Discover Your Safari Stay

Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge

From R7,250 per person sharing

Experience the timeless charm of Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where guided walking safaris, Big Five game drives, and riverside luxury combine for an authentic Greater Kruger safari.

Location

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger

Nestled along the banks of the Klaserie River, Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge offers an authentic safari experience within the renowned Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, part of the unfenced Greater Kruger National Park. Surrounded by untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife, the lodge is perfectly positioned for immersive Big Five safaris, guided walking experiences, and peaceful moments overlooking the river.

A Classic Safari Experience

Step back into the golden era of African safaris at Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge. Family-owned and operated by Warren and Orla, the lodge captures the romance of old Africa while providing the comfort and personalised service expected from a luxury safari experience.

With its colonial-inspired charm, tranquil riverside setting, and intimate atmosphere, the lodge offers guests an authentic connection to the African bush that’s both timeless and unforgettable.

Accommodation

Accommodation includes six beautifully appointed Kruger-style rondavels, each overlooking the Klaserie River and thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of traditional safari camps.

Each suite features:

King or twin beds with mosquito nets
Spacious ensuite bathroom
Freestanding bath
Twin vanities
Fine percale linen
Luxury bathroom amenities
Private veranda overlooking the river

For families or small groups, The Homestead accommodates up to four guests, offering additional privacy and space for an exclusive safari getaway.

Lodge Facilities & Experiences

The lodge’s swimming pool and elevated viewing deck overlook the Klaserie River, where elephants, antelope, and other wildlife regularly visit to drink throughout the day.

Guests enjoy a balance of classic safari activities, including:

Twice-daily Big Five game drives
Guided walking safaris
Birdwatching
Sundowners in the bush
Evening night drives to search for nocturnal wildlife

Optional experiences include unforgettable bush breakfasts, bush dinners, and a unique bush sleep-out, allowing guests to spend a night beneath Africa’s star-filled skies.

Guided Walking Safaris

Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge is particularly renowned for its guided walking safaris. Its remote location and varied terrain make it one of the finest places in the Greater Kruger to explore the bush on foot.

Accompanied by experienced armed guides, guests discover the smaller details often missed on game drives—from fresh tracks and animal behaviour to birdlife, insects, and medicinal plants—creating a deeper appreciation for Africa’s wilderness.

Walks typically cover 2–7 km over 3–4 hours, while morning and afternoon game drives complete the safari experience.

Rates

Per Person Sharing

From ZAR 7,250

Single Traveller

From ZAR 10,875

Children (6–12 years)

From ZAR 3,625

Private Homestead

1 Guest: From ZAR 15,000
2 Guests: From ZAR 17,400
3 Guests: From ZAR 25,350
4 Guests: From ZAR 33,100

What’s Included

Luxury accommodation
Guided walking safari
Morning and afternoon game drives
All meals
Tea and coffee
Local wines, beers and soft drinks
Wi-Fi in the main lodge

What’s Excluded

Eco levy for air conditioning (when applicable)
Premium beverages
Africology spa treatments

Why We Love Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge

Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge offers one of the most authentic walking safari experiences in the Greater Kruger. Its secluded riverside location, rich family history, and passion for conservation create a safari that feels deeply personal and connected to the wilderness.

Owner Warren, whose family helped establish the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, has spent a lifetime exploring this remarkable landscape. Together with Orla, and managers Danell and Wienand, the team shares an intimate knowledge of the reserve, ensuring every guest experiences the African bush through the eyes of those who know it best.

Customer Reviews

Crafted by People Who Know Safari Best

Judy and her team organized an incredible safari experience at Umlani lodge in February 2026 for my friends and I on our trip to South Africa. From start to finish, she was professional, responsive, and provided years of expertise which ultimately allowed us to book the perfect safari experience. They were always quick to respond to questions, provided clear communication throughout the planning process, and made the entire trip feel effortless, which allowed us to fully unwind and enjoy the trip without any stress. We couldn’t have asked for a more memorable safari experience and would highly recommend Wildlife Encounters to anyone planning a trip to the Kruger area.

