Situated in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, the latest addition to The Royal Portfolio is an integration of bold colors, breaking the safari mold and establishing the fun aspect that goes along with it.
Having had the privilege of staying at Farmstead in 2019, Malewane Lodge in 2021, and Waterside in 2022, I am excited to see the newest property, which opened on June 1, 2025. An early arrival sets the tone for the next two nights, and Masiya’s Camp is a daring introduction to a tented camp, with the unique touch of Founder of The Royal Portfolio, Liz Biden.
Not capitulating to any ‘safe safari’ colors, Liz distinctly recalls where she came up with the design philosophy for Masiya’s Camp. “I was in Turkey with our brand ambassador, Edward Morton, when we visited the Topkapi Palace,” Liz tells me. “I turned to him and said, ‘Look at these walls. Take a picture, because I want our tented camp to be this exact same shade.’ It had that beautiful natural rose-pink hue, reminiscent of Marrakesh and the soft tones of African sand. We began the design process, but about an hour into our meeting with the tent makers (Canvas & Tent Group), I said, ‘If I see one more swatch of khaki, I’m walking out!’ I wanted to break the mold and do something bold, fun and completely different.”
Which is exactly what she has achieved here at Masiya’s Camp. From the entrance, with its pink tented structure and rooftops making a statement, to the art, furnishings and décor in the dining area and throughout the lodge. The textures, colors, and patterns range from whites, oranges, pinks, and lime green, and from florals to leopard print and giraffe patterns. What would perhaps not work for people who are unable to have a maximalist strategy really fits together at Masiya’s Camp. Popping into the boutique, Senior Duty Manager Xolani says that all the items have been sourced by Mrs. Biden, pointing to the luxurious velvet and leopard print kaftans. “It’s great to have owners who are as involved in their properties as the Bidens,” he tells me with a smile. “And Mrs. Biden knows exactly where everything belongs, so if something was moved or removed, it needs to go back to where it came from.”
Duty Manager Erin shows me to Luxury Tented Suite No. 2, which is a leisurely stroll along the raised wooden walkway. Sized at 1,076 sq. ft., and 2,476 sq. ft. including the outside spaces, this private tranquil retreat is the ideal safari stay for first-time visitors to the African continent, or seasoned safarigoers. Decorated in shades of pink and orange, the open-plan suite has unimpeded views over the bushveld from every angle. With only six tented suites spaced far apart from one another, it allows for a wonderful sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Reclining on my safari lounger on my outside deck, the imposing marula tree provides great shade, as does the white umbrella. Dipping my toe into the pool, which is heated ever so slightly, the day has warmed up enough to warrant a swim. If you’re a fan of swimming lengths, the rimflow pool at the main area is the ideal place for that. Guests who are keen to keep to their fitness routine can simply arrange to pop over to the newly refurbished Malewane Lodge for a workout. Whilst there, book a spa treatment at Royal Waters Spa, with the updated spa now featuring a sauna and cold plunge, or opt for an in-room treatment at Masiya’s Camp.
Drawing motivation from her travels and nature, Liz has cleverly implemented the two very opposing applications of design meets wilderness. Known for her utilization of varying hues coupled with a bold and eclectic design style, her use of color is very considered, with her inspiration coming from nature. “Just look at the indigenous Impala Lily,” she points, “it’s the same bright pink as the canvas at Masiya’s Camp. Even the lilac-breasted roller has a stunning turquoise plumage and pink accents. There are so many exquisite, colorful birds and flowers in the bush. The wilderness and the interior don’t compete against each other – in fact, they complement one another, and the interiors are an extension of the bush.”
Creating a deeply personal connection to the surroundings through her design has always been part and parcel of Liz’s process. With The Royal Portfolio’s properties located in incredible locations in South Africa, it’s important for her to enhance that feeling and to understand the landscape, the history and the people. The flow and connection of interior to exterior is seamless, with Liz’s use of color, fabrics, and artwork. Following a similar design ethos for all her properties, she will sometimes build an interior around a beautiful rug or an artwork. When styling a suite, she always likes to put in something antique or old to give it depth, something modern and something fun to make people smile.
Each suite at Masiya’s Camp is unique in style and color palette, which was a very intentional decision. Not wanting to create the same space for every suite, Liz describes it as ‘too boring’. At all their properties, the individual suites are distinctly styled with different colors, furniture, and décor items. Repeat guests will have a favorite suite, and because The Royal Portfolio properties are boutique hotels and lodges, it gives Liz the freedom to play around and produce something truly luxurious and memorable.
