The River House Guest Lodge

We welcome you to our unique dinner/bed & breakfast Guest Lodge on the banks of the Crocodile River in Mpumalanga South Africa.
Enjoy our house and surroundings as if you are a member of our family.

We offer old fashioned African hospitality and regular sightings of game from our viewing deck and swimming pool.

The ideal stepping stone to visit the Kruger Park. (Only a 12 minute drive to the Malelane Gate entrance)

River House was lovingly constructed in the 1990's, to create the impression of having been around for a long time. The founders have travelled far and wide to procure antique building materials for the house and incorporate these into the building, such as balconies, doors and windows from India, sandstone pillars from the Union Buildings, carved granite lintels and slabs from a demolished Victorian building that once stood on Church Square, Pretoria and much more.

The interior, uniquely decorated with collections of antiques, Africana memorabilia and original art, some even illustrated in South African art books. Reviews vary from "Treasure trove" to "Ramshackle house full of junk" ... you'll be the judge! ...

The Rooms
We have 12 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms with a choice of either 2 single or one double bed with coffee/tea making facilities, ceiling fans and air conditioning. All bathrooms have a shower over bath and hair dryer. We provide fresh fruit and a thermos with fresh cold water in the rooms daily, although tap water is perfectly safe to drink.
Most rooms have a private balcony with superb Kruger views up to the Khandizwe and Thalabye Hills on the southern Kruger Park.

The Observation Deck
One of the major attractions of the River House is the magnificent deck.
A chance to relax, chill and watch wild life in their natural surroundings, coming down to the river to drink, swim or spent the day!! Anything from Elephant, Hippo, Rhino, Antilope, Crocodile, Lion, Leopard etc. to Monkeys and Varaan.

Facilities

Breakfast
We serve a full African breakfast typically between 7 and 9 in the morning in the Lodge's breakfast room. For those who have to leave earlier for a Game Drive, we will provide a lunch packet.

Dinner
Although we are not a restaurant we do provide dinner for our guests. A  3-course meal-of-the-day is served from 6 till 8 in the Lodge's dining room and is included in the price of the room. Our local Chef, takes pride in preparing a tradional South African meal for you. We have a collection of fine wines as well as a very good house wine to complement your meal. Please let us know if there are any particular dietary requirements.

Unforgettable weddings
A small chapel on the river for weddings & functions....every couples' whims and needs... River House is the perfect venue for a unique and "wild" wedding celebration. Few venues are able to offer such different facilities and such a spectacularly beautiful setting in which to enjoy your special day. River House will be yours for the occasion to enjoy with your family and friends as we will not accept other reservations, thereby ensuring your privacy. Our hideaway is just minutes from Malelane town center and a short 40 minutes drive from Nelspruit. Do not be surprised if a few curious elephants, wallowing hippo's or a crocodile on a sundowner cruise want to share the spectacular sunset with you. Every couple's wish is to have a perfect, memorable wedding day, so ensure your dreams become reality by having your wedding at River House bush and safari lodge. Capacity: the chapel seats 40 people comfortably.

Camping for overlander groups
Our boma campsite is small but adequate for groups who prefer the outdoors. Exchange stories around a campfire prior to having a hot shower before you settle down for the night, lulled to sleep by the night sounds of the bush. Not available to groups smaller than ten campers, maximum twenty. Oztent available by special request. Reservations need to be made well in advance.

Open vehicle expert game drives
We organise game drives to the Kruger Park, either full day or morning only.

Interaction with elephants
Meet "Ellies" up close.

Day excursions into Mozambique and Swaziland
Tour, meal, traditional dancing.

For the "real" active ones
Around Malelane: Trekking, Hiking, Mountain biking, Quad biking and there is an excellent Gym/Fitness Centre. ask at the reception.

Golf
The Leopard Creek Golf and Country Club and the Malelane Golfclub are nearby.

Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden
Chimpanzee rescue centre near Barberton.

And of course the famous Panorama Route