River Rock Lodge

a superb owner-hosted property

River Rock Lodge is located on the Klaserie Reserve in the Kruger area of South Africa.

This is one of the most authentic and intimate properties in the whole of South Africa, most definitely one of our top favourites in the Kruger area.

Camps which are hosted and guided by the owners are so uncommon these days, they are rare and precious places.

Warren and Craig Howson are the grandsons of Charles Crooke, who moved into this area in the 1930s and was instrumental in the creation of the Klaserie Reserve in the 1960s. They have lived here all their lives and know the place absolutely inside out. This may well be the oldest still-functioning safari camp in Africa

With the camp being so small, an intimate atmosphere is guaranteed and the chances of spending time with and being guided by Warren or Craig in person are extremely high.

The two boys are admirably supported by Warren’s partner, Orla, who runs the front-of-house, the back-of-house, the booking office, the supply chain and anything else that demands her attention, whilst simultaneously looking after their young son, Sage, and their dog, Faith.

If you are looking for a great value camp in Kruger, with the capacity to deliver genuinely high quality experiences, then River Rock Lodge is a very definite contender.

The lodge itself is rather basic. In recent years, Warren and the crew have pimped the old place a little, with luxuriant textiles, elegant furnishings, fully functional bathrooms and modern decks with a small swimming pool, but the place remains true to its traditions.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at River Rock Lodge is in just five traditional round bandas, each with a private indoor bathroom and air-conditioning.

There is actually a secret sixth room, which can be used when a larger group books the whole camp.

Activities

River Rock Lodge provides access to the following activities, not all of which are necessarily included in the room rate …

• Vehicle safari
• Walking safari
• Bush meals
• Night vehicle safari

The Klaserie area is much lesser-known than the adjacent Timbavati and Sabi Sand areas, but the landscapes and wildlife here are definitely comparable.

We are particular fans of the walking safari here, which may well include deliberate approaches onto lions, elephants and buffaloes. There’s no better endorsement of a great camp.

Both Warren and Craig have a reputation for being able to ‘communicate’ with the wildlife. Certainly they have an unusual degree of understanding of the animals, some of which appear to recognise their voices, especially the local elephants.

The Klaserie area is an increasingly viable and good value alternative to the better known Sabi Sand and Timbavati reserves in this greater Kruger area.
The usual stay duration is 3-5 nights.

Seasonality

The best time to visit Kruger is generally considered to be the May-Oct dry season, but (surprisingly) the reserve remains popular year round.

Safari in the Kruger area is much more seasonal than most people would lead you to believe. Trip planning is complicated by the fact that the seasons here are almost diametrically opposite to those down in Cape Town (with which the area is most commonly combined in trips).

Dry winter : Jun/Sep

This period is characterised by a cool dry winter which is generally considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing, although day length is relatively short and nights can get very cold. Unfortunately it does coincide with a more conventional cool wet winter in Cape Town.

Hot transition : Oct/Nov

This is the start of the hot wet summer. Wildlife viewing is usually very strong, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high in advance of the first rains, which usually arrive mid November to cool things down. This coincides with a usually pleasant spring season in Cape Town. October therefore represents an interesting compromise month.

Wet summer : Dec/Mar

This period is characterised by a hot wet summer, which is generally considered to be the most challenging time for wildlife viewing, although sightings should remain reliable in the premium areas. Day length is nice and long, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high and rain can be a major issue. However these potentially adverse conditions happen to coincide with a hot dry summer in Cape Town.

Cool transition : Apr/May

This is a period of transition between the hot wet summer and the cool dry winter, with wildlife viewing continuing to improve as the foliage dies back. Day length, temperatures and humidities are all in the middle of their ranges. The period coincides with autumn/fall in Cape Town, making this perhaps the strongest time of year for the combination.

a good value alternative to the better-known reserves