Waterside House at Royal Malewane

Waterside Lodge sits within Royal Malewane, a private concession in Greater Kruger near Hoedspruit, Limpopo. The lodge faces a working waterhole edged by fever trees, so you can watch game arrive from inside the property without leaving for the bush. A floating entrance bridge crosses water as you arrive.

There are eight rooms in two configurations. Four Luxury Suites each measure one hundred and fifty-five square metres and include a freestanding bath, indoor and outdoor showers, a private deck with gazebo, and a heated plunge pool. Two Aloe Rooms run to just over forty-one square metres each, with a private deck and plunge pool, and can be made up as twin or king. Every room was individually designed by Liz Biden, with each using a different set of colours and materials — thatch, glass, and steel frame the interiors. For groups wanting a self-contained stay, the Baobab Suite offers two bedrooms across two hundred and eighty square metres with a central lounge, indoor fireplace, and a dedicated guide and tracker team, as does Waterside House, a four-bedroom private villa with its own chef.

Game drives and guided bush walks are included and run across the Greater Kruger territory, where over three hundred bird species have been recorded. Rangers also offer photographic safaris, night drives, and stargazing sessions from the concession. Rhino tracking and conservation activities are available, some requiring advance booking. A spa, pool, restaurant, and bar are on site.