackers. The aromas of the bush, the incredible sunsets and the thrill you get from following the Big 5 will stay with you long after you leave.

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Exhilarating and detail-focused, a guided walk through our Greater Kruger territory will get you up close with creatures both great and small and introduce you to the fascinating workings of nature.

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Our luxury spas, yoga studios, meditation spaces, and gyms create space for both mental and physical wellness and bring a therapeutic essence to your stay.

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Have a hands-on approach to conservation and help play a role in preserving habitats and protecting endangered species, while embarking on some of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in the bush.

These activities are subject to availability and require booking in advance.

Rhino Dehorning | Additional Cost
Dehorning rhinos is one of the ways we are working to deter poaching in the Greater Kruger. Without their horns, rhinos are not valuable to poachers, and the incentive to poach rapidly decreases.

We invite our guests to participate in a dehorning operation with reserve management, wildlife vets, and pilots to give a helping hand in this crucial activity. It is an ongoing project and is incredibly resource-heavy, requiring the expertise of trained professionals, necessary drugs, equipment, fuel, and coordination to make just one dehorning possible.

APNR Ground-Hornbill Project | Additional Cost
The large, iconic Southern ground-hornbill is an endangered bird in South Africa, with numbers rapidly declining outside of protected areas. The successful breeding and increasing population in the Greater Kruger is due to the conservation and research carried out by the APNR Ground-Hornbill Project run by the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology for over 20 years.

Our guests have the opportunity to join the experts in the field to monitor and assess the active nest site, and listen to an informative talk to learn about the complex existence of the world’s largest cooperative breeding bird.

Elephants Alive | Additional Cost
Despite the seemingly booming elephant population in the reserve, elephants are in fact fighting for space, and it is of vital conservation importance to properly manage elephant distribution. Elephants Alive has been monitoring, researching, and conserving elephants in the Greater Kruger for almost 30 years.

At Royal Malewane, our guests can join the team as they track down elephant bulls and work with vets and pilots to carefully dart and sedate the animal in order to capture vital data and/or fit a collar funded through this programme.

EWT Wild Dog Project | Additional Cost
African wild dogs – or painted wolves – are highly endangered with only an estimated 5,500 free-ranging dogs remaining on the continent, according to The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).

EWT’s wild dog conservation Project Leader Grant Beverley monitors, studies, and protects the local wild dog packs using telemetry collars to capture vital information and help keep them safe from threats resulting from human-wildlife conflict. Our guests are offered the unique opportunity to join Grant in the field to locate the pack and get involved in fitting a new collar, or gather data from a monitored individual.

K9 Unit Dog Demonstration | Included
Our counter-poaching dog unit is known as Tango K9; a team of Field Rangers and highly-trained detection and tracker dogs, who, working together, have added a crucial dimension to the counter-poaching activity on the reserve.

Our guests are invited to visit Tango K9 during their stay, where they can meet the Rangers and watch a demonstration put on by these incredible working dogs and handlers. Observing them in a training exercise allows you to see how this unique relationship is proving to be a force in the counter-poaching tool box. Seeing the dogs and Rangers work together is an amazing display of communication and trust.

Helicopter Patrol Flight | Additional Cost
Seeing the expanse of the reserve from above gives you a whole new perspective on the landscape and what it takes to protect the wildlife. It shows how human settlements, cultivated farmland, and wilderness exist in such close proximity, and how much space really is running out as our human footprint grows.

Take a flight through the airspace over the reserve where you can spot herds of elephants and some of the larger animals from above, over the dramatic mountain landscape, and through the exquisite green canyon of the Blyde River nearby.

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Our Guides are passionate photographers and have an insight into wildlife that is key to anticipating movement and behaviour – the recipe for the perfect photographic opportunity.

Waiting for a lion to yawn widely in the golden grass, or for a hippo to blow two streams of vaporised water out of its exposed nostrils is a game of patience that wildlife photographers know well. When the wait pays off, and your shutter clicks at just the right time, you take home an image that represents a moment between you and the wild.

Pursuing the perfect photo means journeying through the bush, your senses on alert, and allowing your environment to dictate the type of photo you produce. Ask your Guide for advice on settings or equipment suited to the bush, or ask us about rental gear that might elevate your photographic safari experience.

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There are over 300 different bird species at Royal Malewane, from the minute grey penduline tit to the immense lappet-faced vulture, and there are all manner of weird, wonderful and colourful feathered creatures in between. Immersing yourself in this fascinating world is a rich and rewarding wildlife experience.

If you are travelling with a bird list, we’ll tailor your experience to give you the best chance of ticking it off. Let us know before you travel that you’re especially interested in birds and we’ll match you up with a nationally recognised birding Guide from our expert team and make sure we’ve got a copy of your sightings list.

We put together something ideal for amateur and professional birders alike. We’ll curate the experience according to your level of interest and take things as slowly as necessary to locate and check-off the specials of the area.

