Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge Review: Safari Bliss

Ever thought about trading the rugged charm of a self-drive safari for the comforts of a luxury lodge in Africa?
We did just that at Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. After countless self-drive safaris, this experience offered a refreshing change – wildlife viewing from a new perspective.

Curious about luxury lodge safaris?
We get it—choosing between the excitement of a self-driven adventure and the comfort of a luxury lodge can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together a quick snapshot of what makes Ivory Wilderness special.

Our experience?
After over a year of travelling through Southern Africa, mainly on self-drive safaris, we’ve seen both sides of the safari world. This stay gave us a glimpse into the luxurious side of bush life, with the added benefit of expert guides.

What’s in it for you?
If you’re torn between the rugged adventure of self-guided travel and the desire for a comfortable, close-up wildlife experience, this lodge could be the perfect middle ground.

Imagine being immersed in the untamed African bush, where every sound and movement brings nature closer. At Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge, that’s not just a dream – it’s reality. It’s where comfort meets the wild, offering a unique chance to experience Africa’s wilderness in an intimate and luxurious setting.

I know what you’re thinking – with so many safari lodges in South Africa, why should I stay here?

Let’s dive in and explore why Ivory Wilderness Lodge could be one of your best African experiences.

Ivory Wilderness Review

We know that our extended safari adventures across Africa aren’t how most of you plan a safari trip.

Many of you want to fly into South Africa for a one or two-week African safari holiday.

We get that.
Not everyone has the luxury of wandering across Africa at their own pace (though you could if that’s what you wanted! Remember our motto? Make your “One Day” – Day One… but that’s a topic for another post).

If your time is limited, you’ll want to make the most of every precious day. When you’re spending your well-earned money and time, you deserve an experience that’s not only unforgettable but something you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

So, Ivory Wilderness delivers if you’re after a safari with all the trimmings.

Our stay exceeded expectations, especially the safari experience. And that’s saying something, given we’ve spent over a year travelling Southern Africa, mainly on safari.

In this Ivory Wilderness Lodge review, we’ll explore why it’s a top-notch choice for a South African safari experience.

Why Choose to Stay in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve?

Let’s explain why we chose to safari in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. If you’ve been following along on our journey, you’ll know that Klaserie Nature Reserve in Greater Kruger holds a special place in our hearts.

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is next to Kruger National Park, one of the world’s most renowned wildlife reserves. But unlike many of the animals in Kruger and other South African reserves, the wildlife in Klaserie isn’t habituated to humans.

This makes for a more authentic safari experience.

So, if you are looking to book a safari experience in South Africa, then read on to find out why Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge might be exactly what you are looking for. 

Why choose Ivory Wilderness Lodge for your South African Safari adventure?

Most lodges in Klaserie Nature Reserve offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, drinks, and daily game drives—basically, the full safari experience.

Ivory Wilderness offers all of this, but there are a few key differences that set it apart from other luxury lodges. Let’s explore these unique features.

1. Ivory Wilderness is Family Owned

Ivory Wilderness is a family-owned lodge, and in fact, it was one of the first camps established in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.

The family’s ties to the reserve go back to the 1950s when a pioneer camp was built here. Warren and Craig’s grandfather, George Crooks, helped establish Klaserie as a private reserve and even donated part of his land for the reserve’s headquarters.

Craig and Warren have grown up immersed in this environment, and their deep connection to Klaserie shines through in everything they do.

2. The Large Game Drive Area

When booking a safari, the size of the area you can traverse on game drives is crucial. The larger the area, the better your chances of spotting wildlife.

Ivory Wilderness has access to around 17,000 hectares, much more than some lodges, which may have as little as 3,000 hectares.

💡 TIP: Always check the size of the area a lodge can traverse before booking a safari.

3. Ivory Wilderness has Year-Round Walking Safaris

Many lodges only offer walking safaris in winter, but at Ivory Wilderness, you can enjoy walking safaris all year round.

Both Warren and Craig are fully qualified walking safari guides. Whether tracking rhinos or following lion footprints, you’ll be in expert hands.

We went on two walking safaris, and during the second, we encountered a pride of lions resting on the opposite bank.

