Located in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, a short drive south of Royal Malewane, and within sight of Greater Kruger National Park, The Farmstead is an exclusive new safari lodge.
Overview
Opened in June 2019, the latest addition to The Royal Portfolio, The Farmstead is formed of three airy Luxury Farm Suites, The Farmhouse, a double spa treatment room, gym, and comfortable main lodge area with a firepit. Please note that Wi-Fi is available across the lodge.
Food & service
Meals – breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner – are taken in the main lodge area, where executive Chef Brandon Souris’s delightful food is rather uniquely served from a renovated North African banking kiosk.
Rooms
Each Luxury Farm Suite comes with a large bedroom – think super king-sized four-poster bed, wooden flooring blanketed in an oversized rug, and charming pieces of contemporary African art – and an en suite bathroom which provides guests with the choice of a bath, indoor shower, and outdoor shower. There are also front and back verandas and a private pool – ideal for watching wildlife wander around the surrounding bush. By contrast, The Farmhouse is a three and a half bedroom private villa designed for families and larger groups. The Farmhouse has its own private safari vehicle alongside a personal team including a chef, butler, ranger and tracker.
Activities
Activities make the most of the Thornybush Private Game Reserve – one of the finest wildlife viewing areas in South Africa – and include private guided wildlife drives and walking safaris. For an additional cost, guests are welcome to undertake a Sonic Helicopter flight around the Drakensburg Range, hot air ballooning, and golf at the nearby Leopard Creek Championship Golf Estate.
Impact
Commerce
The Farmstead employs and develops the skills of members of the community.
Community
The Farmstead land is leased from the local Moletele community, with the lodge paying a monthly rental to the community alongside a share of revenue. Furthermore, when the lease concludes, the land and buildings will revert to the community, who will be given the option of continuing the partnership with The Royal Portfolio.