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Waterside House (Waterside Lodge)
South Africa – Thornybush Game Reserve
Waterside House (Waterside Lodge)
About the Private Lodge
Waterside House is an exclusive four-bedroom villa within Royal Malewane’s Waterside Lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve, part of South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. The villa is distinguished by a bold, unmistakable design that reimagines the traditional safari experience. Each of the four spacious bedrooms features an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace with breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. The interiors combine elegant furnishings with vibrant colours and contemporary African art, creating a harmonious connection to the natural surroundings.
Kids & Teens
Waterside House warmly welcomes children of all ages and offers dedicated programmes for younger guests. The "Royal Cubs" programme includes child-friendly activities, flexible mealtimes with special menus, and a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences tailored to children’s interests. The aim is to bring children closer to nature and awaken their curiosity about wildlife. Families can enjoy bespoke safari experiences together that are both enriching and entertaining.
Experiences & Activities
Guests of Waterside House enjoy exceptional safari experiences, including daily game drives with experienced rangers and exhilarating bush walks through this remarkable wilderness. For moments of pure relaxation, the in-house spa offers a curated selection of bespoke treatments, alongside yoga and fitness experiences. Culinary highlights await in the form of exquisite menus and a carefully selected collection of South African wines, served in an intimate private setting. The seamless blend of adventure, relaxation and fine dining makes every moment at Waterside House unforgettable.
Photos of the Private Lodge
Best time to travel
The best time to visit Thornybush Game Reserve is during the winter months from May to August. During these months, the vegetation is more open, making it easier to spot wildlife as animals gather around water sources. Temperatures are moderate and, thanks to the dry conditions, wildlife is easier to observe.
The second-best time to visit is from October to Februaryy, when rainfall is more frequent. The landscape becomes greener and many newborn animals can be seen, making the safari experience especially interesting. It is, however, hotter and more humid, and the denser vegetation can make wildlife harder to spot.
From Germany, the flight time to Johannesburg is approximately 10 hours. This is followed by a domestic flight to Hoedspruit, then a private transfer to Thornybush Game Reserve.
Thornybush Game Reserve
Thornybush Private Game Reserve spans an impressive 14,000 hectares and offers families an exclusive safari experience in the heart of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Within this vast wildlife reserve, guests can encounter the Big Five – elephants, lions, rhino, leopards and buffalo – at close range. The varied landscape of savannah, bushveld and riverbeds creates ideal conditions for spectacular wildlife viewing. Families enjoy tailored programmes at the luxurious lodges, designed to introduce children to the natural world in an engaging and playful way. Professional rangers accompany the safaris, ensuring each experience is safe, insightful and exciting. Thornybush combines the vastness of the African wilderness with first-class service, making it an unforgettable destination for families.