4. Small and Intimate Lodge

Ivory Wilderness accommodates a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a serene and personalised experience.

If you’re after a lively, social atmosphere, this may not be the lodge for you. But if you seek calm, serenity, and a personalised touch, Ivory Wilderness offers just that.

5. Extendable Game Drive Options

Because Ivory Wilderness is a smaller lodge, there’s no pressure to stick to rigid schedules. If a game drive extends later than planned, the team simply radio the chef to delay dinner.

We experienced this flexibility on two of our drives. On the first evening, we stayed longer to watch a pair of lions, and on our final morning, our guide took us to a leopard sighting, even though it meant a delayed breakfast.

The small, intimate nature of the lodge allows for flexible scheduling on game drives.

Where is Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge?

Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge is located in the northern part of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which borders the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

There are no fences between the two reserves, allowing wildlife to roam freely across the vast expanse.

The lodge is set along the banks of the Klaserie River, a hotspot for wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant). You’ll also spot other iconic African species such as wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, and a diverse range of game and birdlife.

Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge Map

How to Get to Ivory Wilderness Lodge

The lodge is about 1.5 hours from Hoedspruit East Gate Airport, the nearest airport. There’s also a private airstrip nearby for those looking for a more direct route into the wilderness.

You can self-drive or arrange a transfer to the lodge. We recommend booking a transfer, as the maze of sandy tracks can be tricky to navigate, and it’s easy to lose your way.

The Experience of Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge

At Ivory Wilderness Lodge, every detail is thoughtfully catered to ensure you maximise your safari experience.

You can cool off in the plunge pool overlooking the Klaserie River or lounge on the wooden deck while watching for passing wildlife.

As I perched myself on the deck, I watched a couple of waterbucks grazing on the opposite bank. My serenity was occasionally interrupted by the chatter of grey louries (Go-away birds) overhead while tree squirrels darted around the fallen marula fruit below.

I secretly hoped the baboons I saw earlier would return. They’re a bit of a nuisance to some, but I love watching their antics.

If you’re lucky, you might spot elephants heading to the river for a drink or catch a glimpse of a leopard or even a lion (though they’re usually sprawled out in the shade, getting their 18 hours of sleep).

That’s the magic of the African bush—you never know what might appear next—the animals here in Klaserie Nature Reserve march to their own beat.

Game Drive Experience at Ivory Wilderness Lodge

The game drives at Ivory Wilderness Lodge are nothing short of magical.

What sets Klaserie Reserve apart is the authenticity of the experience. You’re not watching animals oblivious to the vehicles—you’re witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat.

What makes this safari different?

A safari isn’t about ticking off a list of iconic African animals. You might prefer a zoo or a busy, commercialised lodge if you want guarantees. But for those seeking the thrill of the unknown, Klaserie delivers. You never know what’s lurking behind the next bush or which sounds will guide your way.

Ivory Wilderness has a strict policy of only two vehicles per sighting. This ensures that every encounter feels intimate, natural, and authentic.

The guides are sensitive to the animals’ well-being. They don’t trail them if they seem stressed, and they never overstay their welcome at a sighting.

Another unique aspect of a game drive at Ivory Wilderness is the collaboration between lodge drivers. This communication boosts your chances of seeing incredible wildlife.

For instance, during our self-drive experiences, we often stumbled upon great sightings. But having guides scout the area increased our chances of memorable encounters.

Authentic yet rewarding

If you’re only on safari for a short time, you want your experience to be authentic but still maximize your wildlife sightings. On just four game drives with Ivory Wilderness, we saw more than we would during two weeks of self-driving.

Additionally, the knowledge we gained was unparalleled. We thought we knew quite a bit about South African wildlife, but Craig, our guide, took our understanding to a whole new level.

We learned countless fascinating facts: why the Apple Leaf tree got its name, what a group of running giraffes is called, and how Bridget Jones’ Knickers and a mankini can help you identify the gender of a zebra!

Oh, and if you ever find yourself in the bush without toilet paper, just grab some weeping wattle—nature’s perfect pick and wipe.