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Flying out of Royal Malewane in a helicopter means every flight begins and ends with a view of the Greater Kruger wilderness below, and the time in between is a breath-taking show of mountains, canyons and plunging waterfalls. It’s a unique way to gain a fresh and thrilling perspective on the diverse landscapes that make up the wonderful mosaic that is South Africa.

Timed to fit between your morning and afternoon game drives at Royal Malewane, this aerial round-trip offers spectacular views of the world’s most impressive green canyon. The flight takes you over a remarkable diversity of landscapes.

This exclusive excursion combines the serene beauty of a helicopter scenic flight with the adrenaline thrill of the Graskop Gorge Lift. From the Royal Malewane Airstrip, you’ll fly directly to Graskop airstrip, from where you’ll connect with a vehicle transfer to the unique Graskop Gorge Glass Lift. Descending 51 metres down the cliff face lets you gain a greater appreciation for the scale and majesty of the canyon. This is where natural beauty and engineering excellence come together to create an experience you’ll never forget.

Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, you can explore the indigenous forest as you stroll along the raised boardwalk as part of a self-guided journey through a wondrous ecosystem featuring birds, butterflies and ancient, gnarled trees. Suspension bridges over streams lead you to the iconic Panorama Waterfall, before you make your way back to the lift for the ascent and return flight.

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Introducing children to nature at an early age encourages a lifetime of discovery and wonder at the Earth’s great and small creatures. It is the start of a connection with our wildlife that deepens youngsters’ perspectives and builds curiosity that will lead them into the future.

The bushveld is a wonderful blend of playground and classroom, and our Guides particularly enjoy introducing children and teenagers to the wonders of Nature. With a full programme of activities for kids of all ages, and optional extra child-minding services, there are also opportunities for parents to enjoy some alone time in complete peace of mind.

Our Guides are some of the most qualified in Africa. More than that, they’re passionate about creating exciting, stimulating family safari experiences in the bushveld, and back at the lodge.

Royal Malewane is a place where every moment is quality time, and families are always welcome.

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The team at Royal Malewane is skilled at putting together your African-inspired celebration - whether it's a marriage proposal, a safari-style wedding, a milestone anniversary or a special birthday. Let us know your dream of the ultimate celebration in the bush, and leave the details to us.

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A helicopter flight to the exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club will land you at one of South Africa’s premier courses designed by golfing legend, Gary Player.

Leopard Creek is considered one of the top 100 golf courses in the world. The manicured greens morph into the wild surroundings of the bushveld. Luxury leisure facilities, a spa, a restaurant, and celebrated sculptural art define this premier country club.

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Far away from the city lights, our galaxy twinkles in the darkness, and our skilled Guides will take you on a journey to learn more about our stars and constellations. From the darkness of the bush, you’ll see every swirl and sparkle of the Milky Way as it shines through the night sky. Planets, satellites, pointer stars, navigational markers, and constellations that come with stories and superstitions as ancient as the landscape.

A star safari is about an after-dark adventure, so jump into the game viewer with your Guide and keep your eyes open for a chance to see some of the nocturnal animals you won’t see on safari during the day. Spend quiet moments out in the bush admiring the night sky overhead and listen to the calls and communications of an active African night in the Greater Kruger.

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Our overall aim is to expose local children to the importance of ecotourism and inspire an environmentally sustainable future. Through sponsored school excursions into the reserve, the younger generation can start to form meaningful connections with wildlife, and see the value in protecting it.

At the core of conserving our wildlife and wild spaces is supporting the growth and development of environmental education in our neighbouring community. Through our Foundation, we are able to create meaningful change in the lives of the children of the Sigagule and Langutelani Crèches; and through game drive experiences, help pupils and teachers of the local Sihlekisi Primary School discover the wonders of the wild.

Our guests have the opportunity to join us on a visit to these schools located in a village nearby and to see first-hand how these support networks function.

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The Silo Hotel offers wonderful private art tours that allow guests the opportunity to learn about the incredible African art scene and to celebrate the incredible artists and their work. Widely recognised as one of the best art hotels in the world (by the likes of Forbes and The Telegraph), The Silo Hotel houses a remarkable collection.

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Situated below The Silo Hotel lies the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the world's largest contemporary African art museum. This incredible space is a momentous mark on Africa’s cultural canvas, an exciting new era for African artists, and a remarkable achievement for our beautiful continent. This public, not-for-profit art museum collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first century art from Africa and its Diaspora. Containing over 100 galleries, spread over nine floors, this exquisite space boasts a diverse and unique range of contemporary African art. Various tours of the museum are available, including AfriSam Audio Tours, Art Tours, Architectural Tours, and Children’s Tours.

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The Silo Spa, located on the fourth floor of The Silo Hotel, has five treatment rooms, two of which can be made into a couple’s room. A tranquil space in which guests can relax and indulge in the latest therapies and spa techniques. There’s also a gym, sauna and a dedicated manicure and pedicure area. Enjoy signature treatments using top international products including Ling and Black Pearl. The Silo Spa is the only spa in Africa to use exclusive Ling products.

