The Royal Portfolio, an award-winning collection of luxury hotels, resorts and lodges across South Africa, has announced the reopening of Africa House, the exclusive-use villa at its flagship Royal Malewane safari lodge, following a comprehensive redesign led by owner and designer Liz Biden.
© Courtesy of The Royal Portfolio
Originally the Biden family homestead, the expansive six-bedroom Africa House has been fully reimagined in Ms. Biden’s distinctive style. Each room now showcases a bold, individual color scheme and original works by contemporary African artists such as Michael Gah and Tega Tafadzawa, creating a vibrant, curated setting that blends modern design with local creativity.
Designed with families and multigenerational groups in mind, Africa House accommodates up to 12 guests across six en suite bedrooms. Every bedroom opens to its own private deck with an outdoor shower, while the villa’s large front deck, communal living areas and swimming pools provide seamless indoor-outdoor living and uninterrupted views of the surrounding bush and wildlife.
© Courtesy of The Royal Portfolio
Key features of the renovated Africa House include a spacious second courtyard and a family-oriented long room that combines dining and lounge areas with a pool table, board games and other entertainment options. A short walk from the villa sits the outdoor boma, complete with a firepit and a wood-fired pizza oven, ideal for relaxed alfresco meals and evenings under the stars.
Royal Malewane comprises three distinct lodges—Malewane Lodge, The Farmstead and Waterside—each offering the same high standard of safari service but with its own style and design. Malewane Lodge features six Luxury Suites, two Royal Suites with two bedrooms each, and Africa House as the exclusive-use bush villa, making it a premier choice for luxury family safaris or private group celebrations.
© Courtesy of The Royal Portfolio
Located in the Thornybush Game Reserve on the western boundary of Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane sits within the Greater Kruger ecosystem. No fences separate the reserve from Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely across the protected landscape for authentic, close-up safari experiences.
Sample rates at Malewane Lodge begin at $2,356 per night, double occupancy, for a deluxe suite during mid-season (September–December). Rates include accommodations; all meals and snacks; a selection of South African premium wines and beverages; specialty coffees and teas; wireless internet; laundry service; two daily game drives and guided bush walks; a full mini-bar; and transfers to and from Jackalberry Airstrip for private charters.
© Courtesy of The Royal Portfolio
The Farmstead offers three Luxury Farm Suites for two guests each and a private Farmhouse villa, while Waterside features four Luxury Suites, the two-bedroom Baobab Suite, two interconnected Aloe Rooms and Waterside House, a four-bedroom private residence. Rates and detailed information for all three lodges are available through The Royal Portfolio.