Royal Natal (Thendele, Mahai & Rugged Glen)
KwaZulu-Natal
1 of 60
Photos: African ParksandGoogle
Thatched
About this place
In a prime location for easy access to the reserve, Thawale Lodge overlooks a waterhole that regularly attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants. Located inside Majete Wildlife Reserve, just 15 minutes from the main gate near the most productive game viewing areas. This fully catered lodge features 8 ensuite canvas tented suites with stone walls (including one honeymoon suite) and 2 family chalets with two ensuite bedrooms each. The thatched central dining area overlooks the active waterhole. Completely unfenced for a natural safari experience in this Big 5 conservation success story.
Amenities
Free parking on premises
En-Suite Bathrooms
Towels
Wifi
Bed linen
Wildlife viewing
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Availability
Any available room
4 rooms, sleeps 1 to 2
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November 2026
December 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
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Where you'll sleep
Choose a room type. We confirm availability with African Parks once you send your dates.
1 guest · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Private ensuite canvas tented suite with stone walls for solo travellers, overlooking active waterhole in Majete Wildlife Reserve. Located inside the Big 5 reserve with unfenced natural safari experience. Includes all meals, laundry and 2 game drive activities per day. Reserve fees and drinks excluded. Perfect for individual travellers seeking wildlife immersion.
R 4,240 a night
1 guest · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Private ensuite canvas tented suite with stone walls for solo travellers from Africa and Malawi, overlooking active waterhole in Majete Wildlife Reserve. Special resident pricing for individual local and regional guests. Located inside the Big 5 reserve with unfenced natural safari experience. Includes all meals, laundry and 2 game drive activities per day. Reserve fees and drinks excluded. Perfect for individual African travellers.
R 3,120 a night
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ensuite canvas tented suite with stone walls or family chalet with two ensuite bedrooms for African citizens and Malawi residents, overlooking active waterhole in Majete Wildlife Reserve. Special resident pricing for local and regional guests. Located inside the Big 5 reserve with unfenced natural safari experience. Includes all meals, laundry and 2 game drive activities per day. Reserve fees and drinks excluded.
R 6,240 a night
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ensuite canvas tented suite with stone walls or family chalet with two ensuite bedrooms, overlooking active waterhole in Majete Wildlife Reserve. Located inside the Big 5 reserve with unfenced natural safari experience. Includes all meals, laundry and 2 game drive activities per day. Reserve fees and drinks excluded.
R 8,480 a night
About Majete Wildlife Reserve
Majete Wildlife Reserve is Malawi's premier Big Five destination, a remarkable conservation success story in the Lower Shire Valley. Once devastated by poaching, Majete now hosts healthy populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. The reserve offers authentic safari experiences and community tourism initiatives in a lesser-visited African wilderness.
See more places in Majete Wildlife ReserveImportant information
Check-in and check-outIn 14:00 · Out 11:00
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 11:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in from 14:00 • Check-out by 11:00
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Thawale Lodge located?
Thawale Lodge is in Majete Wildlife Reserve, Southern Region Malawi, Malawi. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Thawale Lodge?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Contact the camp directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
How many guests can Thawale Lodge accommodate?
Standard Tent - International (solo traveler) sleeps 1, Standard Tent - African/Malawi Residents (solo traveler) sleeps 1, Standard Tent/Family Chalet - African/Malawi Residents (per person sharing) sleeps 2 and Standard Tent/Family Chalet - International (per person sharing) sleeps 2.
How do I book Thawale Lodge?
Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with African Parks, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom.
Book your stay
From R 3,120 a night
Request to book. Send your dates and we will confirm availability with African Parks.
Nothing is charged until the host says yes
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