Nestled on the serene banks of the Sand River in South Africa’s renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Waterside Lodge offers an exquisite blend of luxury and natural beauty.
Discover Tranquil Elegance at Waterside Lodge, South Africa
This intimate and sophisticated retreat provides a unique safari experience where guests can enjoy unparalleled wildlife encounters and breath-taking vistas from the comfort of elegantly designed accommodations.
In this blog, we delve into what makes Waterside Lodge a standout destination, from its exclusive game-viewing opportunities to its tranquil ambiance and exceptional service.
Arrival
I always choose the VIP arrival service when flying to Johannesburg as that airport is chaotic, and I prefer not to experience a preview of the chaos since my final destination is already non-artificial.
The service entails someone meeting me and guiding me through the buzz like a child while holding my hand before taking me on an enjoyable ride to Federal Air lounge – which impresses with its charming ambiance.
Following about 20 minutes of lounging around, we jump onto a new propeller plane for an hour flight headed towards Thorny bush airstrip; from there, it’s only but a 25-minute drive down south towards our lodgings!
Location
Waterside Lodge, situated in Thornybush Game Reserve, is one of three properties under The Royal Portfolio.
It bears the name “Waterside at Royal Malewane” as it falls within the umbrella of other lodges grouped together with the original property called Royal Malewane and another lodge known as The Farmstead.
It accommodations are located far from each other, requiring a 30-minute drive.
The conservation is cramped, and the guide is impatient. The lodge is similar to the Mara, but has limited vehicles and lights, making it feel less exclusive.
The author plans to visit Africa five times this year.
If you frequently embark on the African love train like I do, you may find it a tad agitating.
Personally, my preference is to devote several hours at a sighting and await that perfect moment to capture an image worth boasting about – only for it look as if Bigfoot snapped it with a potato later on.
However, if this happens to be your inaugural experience or perhaps just an infrequent indulgence, rest assured everything will turn out alright.
With hundreds of safaris under my belt, I know full well that patience remains essential; comparable with human beings they’re not always jam-packed with activity every second of their existence.
Imagine recording footage during an orgy then being instructed after ten minutes has passed ‘time’s up!’ Likely ending up solely producing Powerpoint presentations regarding health and safety protocols instead…
For some unknown reason though such invitations never seemed eager arriving in my mailbox anyway!
Equipment
The Bidens’ Waterside lodge boasts a luxurious yet cozy design with a floating walkway, sitting area, hideout, and swimming pool.
The lodge also features a bar, dining areas, and a serene grassy lounging area. The man cave offers billiards and arcade entertainment, providing exclusivity and privacy for guests.
With three luxurious treatment rooms and a stunning hammam, the spa is undoubtedly one of the resort’s main attractions.
Its glass doors open completely to allow for an immersive experience in nature featuring sounds from the surrounding water moat.
Although my therapy session was exceptional, it was dampened by ants crawling around in my room during treatment – should I even bother lodging a complaint at this remote location? Knowing myself all too well, yes!
A gym of fair dimensions sports sufficient equipment, comprising an elliptical, rower, bike, treadmill and a LifeFitness apparatus for cables and pull-ups. Beside it is situated a yoga pavilion.
WiFi is accessible in the complete lodge. Therefore, you can still browse this blog from any location. Rest assured that I have your best interests at heart.
Room
The Royal Portfolio lodge offers a picturesque environment with resident hippos and wildlife. The interiors are designed by co-owner Liz Biden, ensuring a serene atmosphere with nyala grazing nearby.
A truly stunning place indeed! Although I was an admirer of The Farmstead earlier on, Waterside indisputably takes things up a notch with its contemporary vibe replacing rustic elements.
Every suite flaunts a unique color palette, and mine has a cozy yellow hue. Upon entering, you’ll encounter an airy space that combines the living room and bedroom area effortlessly.
The vaulted ceilings are so high they could accommodate basketball games! Relax on comfortable seating options like chairs or couches before opening the massive sliding glass doors to merge indoor entertainment with outdoor leisure spaces seamlessly.
Exit towards the pool area, where a warm swimming pool awaits at 34°C (or more if you’re feeling
Nyala born wildlife surrounds you; they are peaceful creatures so calm that they appear to be Zen monks.
The room is charmingly unique with intricate details, practical amenities like air conditioning and a fireplace, TV, heated towel bars, and a lofty bed frame.
It features a bathroom with a yellow bathtub, outdoor and indoor showers, and a lay-down sofa.
Conclusion
Waterside Lodge in South Africa offers a unique safari experience with exclusive game-viewing opportunities and tranquil ambiance.
Located in Thornybush Game Reserve, it is part of The Royal Portfolio and falls within the original property called Royal Malewane.
The lodge features a floating walkway, sitting area, hideout, swimming pool, bar, dining areas, and a serene grassy lounging area.