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Robben Island, easily seen from the rooftop of The Silo Hotel, is situated only 9kms offshore from Cape Town. The island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 because of its historic political importance, having been where Nelson Mandela lived for 18 of the 27 years that he was a political prisoner during the apartheid regime. It is advisable to allow us to pre-book this very popular tour on your behalf. Allow half a day for this tour.

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Table Mountain is a great source of pride for Capetonians. At 240 million years old it is older than the Andes, the Rockies, The Himalayas and the Alps. It was acknowledges as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a few years ago. A four-minute cable car ride will take you to the 1067m “table top”, with spectacular views on the way up. Enjoy walking along the pathways and taking photographs, there is also a restaurant for refreshments. Table Mountain hosts one of the richest floral kingdom on earth, with more than 1 470 floral species.

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Cape Town has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on offer. Clifton Beaches: there are four Clifton beaches, each as beautiful as the next. Camps Bay: the palm fronds of Camps Bay make for the most dramatic sunset pictures – and the main street across from the beach has a number of bars and restaurants and is a great spot for cocktails or a bite to eat. Muizenberg: head down to the Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg and take a surfing lesson with the local experts. Cape Point & Boulders Beach: explore the Cape Peninsula and see the fascinating penguins of Boulder’s Beach on a day trip from Cape Town. There are smaller, lesser known beaches - let us know how we can direct you to the beach experience of your choice. Please ask a member of our team should you need directions or transport.

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The best place to experience Cape Malay cuisine is on a walking tour through the Bo-Kaap District in Cape Town, an area with steep cobblestone streets and brightly-coloured houses where former Cape Malay slaves settled in the early 19th century. Stop to enjoy a local bobotie, sosatie, koeksister or Cape Malay curry for lunch whilst learning about the rich heritage of the Cape Malay people who live there.

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Franschhoek is known as the "Food and Wine Capital of South Africa." Despite its tiny size, the town boasts an incredible range of cafés and stylish restaurants with every style of food on offer. From traditional English pub food to classic bistro fare, superb wood-fired pizzas to sumptuous sushi, this gourmet dining town has it all.

If you feel like venturing into the village, a complimentary transfer service from La Residence is available to take you to one of the many, award-winning, Franschhoek restaurants.

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Whether you are a connoisseur or an enthusiastic newcomer to the wonderful world of wine, Franschhoek offers exciting experiences for wine lovers. Wine-making has an illustrious 300-year old history in the Franschhoek Valley and there are a number of historic family wine farms worth visiting for their fascintating heritage, quaint architecture and beautiful vineyards.

Explore boutique wineries or enjoy private tastings with expert sommeliers. Alternative experiences include wine safaris on horseback, Harley Davidson tours, cycling or walking tours, and helicopter trips for a bird's-eye view of the beautiful region. A complimentary transfer service is available at La Residence to escort guests to any of the local estates.

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For the ultimate relaxation, pamper yourself with a massage in the spa treatment room. The La Residence Spa offers a wide range of treatments and massages including the signature Pinotage treatments which use organic grape products in a variety of beneficial ways.

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The Wemmers River is packed with wild brown trout and rainbow trout. La Ferme rents out fly fishing equipment for you to use in the river or in one of their trout dams. If fly-fishing is not your thing, spinning tackle is available to use in one of their bass dams.

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South Africa is producing some of the world’s most sought-after wines. Many of those top rated tipples are produced in remote and spectacular locations as leading winemakers search far and wide for the ultimate terroir. There is no finer way to experience the rich diversity and breathtaking beauty of the Cape winelands than by helicopter. We have carefully crafted three distinct helicopter routes which will allow you to sample the diverse expressions of South Africa’s top varietals:

- The Swartland & The Hemel en Aarde Valley
- Stellenbosch & Elgin
- Constantia & Cape Point

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Indulge in the "chocolate experience" at Huguenot Fine Chocolates, a local boutique chocolaterie. The half-hour tour includes the story of chocolate, a chocolate making demonstration, and a chocolate tasting.

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Whether you'd like a lazy pedal through the village or a strenuous hike up Mont Rochelle, La Residence is filled with quaint architecture and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Hiking and mountain biking are wonderful ways to work up an appetite for the exceptional local gastronomy.

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There is no shortage of art galleries and pottery studios in the Cape winelands. Whether you are looking to purchase, or just to admire, we can direct you to a number of excellent galleries. A notable gallery close to La Residence is located at La Motte wine estate, dedicated to JH Pierneef - one of South Africa's most famous artists.

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This is a must for any car enthusiast. The museum is on L’Ormarins wine estate and houses an impressive collection of over 100 collector’s cars from an 1898 Beeston Motor Tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo.

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There are numerous world-class golf courses to choose from in the Cape winelands. The renowned Pearl Valley Golf course, host to the South African Open Championship, is a mere fifteen minutes drive from Franschhoek.

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