What we saw on Our Ivory Wilderness Game Drives

We’ve sprinkled photos from our game drives throughout this article, and if you missed our video at the beginning, take a look now to capture some of the magical moments we encountered.

Always remember, your wildlife sightings are in the hands of Mother Nature.

Your guide can’t summon a lion or pack of wild dogs on demand. But what you can be assured of is that the guides at Ivory Wilderness will go above and beyond to make your safari experience unforgettable. Their flexibility is an added bonus.

Craig, our guide, was exceptional at reading the ‘morning newspaper’—the telltale tracks and signs in the sand. With his keen observation, we were often steered in the right direction. His ability to decipher the ‘Bush Telegraph’ was impressive, and each time, he took the time to explain how he was reading the landscape.

On our game drives, we saw both big and small wildlife.

Craig had a gentle approach with elephants, putting them at ease with his calm tone, and he could miraculously spot camouflaged chameleons hidden in the trees—something you’d think impossible.

We were lucky enough to spot a rhino, hippo, impalas, kudus, waterbucks, warthogs, and even black-backed jackals. After the rains, we were treated to the sight of a velvet beetle, aptly named for its coat of lush red velvet.

We were also fortunate to witness a stunning leopard moving gracefully through the bush.

Our favourite sighting came thanks to Mother Nature herself.

We found ourselves behind an elephant in musth—a hormonal wildcard with a surge of testosterone, so we carefully waited as it blocked the track. Just then, a powerful roar echoed through the treetops.

Craig, using his expert instincts, quickly changed direction to find where the sound came from. With no immediate signs of a lion, it seemed like we were searching for a needle in a haystack.

But then, one lone impala stood frozen, staring in one direction. Following her gaze, Craig went off-road, and there, resting in the grass, were a lioness, her cub, and a male lion.

Jackpot!

What we saw In Ivory Wilderness Camp

At River Rock Lodge, the wildlife isn’t confined to the game drives. Around camp, we were kept busy photographing tree squirrels and a myriad of colorful birds. One of the highlights was spotting the violet-backed starling, a bird that had been on our wish list for ages. And at night, we were thrilled to see our first-ever porcupine.

Its quills gave it away as it snuck near our dinner table, searching for titbits when the torchlight wasn’t pointed in its direction.

On our last morning, a troop of baboons wandered through camp, nibbling on the fallen marula fruit. One of the staff members, Agreement, told us she’s often seen them sitting on the deck, enjoying the river view—seems even the baboons appreciate the scenery!

The Accommodation at Ivory Wilderness Lodge

There are five luxury rondavels (African-style huts) offering expansive views over the bush wilderness.

Each rondavel features:

• Ensuite bathroom
• Shower and bathtub
• Power sockets
• Ceiling fans
• Egyptian cotton sheets

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve Conservation Levy

Lodges in Klaserie charge a Klaserie Nature Reserve Conservation Levy, which goes directly towards supporting wildlife conservation, including vital efforts like rhino anti-poaching initiatives and community empowerment programs such as Eco Children.

Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge Review

If you’re searching for an authentic safari experience in South Africa, the Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge truly delivers.

Other Reviews of Ivory Wilderness Lodge

Here are some reviews from recent guests on TripAdvisor:

• Nicole B, June 2024:
  “I cannot say enough good things about Ivory Wilderness! Every single part went above and beyond my expectations!! “
• Jeremy S, May 2024:
  “We had a truly wondrous stay at the River Rock Lodge.“
• Gavin K , April 2024:
  “Where to start?This was truly a 15/10 experience.!“

⭐️ Why not take a look: Click here for more information or to Book ⭐️

​Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge Review … That’s a Wrap

Our time at Ivory Wilderness was exceptional. If you’re considering a South African safari, this lodge will not disappoint.

The team at Ivory Wilderness knows your time is precious, and they strive to ensure you create memories that last a lifetime.

Is it expensive?

Yes and no. For overlanders and campers like us, it’s pricier. But compared to other safari packages, it’s very reasonable. We recommend staying for at least four to five days to get the full experience.

🐘 Book Here and Read more Reviews on Booking.com

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