Warm, caring, professional. With an intimate knowledge of the local environment matched only by their intuitive insight into your every need. Whether you’re taking high-tea or a game drive under stars, the watchword is service – of unrelenting standard.

John Jackson - Executive Chef

John Jackson has been a name behind some of South Africa's most sought after restaurants. Some of the restaurants that he established includes the Country Restaurant, L'Orangerie, The Wild Fig and the Rosenfontein restaurants, the latter receiving a National Top Ten rating.

John Jackson also opened Jackson's and Café Bijou as two complementary restaurants at The Peninsula Hotel in Sea Point. Jackson's featured in Cape Town's Top Ten and also achieved a National Top Ten rating. Café Bijou was regularly rated as one of the Cape's top informal restaurants.

In 1999, John Jackson joined Royal Malewane delivering a culinary experience of a truly royal nature to the guests. He has also been awarded the Blazon by the Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Juan Pinto - Head Ranger & Reserve Manager

Juan's affinity to all things wild started in early childhood. During his school years, he partook in Raptor Research in the Kruger National Park. His career in the African bush took flight shortly after matriculating when he started working at Chapungu Game lodge as a ranger, whilst studying nature conservation. Here, he was involved in the successful rehabilitation of a cheetah and her release back into the wild.

Juan moved to Thornybush Game reserve in 1995 and within a year was promoted to the position of Head Ranger. He now holds a qualification as a FGASA Scout and is South Africa’s only field guide to hold a FGASA SKS (Special Knowledge and Skills – Dangerous Game) qualification as well as Senior Tracker status. Besides his duties at Royal Malewane, Juan, who is also a Theta Qualified Trainer and Assessor, uses his rare insight and vast knowledge of the African Bush in teaching and evaluating trackers in South Africa.

Suzanne Pinto – Reservations Manager

After completing her studies in travel and tourism, Suzanne spent a year at Rennies Travel. She then transferred to Logans Tours, working as a consultant and specialising in African destinations. The experience gained in this field enabled Suzanne to start at Thornybush Game Lodge in 1995. Here Suzanne quickly progressed from front office duties to the position of Food and Beverage Manager. In 1999, she completed a FGASA (Field Guide Association) Level 1 qualification and joined Royal Malewane, where her enthusiasm and efficiency are reflected in the professional manner in which she carries out her role as Reservations Manager.

Craig McFarlane - Ranger

With his father having had his own safari company for many years, Craig was introduced to the bush at an early age and had the opportunity of learning about the bush as well as sharing these experiences with others. Craig started his career as a Guide in 1990, doing safaris for his father. He joined Mala Mala in 1991 and in 1992 he managed Dulini, a camp in the Sabi Sands. In 1994, Craig left South Africa for Zambia and he ran Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park, before joining Shiwa Safaris who specialized in walking safari camps in North Luangwa National Park. In 1997, Craig ran Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage for chimpanzees. He returned to South Africa in 1998 to start his own safari lodge in partnership with his then parents-in-law. Craig started freelancing for lodges in 2002, but joined Royal Malewane permanently in September of that year. Craig’s vast knowledge will ensure guests an enjoyable and rewarding bush experience.

Wilson Masiya - Head Tracker

Wilson grew up in Mozambique, within 2km of the Kruger National Park's eastern boundary. This bushveld paradise provided the classroom as Wilson's father taught him the ancient art of tracking. Wilson then plied his skill at the Kruger National Park and Timbavati Game Reserve, working as an Anti-Poaching Tracker. He started at Thornybush Game Reserve in 1991, and attained the position of Head Tracker of the Reserve in 1993. Shortly afterwards, he obtained the prestigious Master Tracker qualification, a status achieved by only one other tracker in Southern Africa. Wilson is however the only working master tracker in Southern Africa. In 1999, Wilson joined Royal Malewane as the Head Tracker. Together Juan and Wilson form a formidable team and will impart to you their passion and love for the African Bush.