RockFig Safari Lodge is the product of a long romance, conceived over two decades. It is the expression of family's love affair with South Africa's Lowveld region, specifically the 530-square-kilometre Timbavati Private Nature Reserve on Kruger Park's western edge. The absence of fences separating this reserve from the national park means that wildlife roams freely between them, and that guests reap the rich rewards. You'll see all the Big Five here, including Timbavati's famed white lions. Round it all off with exceptional guides and superb staff to care for you in camp, and you have a thoroughly good safari.
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Surrounded by swathes of green grass, the open-sided lounge and dining room have thatched roofs anchored in place with natural fig tree beams. This rustic skeleton is contrasted with more modern fixtures – brushed concrete floors, contemporary seating, bush-inspired chandeliers. Dining takes place either at a single long table or in a selection of spontaneous venues around camp or in the bush. On the edge of the woodland is the pool, its wooden deck furnished with umbrellas and sun loungers.
Six slightly elevated chalets overlook the woodland, with huge glass doors in the bedroom and bathroom sliding open to merge indoors and out. The bathrooms are spot-on spacious, with double basins and lavishly large tubs – perfect for a candle-lit evening soak. King-sized beds face the views, but can be enclosed in clever slide-around curtains for light sleepers. Verandas are shaded and furnished, ideal for a quiet afternoon with a book or a pair of binoculars scanning for birds.
Game drives are the backbone activity here, and RockFig's central position on the reserve makes exploring anywhere a possibility. The density of wildlife means action-packed drives, often with predators (lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog). Walks are an excellent way to explore the distinctly "untame" bush, heightening the senses and allowing up-close encounters with creatures ranging from the fierce and formidable to the utterly unfazed. Don't worry, your guide will navigate each situation with the utmost respect for everyone's wellbeing.
The game drives are limited to just four guests per vehicle, meaning everyone gets a front-row seat and your guide can tailor the experience to your interests - the kind of personalised attention most lodges simply can't match.
Ask about a bush breakfast or dinner under the Jackal-berry tree. With nothing between you and the Timbavati bush but open air and the sounds of the wild, it puts the whole safari experience into a completely different perspective.
Walking safaris are a highlight here but are restricted to guests aged 14 and over, so younger children will need to sit those out and stick to the (equally thrilling) game drives.
A collection of private reserves with exceptional wildlife viewing and a delicious selection of lodges.
