Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge, Kruger National Park

5.0 (15 reviews) Luxury
Luxury riverside lodge with hut-like rondavels offering wildlife viewing, safaris, outdoor dining experiences, and a pool

Overview

You'll find Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge in the Greater Kruger's Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. This vast, unfenced wilderness sits along the Klaserie River and offers plenty of wildlife viewing, including the Big Five. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature with authentic walking trails, comfy accommodations, and modern amenities. Getting there is part of the experience, though you'll only need to journey about 1.5 hours from Hoedspruit East Gate Airport. You can coordinate a pick-up/drop-off with the property for an additional fee. 

You'll stay in a Kruger-style, hut-like rondavel, known as a "roundhouse," each overlooking the Klaserie River and offering expansive views of the bush. These rustic yet modern accommodations feature en-suite bathrooms with showers and bathtubs, Egyptian cotton linens, overhead fans, and power sockets. You can unwind in the tranquility of the African bush while staying connected with WiFi available in the main lodge and lounge areas. The lodge also offers a pool overlooking the Klaserie River, perfect for relaxing and spotting wildlife.

At Ivory Wilderness, your room rate includes exceptional service, delicious cuisine, and a range of activities to immerse yourself in the African wilderness. Enjoy morning and afternoon walking or driving activities, bush picnics, and game viewing from the lodge's deck overlooking the river. The lodge also offers healing Africology Spa treatments, bush sleep-out activities, and unforgettable dinners, providing an unforgettable wildlife experience.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +27 791791799
Hotel address icon Klasserie Private Game Reserve
Hotel website

Traveler Reviews

15 total ratings, 13 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
5.0
Location
4.9
Staff
5.0
Cleanliness & Comfort
5.0
Chris
Chris H.
| Reviewed on Sep 29, 2026
The location is fantastic, and we saw all the Big Five as well as many other animals. The accommodations are great, the food delicious, and the guide for the game drives and bush walks was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and knew all the places to find the animals. This lodge is a true gem. Read more

The location is fantastic, and we saw all the Big Five as well as many other animals. The accommodations are great, the food delicious, and the guide for the game drives and bush walks was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and knew all the places to find the animals. This lodge is a true gem.

Authenticity & Character
We enjoyed staying in the rondavel; you could hear animals at night; beautiful views from the decks.
Location
It is near a river, and there is so much ancient rock in the area.
Staff
We celebrated our anniversary there and they decorated our room and gave us a bottle of champagne. As mentioned before, the guide was fantastic.
Cleanliness & Comfort
All clean and comfy, and very warm considering we were there at the beginning of winter.
Stayed in June 2026
Anita
Anita V.
Harrison, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2026
Our stay at Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge was nothing short of magical from start to finish. Everything about the property met and exceeded our expectations, creating an authentic and high-end bush experience we will never forget. Beautiful Property, Great Rooms & Delicious Food
The lodge itself is stunning, perfectly nestled in the bush with peaceful surroundings and incredible views.
The Rooms: Spacious, comfortable, clean, and beautifully appointed to blend luxury with nature. The... Read more

Our stay at Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge was nothing short of magical from start to finish. Everything about the property met and exceeded our expectations, creating an authentic and high-end bush experience we will never forget.

Beautiful Property, Great Rooms & Delicious Food
The lodge itself is stunning, perfectly nestled in the bush with peaceful surroundings and incredible views.

The Rooms: Spacious, comfortable, clean, and beautifully appointed to blend luxury with nature.

The Food: Absolutely delicious! Every single meal served was fresh, flavorful, and memorable.

Phenomenal Game Drives with Ingrid
While the accommodations and meals were top-tier, what truly made our trip extraordinary were the game drives.

Our guide, Ingrid, was outstanding. Her expertise and tracking skills are amazing, she had an incredible knack for finding wildlife and tracking down unforgettable sightings. Just as importantly, Ingrid tailored the entire safari experience to suit our family group, which included teenagers. Keeping kids fully engaged for hours on end can be hard, but Ingrid connected with everyone effortlessly, catered to our group's pace and interests, and made every single drive thrilling and educational.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2026
Bonnie
Bonnie M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2026
This was my favorite of our three safaris. The travel was long through Klaserie Reserve, but well worth it! The grounds were immaculate and overlooked a beautiful valley with water and wildlife. The rooms were comfortable and well appointed for a safari camp. The staff was accommodating and the food was good. We were traveling as a large family with 3 adults and 5 teenagers and they were very accommodating. Our guide, Ingrid, was incredible! She was knowledgeable and took the time to explain... Read more

This was my favorite of our three safaris. The travel was long through Klaserie Reserve, but well worth it! The grounds were immaculate and overlooked a beautiful valley with water and wildlife. The rooms were comfortable and well appointed for a safari camp. The staff was accommodating and the food was good. We were traveling as a large family with 3 adults and 5 teenagers and they were very accommodating. Our guide, Ingrid, was incredible! She was knowledgeable and took the time to explain things and get each member of the family involved. We were able to see and experience so many animals up close and personal with rarely another vehicle crossing our path. The reserve was beautiful and I can't say enough about how fabulous this safari was thanks to Ingrid. I would highly recommend Ivory Wilderness for a personal, friendly safari experience off the beaten track.