Luxury is also found in the finer nuances of a guest stay at Masiya’s Camp. Like the personalized menus at every meal, with silver service and your butler remembering your drink order from day one. Thato and Yvonne go to great lengths to ensure that new and returning guests are in for an unforgettable treat, with chef Rudolph and team whipping up the most delicious meals. Lunch consists of midday plates, sides and dessert, and the triple chocolate mousse is sinfully decadent. For dinner, there is a choice of starters, main course and dessert, and guests will seldom dine in the same spot twice. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy a bush dinner, where you dine on traditional South African fare grilled over an open fire.
Waking up just before sunrise, I look around my luxurious suite. The mosquito net has been closed, yet I chose to have the curtains left open to fully take advantage of being in such an amazing place. As the light starts flooding in, the birds begin their morning serenade, heralding the start of a new day. Padding over to the outside deck wearing the monogrammed Royal Portfolio leopard print slippers, the air is still cool, and there is a softness to this time of the day. Walking back into the lounge area, I open the door of the wooden armoire to make myself a quick Nespresso. But what goes best with the coffee – the homemade biscuits or rusks? They are both equally scrumptious. The comfortable white chair with a footstool is where I settle, watching the sun rise as the warmth of the pool water forms a dramatic mist. Taking in the detail of the suite, the Moroccan doors pave the way to what lies beyond them – bespoke furniture, distinctive art pieces and a great selection of books, especially A Perfect Stay.
It’s been a dream of Liz to open a tented lodge, and she wanted to create an intimate space for guests to come and relax and connect with nature, which is why there are only six tented suites. “We envisioned the space for couples and honeymooners and those enjoying retirement,” Liz continues, “but it can also be exclusively booked out for families to spend time here. We wanted to establish something different and unique for Masiya’s Camp. It still follows the same design philosophy where every room is uniquely styled and full of color. You’ll also notice décor elements from my travels.”
Named after Royal Malewane’s late master tracker Wilson Masiya, the property captures the essence of Wilson’s fearless spirit and intimate connection with the African wilderness. As a legendary master tracker, one of eight worldwide, he was a cherished member of the extended Royal Portfolio family. “Wilson’s courage remains a powerful inspiration to all who knew him, and naming him after the camp was another way to honor his life and legacy,” Liz concludes. “It’s a fitting tribute to the significant impact he made. His story endures through the ethos he helped create at Royal Malewane, living on in the memories of his loved ones, those he mentored, and within the tracker family that ensures the region’s rich biodiversity is in good hands.”
This brings me to the wonder of twice-daily safaris in the expansive Thornybush Private Nature Reserve. Spanning 35,000 acres, the reserve is home to some incredible wildlife, and encountering these animals while out in the bush makes for really memorable moments. Making our way to the north of the reserve to visit the Conservation and Research Centre (CRC) at Royal Malewane, we pass by an elephant drinking water from a dam. He is rather thirsty, lapping up the liquid refreshment and letting some of the droplets drip from his mouth. At the CRC, the focus is on the preservation and understanding of the Greater Kruger ecosystem.
Professional Royal Malewane guide Ally, together with tracker Lodrick, are both keen to showcase the wildlife inhabiting Thornybush, and with Lodrick’s astonishing tracking skills, we soon find a number of species which we are so happy to spend time with. Ally is firmly in charge of the Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 open-roof safari vehicle, and Lodrick is front and center in the tracker seat. Finding tracks leads us to such a heartwarming sighting – they find a clan of hyenas, with cubs of varying ages waiting outside the den for mom’s return. The smaller one is rather boisterous, tackling his siblings much to our amusement.
Lion dynamics are always fascinating to watch. Encountering a solitary lion who forms part of the Black Dam pride, he is lying flat in the grass. We are parked safely in the safari vehicle a respectful distance from him, and he only lifts his head for a brief moment, clearly disturbed by the alarm call of vervet monkeys. Seeing him on the final morning, he is a magnificent and regal specimen, trailing the Avoca breakaways in the hope of securing a meal for himself.
Whether you prefer to be in the absolute lap of luxury in terms of accommodation, cuisine, and an all-round fabulous stay, or wish to go on safari to experience the wilder side of Royal Malewane, a few nights at Masiya’s Camp provides them all.
