RockFig Safari Lodge | Best South Africa Safari Lodges

The place

As our guide drives us the short distance from the airstrip to RockFig Safari Lodge, he takes the time to tell us about the lodge’s traversing access to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve’s pristine lowveld bush. It’s adjacent to the renowned Kruger National Park, which helps explain its reputation for exceptional game viewing. We learn that although the area changes significantly with the seasons (from brittle and golden in winter to lush and green after the summer rains), it never loses its wildness. That’s something we pick up on immediately – proceeding at leisurely game-drive pace, we can appreciate the amazing tapestry of termite mounds, gnarled trees, dry riverbeds and oasis-like waterholes as it unfurls all around us. With the lodge being named after a legendary female leopard, we’re particularly keen to see one of these spotted cats and scan each rocky outcrop that we pass. The city seems very far away as we weave between acacia bushes and larger trees and pause to allow a large elephant bull with impressive tusks to pass in front of us.

As our guide drives us the short distance from the airstrip to RockFig Safari Lodge, he takes the time to tell us about the lodge’s traversing access to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve’s pristine lowveld bush. It’s adjacent to the renowned Kruger National Park, which helps explain its reputation for exceptional game viewing. We learn that although the area changes significantly with the seasons (from brittle and golden in winter to lush and green after the summer rains), it never loses its wildness.

That’s something we pick up on immediately – proceeding at leisurely game-drive pace, we can appreciate the amazing tapestry of termite mounds, gnarled trees, dry riverbeds and oasis-like waterholes as it unfurls all around us.

With the lodge being named after a legendary female leopard, we’re particularly keen to see one of these spotted cats and scan each rocky outcrop that we pass. The city seems very far away as we weave between acacia bushes and larger trees and pause to allow a large elephant bull with impressive tusks to pass in front of us.

The room

Our bags magically make it to our room before we do; although they’re the only familiar objects inside it, we immediately feel at home. With the colour palette of the interior decor having been inspired by the surrounding bush, there’s a feeling of seamlessness, as though the inside and outside were one. It’s both exhilarating and deeply relaxing at the same time. As we have a little time before lunch is served in the main area, we take our time to explore. My partner is especially delighted to discover the outdoor shower, although it’s not hard to imagine myself relaxing in the indoor bath with some bubbles and a good book. I try to think of an excuse for a date-night dinner on our private verandah, and then it hits me: being in the bush is one long romantic occasion – no excuses needed. I take my partner’s hand as we stroll to the dining area.

Our bags magically make it to our room before we do; although they’re the only familiar objects inside it, we immediately feel at home. With the colour palette of the interior decor having been inspired by the surrounding bush, there’s a feeling of seamlessness, as though the inside and outside were one. It’s both exhilarating and deeply relaxing at the same time. As we have a little time before lunch is served in the main area, we take our time to explore. My partner is especially delighted to discover the outdoor shower, although it’s not hard to imagine myself relaxing in the indoor bath with some bubbles and a good book.

I try to think of an excuse for a date-night dinner on our private verandah, and then it hits me: being in the bush is one long romantic occasion – no excuses needed. I take my partner’s hand as we stroll to the dining area.

What sets it apart

Although this isn’t our first stay at one of South Africa’s best safari lodges, RockFig Safari Lodge soon becomes our favourite. We both love the way the lodge feels open to the bush, as though at any moment we could step out and begin our next wildlife adventure. This feeling is heightened by the architecture and decor, which create a wonderfully uninterrupted flow of colour, pattern and energy linking the indulgent interiors with the untamed beauty of the setting. RockFig Safari Lodge exudes a real sense of place; it belongs. And the genuinely warm welcome means that we immediately feel that we do, too. Features like the open-plan kitchen draw us in and we’re soon part of the RockFig family. Similarly, eating with our fellow guests at the spectacular main dining table creates immediate camaraderie – and gives my partner the perfect excuse to dust off some favourite safari stories!

Although this isn’t our first stay at one of South Africa’s best safari lodges, RockFig Safari Lodge soon becomes our favourite. We both love the way the lodge feels open to the bush, as though at any moment we could step out and begin our next wildlife adventure.

This feeling is heightened by the architecture and decor, which create a wonderfully uninterrupted flow of colour, pattern and energy linking the indulgent interiors with the untamed beauty of the setting.

RockFig Safari Lodge exudes a real sense of place; it belongs. And the genuinely warm welcome means that we immediately feel that we do, too. Features like the open-plan kitchen draw us in and we’re soon part of the RockFig family. Similarly, eating with our fellow guests at the spectacular main dining table creates immediate camaraderie – and gives my partner the perfect excuse to dust off some favourite safari stories!

At a glance

Six chalet-type rooms with aircon for a maximum of eight guests, with natural materials such as stone and thatch used throughout. Inspiring bush and waterhole views from the rooms, main area and pool deck.
Intimate camp, private reserve, flexible schedules, private dining available, private guides, maximum of four guests per safari vehicle and private vehicles available for families.
Game drives, walking safaris, bush meals, safari sundowners and swimming.
Children are welcome, and there is no minimum age. Families with children automatically qualify for a private guide and vehicle for more child-friendly schedules, and an extra bed can be placed in the room on request.

Six chalet-type rooms with aircon for a maximum of eight guests, with natural materials such as stone and thatch used throughout. Inspiring bush and waterhole views from the rooms, main area and pool deck.
Intimate camp, private reserve, flexible schedules, private dining available, private guides, maximum of four guests per safari vehicle and private vehicles available for families.
Game drives, walking safaris, bush meals, safari sundowners and swimming.
Children are welcome, and there is no minimum age. Families with children automatically qualify for a private guide and vehicle for more child-friendly schedules, and an extra bed can be placed in the room on request.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.