Authenticity & Character
Owned and operated by descendants of original settlers of the reserve, their love of the animals, grounds and whole reserve was evident. This camp is small which gives it a much more personal feel.
Location
While remote with a bumpy ride through the preserve, the location is worth it. Beautiful views of the valley from the lodge and surrounded by wildlife, Ivory Wilderness was a true gem tucked away in Klaserie Reserve. The remoteness allowed for a truly intimate safari experience with plenty of wildlife and rarely another vehicle.
Staff
All the staff were friendly and accommodating but our safari guide Ingrid was beyond incredible!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2026
Bryan
Bryan M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 05, 2026
The guide was amazing. She did a fabulous job, the staff at the lodge were very attentive, and the food was good. For being out in the middle of nowhere, there is absolutely nothing that you could want for that they didn’t have. Exceptional job. Read more

The guide was amazing. She did a fabulous job, the staff at the lodge were very attentive, and the food was good. For being out in the middle of nowhere, there is absolutely nothing that you could want for that they didn’t have. Exceptional job.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2026
D
Darshan P.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
Such a cozy place, the staff is exceptional and took care of our smallest requirements. My 10-year-old did not want to leave the place. Read more

Such a cozy place, the staff is exceptional and took care of our smallest requirements. My 10-year-old did not want to leave the place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2025
Paige
Paige S.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2025
top-notch lodge. Set in a very quiet area almost 2 hours from the airport. He will barely see another person. the accommodations are extremely comfortable and food was excellent. Most importantly their guide Wienand made the safari drives amazing - his knowledge and attention to detail were superb Read more

top-notch lodge. Set in a very quiet area almost 2 hours from the airport. He will barely see another person. the accommodations are extremely comfortable and food was excellent. Most importantly their guide Wienand made the safari drives amazing - his knowledge and attention to detail were superb

Authenticity & Character
A very true African Lodge experience. We will definitely go there again when we are lucky enough to go on Safari in the future
Location
set far from any other lodges-you are in the middle of the bush
Staff
Great personal attention
Cleanliness & Comfort
rooms are just lovely
Stayed in April 2025
E
Elizabeth C.
Four Corners, FL | Reviewed on Sep 30, 2023
What a wonderful place to stay and experience our safari drives. Everything was first rate. We loved the lodge rooms and the outside areas. Food was fabulous. Andrew was so very gracious and saw to our every need. We can't say enough about Shain. He spoiled us for all other game drives and guides for the rest of our vacation. His smile and laugh were so joyful and he was super friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you to everyone at Ivory Wilderness for our wonderful stay! ALL GOOD!! Read more

What a wonderful place to stay and experience our safari drives. Everything was first rate. We loved the lodge rooms and the outside areas. Food was fabulous. Andrew was so very gracious and saw to our every need. We can't say enough about Shain. He spoiled us for all other game drives and guides for the rest of our vacation. His smile and laugh were so joyful and he was super friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you to everyone at Ivory Wilderness for our wonderful stay! ALL GOOD!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
L
Lauren L.
Nixa, MO | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2023
There really are no words! When I messaged friends back home to tell them about our days and game drives, they simply could not believe the experience we were having...because they had all been on safaris and not had the personal touches, care, and intimacy with the animals that we were having! We saw so many animals very up close and got to observe their habits and routines. Our guide Craig went above and beyond to answer my constant questions and educate us on the conservation, flora,... Read more

There really are no words! When I messaged friends back home to tell them about our days and game drives, they simply could not believe the experience we were having...because they had all been on safaris and not had the personal touches, care, and intimacy with the animals that we were having!

We saw so many animals very up close and got to observe their habits and routines. Our guide Craig went above and beyond to answer my constant questions and educate us on the conservation, flora, fauna, and animals from birds to buffalos! I felt like I not only saw the animals but truly understood them after our drives.

Prudence, Xoli, Origin, Craig, Warren, the maids and the gardener were outstanding hosts, I really cannot emphasize enough how kind and attentive they were. This is an intimate lodge with only 6 rondavels, so it was perfect to experience the authenticity of the area and really gave us a chance to get to know the staff well. Origin made the most delicious and nutritious meals for us and Xoli and Prudence somehow always knew what you needed and wanted. I am so incredibly grateful that Deb and her team chose this lodge for us as it really was magical!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023
James "Frank"
James "Frank" J.
Medina, OH | Reviewed on Aug 05, 2023
This place is simply Awesome!! The Best guide in the universe works here!! SHANE! IF YOU WANT A SAFARI, You found the place!!! Andrew the server, was excellent as well!! You won't regret visiting here!! Read more

This place is simply Awesome!! The Best guide in the universe works here!! SHANE! IF YOU WANT A SAFARI, You found the place!!! Andrew the server, was excellent as well!! You won't regret visiting here!!

Authenticity & Character
Nice lodging in the Bush!
Location
The Guide Shane!
Staff
The Best Guide Ever, the great service
Cleanliness & Comfort
The whole place!
Stayed in July 2023
M
Maureen G.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 04, 2023
We had an unbelievable experience at Ivory Wilderness. The accommodations were beautiful and authentic yet luxurious. Food was plentiful and delicious. The highlight was Craig, our guide who has us out at the crack of dawn and was relentless is making sure we saw amazing animals but also taught us about the flora, birds and how they are all interconnected with life in the Savanna. Read more

We had an unbelievable experience at Ivory Wilderness. The accommodations were beautiful and authentic yet luxurious. Food was plentiful and delicious. The highlight was Craig, our guide who has us out at the crack of dawn and was relentless is making sure we saw amazing animals but also taught us about the flora, birds and how they are all interconnected with life in the Savanna.

Authenticity & Character
The long history of the proprietors in the region
Staff
Great food and service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful sheets, lovely showers
Stayed in February 2023

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +27 791791799
Hotel address icon Klasserie Private Game Reserve
Hotel website