Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge

We had an amazing 4 days here. I'm a photographer so really wanted somewhere that had lots of good quality game drives and in a stunning location. Ivory Wilderness delivered on all fronts. Our guide Francois was an absolute legend, he knew the animals, the land and the country so well. We did 2 game drives a day each 3-4 hours and then also a couple of game walks, which were a totally different experience. Saw loads of amazing animals from tiny bugs up to the biggest elephants. The skies at night out there were stunning too.. so bring your tripod for an astro photo or 2. The food was fantastic, so good that it's hard to believe they can cook it so well at such a remote location. The included drinks were tasty and welcomed after a good day out in the 4WD. The place takes a while to get out to and the roads are pretty crap, which really adds to the charm of being away from it all. Have a look on a map... the lodge is in a nice remote spot. All the staff were so welcoming, and they are all striving to make sure you have the best and most relaxing time there. It's one of those places where as soon as you depart you begin planning how you can get back there.

We had the most wonderful time at Ivory. The place is so lovely, in the middle of the bushes. Animals can come and feed around it (got some elephants outside and some cute impalas even inside!). The service is absolutely great. Always ready to help you with that you need, always smiling. Francois was our guide and he was the absolute best. Super knowledgeable, he showed us around and explained all to us. He tried his best to show us all the possible animals, tracking paws, listening to sounds. We managed to see elephants, zebras, rhinos and leopard, among others. We will return for those lions! Ivory made my wife’s 30th birthday very special, and we will not forget. Thank you so much for all!

An unforgettable experience in every way. The hospitality was truly exceptional. You feel truly welcome from the moment you arrive. The kindness of the staff is just next-level. The small scale of the lodge makes it feel super cosy and relaxed, like you're part of the family The food? Absolutely outstanding. Every meal was a delight. And then there’s the safari… what a guide! Every detail was explained with such clarity and passion. When a lion roars in the distance, it may sound like a needle in a haystack — but not for this guide. Somehow, he makes the impossible seem effortless. In short: a perfect experience on every level.Would go back in a heartbeat.

We stayed here last year in October for four nights and we can say it was truly amazing. One of the best experiences we have ever had. The lodge has only 6 rooms which means it is never too crowded. The location is just magical with a view on the Klaserie river where elephants, giraffes and all kinds of animals pass by. They have managed to keep the place very natural and authentic, so it really feels like you are far away from civilization and in the nature, yet comfort is excellent. The staff was so friendly and always willing to assist you. The food is of a high quality. The beds are comfortable. It all feels very luxurious, yet not over the top or outrageous which we really liked. What we enjoyed the most is the game drives with Wienand, our guide. He takes time to explain things and was very knowledgable and experienced, which resulted in countless viewings of all big 5. Every drive there was always something new and we have even seen leopards 5 times. Because you are only with a maximum of 6 people in the car, they ensure there is room for some personal attention or questions you may want to ask. Everyone gets a turn to sit in the front and they make sure you sit with the same guide during your stay. They also have aligned with the other guides that there are never more than 2 cars at a sighting. Really an excellent way of managing the game drives. On top of that the Klaserie reserve is just beautiful and feels very exclusive due to limited amount of lodges in the park. Honestly, if you come for the game drives, I doubt there is anything better. Combine that with a luxurious natural environment and you will have an amazing safari experience.

We had an unforgettable stay at this lodge. The people were incredibly friendly and made us feel at home right away. Our ranger, Darren, was absolutely fantastic. He showed great respect for the animals and went above and beyond to ensure we saw as much wildlife as possible. This experience will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Truly beyond words.

It was a special experience for us, and what really made the difference are the people of the whole team, from the manager to the waiters, so welcoming, professional, with genuine kindness and always willing to tell. The place, then, is exactly what we were looking for, in the middle of the savannah but with all comforts. The excursions left us full of satisfaction. Wienand made every little detail interesting and engaging, from the tiny insect to the big five, both day and night. Ivory will remain a memorable part of our honeymoon.

We finished our 2-week South Africa trip spending 4 nights at the Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which did not disappoint. Danelle and the team made us feel so special, the chef accommodated for my vegan requests and we felt incredibly grateful for the hospitality and care you all showed us. Wienand made every game drive (+ on foot) memorable, with his deep knowledge of the area, his humor and charm. What meant the most is his respect for this sacred land and all of the creatures that call it their home. It did not go unnoticed. We will definitely be back! Thank you so much for this experience.

Our stay at Ivory Wilderness was absolutely incredible! We spent four unforgettable nights there as part of our honeymoon, and the experience exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the entire team went above and beyond to make us feel special. Their attention to detail and dedication to ensuring our comfort was exceptional. Whether it was meeting our every need or surprising us with thoughtful touches, their hospitality was truly outstanding. The food was delicious, and we loved relaxing in our traditional lodge, by the pool, or on the deck with its breathtaking views. One evening, as we dined outdoors, elephants wandered right up to the decking area — an unforgettable moment that felt like pure magic! Our game drives with Francois were both educational and exciting. His deep knowledge of the bush made every outing an adventure, and thanks to him, we were lucky enough to see the Big Five and so much more! We also enjoyed a memorable bush walk and an incredible bush dining experience, which has become one of our favourite memories from the trip. If you're looking for an extraordinary safari experience, we can't recommend Ivory Wilderness highly enough!