Ultimate Luxury

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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Hop into a chauffeured vintage sidecar and explore Cape Town in timeless style. Head out along
Chapman’s Peak Drive and soak up the ocean views, or go west towards the beautiful beaches
of Bloubergstrand. Choose from a range of itineraries, from two-hour city tours to full-day excursions.
Riding leathers, helmets, goggles and complimentary bandanas supplied. Book 24 hours in advance, subject to availability.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

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Discover the extraordinary world that lives beyond Cape Town’s shores in the company of shark scientist Justin Blake. Embark on an ocean expedition through the Cape Kelp Forests, exploring the same octopus gardens made famous in the 2020 Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. Snorkel with friendly sharks, explore fascinating sea caves and discover spectacular views of Cape Town, both above and below the surface.

INCLUDES:
Transport from the hotel, ocean safari on a rigid inflatable boat, an exclusive session with shark scientist Justin Blake as your guide, snorkel gear if desired, scientific shark tracking equipment and dry bags.

BRING YOUR OWN:
Sun screen
Towels
Change of clothing, warm layers
Water bottle

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

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Veer off-piste on a wine tasting jeep trail. Plunging into the famed Constantia Winelands, the scenic tour visits three historic wine estates using private roads rarely open to visitors.

Highlights include tasting the “best Sauvignon Blanc in the world”, meeting the region’s youngest female winemaker and feasting on tapas with sparkling méthode cap classique refreshments.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

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Discover the rich diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s Fynbos on Table Mountain

The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of only six Floral Kingdoms in the world and is geographically by far the smallest, yet the richest, most diverse of these plant kingdoms.

It is widely recognised as one of the most special places for plants in the world in terms of the number of endemic species. Fynbos (fine bush), the indigenous mountain vegetation, forms a major part of this Cape Floral Kingdom. Mount Nelson offers guests a unique opportunity to discover the remarkable diversity of the Fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom on Table Mountain, one of the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature.

Enjoy a ramble along the lower slopes of Table Mountain with a dramatic outlook over Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with an expert mountain and Fynbos guide who will share interesting stories about the “Big Five of Fynbos”– the plant families of Proteas, Ericas, Restios, Bulbs (Irises and Lilies) and Daisies – and uncover many aspects of the natural and cultural history of the Cape and Table Mountain. There will also be plenty of opportunity to photograph plants and flowers encountered during the walk.

The Fynbos sunset walks will take place in the late afternoon so guests can enjoy sundowners from an elevated position on the mountainside, watching the sun sink below the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean, a typical Capetonian activity. The tour will last two and a half hours in total which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a day out and about and still be back in time to appreciate this lovely early evening experience.

Booking is recommended when making a room reservation, alternatively, guests may book this tour with the hotel’s concierge department. Bookings are subject to availability and a 24-hour notice period is preferred.

For further queries on the Fynbos sunset walks or to make a booking, please contact:
Reservations on +27 21 483-1000 or reservations.mnh@belmond.com or contact concierge desk on +27 21 483-1000 or e-mail: concierge.mnh@belmond.com.

You can also reach out to the team, via the Hotel WhatsApp number: +1 857 256 5088

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Resident pro tennis coach Barkie McKrea will teach you to improve your serve, volleys and all aspects of your game.

Barkie teaches beginner to advanced players, solo or in groups.

Equipment is available from the hotel.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

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A zippy one-hour self-guided walking tour of ten trees that live in the hotels’ expansive gardens will reveal many fascinating threads of Cape Town’s history. Trees such as the 80 Canary Island Palms that line the driveway entrance or the nearly 200 year old wild Olive Tree have borne silent witness to the colourful ebb and flow of historic events at the Cape and indeed of this historical 116 year old hotel.

For more information contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

Booklets can be collected at concierge.

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Trees in front of Main Building Credit: Inge Prins

Be chauffeured in a gleaming classic car to the majestic Cape Winelands for a tasting or lunch. Explore Constantia Valley, famed for its white wines, the picturesque Franschhoek Valley or the world-class estates of Stellenbosch.

For more information and to book directly please contact the concierge team at:
concierge.mnh@belmond.com
T: +27 21 483 1000
Hotel WhatsApp: +1 857 256 5088

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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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Hermanus is renowned as the best destination for land-based whale watching in the world and there is no finer spot to enjoy that than on the patio of Birkenhead House. But if you're serious about whales, then why not go on a whale cruise or even take to the skies, soaring high above these majestic mammals. Learn all about the fascinating behaviour of Southern Right and Humpback whales and gain insights into their extraordinary movements that include lob tailing, spy hopping and peduncling.

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Waves splash into the mussel-clad rocks that decorate the beaches immediately below Birkenhead House. Our executive chef will take guests down to Voëlklip Beach and show them how to safely pick these delicious marine treats. Not only that, but he'll show you how to prepare the mussels with a little garlic, cream and white wine so that you can savour the fruits of your labour with a lovely glass of locally produced Sauvignon Blanc.

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The Hemel-en-Aarde is one of South Africa's premier, cool-climate wine producing regions and is home to some of the country's finest and oldest estates including Hamilton Russel and Bouchard Finlayson as well as some of the more modern estates such as Creation. Not only are the wines superb, but the landscape is spectacular. Enjoy a guided tour with a knowledgeable expert, or enliven the experience by doing it on horseback or even on quad bikes.

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Sea kayaking is a wonderful outdoor pursuit for the more adventurous. It will get you up close to some of Hermanus's fascinating sea life and it's also great exercise. Paddle along the coastline all the way from the Old Harbour in town to the New Harbour under the careful supervision of the local seals.

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Hermanus is surrounded on all sides by natural wonder. As well as the marine fascinations, there are two incredible nature reserves in close proximity - Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. For botanists, Fernkloof is certainly one of the most rewarding destinations in the Cape Floral Kingdom to explore the diverse fynbos.

Walker Bay is a coastal nature reserve that lies just east of Hermanus. The reserve includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The area is also historically significant, with records of Middle Stone Age people (65 000 to 85 000 years ago) living in Klipgat Cave.

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Birkenhead House is one of the best spots in South Africa to relax. The beaches and the champagne air make for a heady combination. But no relaxation would be complete without a treatment in the Spa.

Whether you'd like a Swedish massage or a manicure & pedicure, the Birkenhead House Spa is the perfect Sanctuary in which to forget the worries of the world.

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Hermanus is a wonderful golfing destination with two excellent courses very close by. Hermanus Golf Club in the centre of town and Arabella golf club just a short distance away. Arabella is consistently voted among the Top 5 golf courses in South Africa. For those looking for an extended golf tour, there are many more fantastic courses along the Garden Route.

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