Reviews “We booked our safari in December 2025 through Wildlife Encounters. We spent the first three days at Baobab Ridge, which was a wonderful lodge. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and the ranger in particular organized the game drives with great enthusiasm. We saw all the animals, including the Big Five – all on the same day. We spent the next three days at Thaba Mati Resort – an absolutely fantastic, newer lodge set amidst stunning scenery. At night, you could even watch the hippos at the pond and hear them loud and clear. Judy from Wildlife Encounters organized the trip with great care and everything went wonderfully including the pick-up and all transfers.

When we decided to go to South Africa, we knew that a safari was on our list. What we didn’t know was how to narrow down the numerous options available to us. We sent enquiries to several outfitters, but as soon as we received Judy‘s email, we knew that she could plan the perfect trip for us. We stayed at Xanatseni Private Camp (in Klaserie Nature Reserve) and Umlani Bush Camp (in Timbavati Nature Reserve). In staying at two different camps, we had both a luxury and an eco lodge experience, and two different styles of safari to view the area wildlife. Judy also planned a perfect private tour of Blyde Canyon with an overnight stay at Moholoholo Ya Mati. From the moment we stepped off the airplane to the moment we returned to the airport, everything was seamlessly planned with knowledgeable and professional drivers. We couldn’t have had a better time on this once in a lifetime trip, thoughtfully planned by Judy to ensure we had the best possible experience.

Took our trip from a worry to an experience of a lifetime! Booking our safari experience was new and a little scary for us. Judy from Wildlife Encounters took all of our desires, gave us suggestions we would never have known to think of, and organized a trip of a lifetime! The communication was exceptional and clear, all of our questions were answered, and from the time we got picked up, to drop off - we didn't have a worry! You could feel Judy's passion, and as a result - our safari experience went beyond our wildest imaginations. nDzuti Bush Camp was one of our stops and a true highlight that we highly recommend experiencing! If you're looking for a communicative, helpful, kind, knowledgeable and a great, priced experience (who wouldn't) then look no further! Wildlife Encounters is truly for you! I have no doubt your experience with Wildlife Encounters will be as exceptional as ours was.

This was our 1st safari with Wildlife Encounters but it won't be our last! We knew from our first correspondence with Judy, when we were trying to figure out which camp was the right fit for our family, that we were in good hands. Because we were traveling with younger children, we ended up staying at the Tuskers Safari Camp and basically had the place to ourselves. The camp is situated above a watering hole, and we spent countless hours mesmerized by the various animals that came and went right below us. It was amazing! JD is an expert ranger and Vusi a very knowledgeable tracker. They not only found us a variety of wildlife (even the elusive leopard) but also spent time teaching our children all about the bush. From learning fun facts about the wildlife and terrain to stopping the jeep to look at different animal tracks, our kids had so many stories to tell their friends when we returned home. The camp itself was clean and comfortable. Every meal prepared by Victory and her team was tasty and memorable. The staff went out of their way to make sure all our needs were met. We can’t recommend Tuskers and Wildlife Encounters enough!

Exceptional Judy and Bruce are super attentive and welcomed us very well. Their campsite is stunning and during our stay elephants were nearby and we were able to watch them from the "balcony" of our tent. Sabre is an incredible ranger and we got to see a lot of animals and learn a lot about the savannah and how it works. We highly recommend it.

I felt like I was part if the family! If I could give more stars to Judy, Bruce, Sabre, and Justin, I definitely would! I picked the “Best of both worlds” tour and I dońt regret it! Even since de beginning, when booking the tour, I felt I was being taken care of, Judy was so kind and so patient, and she made sure my tour was as incredible as I could imagine. The second place I stayed at is Ndzuti Bush Camp, which is run my Judy and Bruce, and it was amazing, I felt so safe and so welcome there, it being a family business truly makes a difference! I even felt part of the family. And I can’t describe what it feels like to see the animals roaming free, it really changes your life. And Sabre does such an amazing job as a guide! She makes sure everyone is comfortable and happy and is always ready to answer your question. I don’t have enough words to describe what an amazing experience I had, I can’t wait to come back!