The story goes that when the owners of this upscale lodge in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve first came upon the land where it is built, a leopard in a rock fig tree eyed them lazily, not at all fazed by their presence. They later found out that she was named ‘Rock Fig’ because of her favourite perch, and the name for the new lodge was immediately obvious to all.

Today Rock Fig the leopard may be gone but you can still see her descendants roaming thousands of acres of land during a classic game drive or on a guided walking safari. All the other members of the Big 5 – lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo – also thrive here, not to mention rarer favourites like cheetah and wild dog. If your luck is really in, you may even be lucky enough to spot Timbavati’s most special inhabitants: its snow-white lions with their clear blue eyes (in fact, the traditional Shangaan name, ‘Timbavati’, alludes to these other-worldly creatures as it translates as ‘the place where something sacred came down to earth from heaven’).

The suites at RockFig are very spacious but the true luxury involves the service: families are guaranteed their game-drive vehicle, and up to two solo travellers can use single rooms without paying a supplementary fee. Children are welcome and the lodge is fenced for parents’ peace of mind. Add a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, an outdoor pizza oven and spa treatments on request, and you have all the makings of an unforgettable safari at RockFig.

Highlights

• Intimate, exclusive lodge in Timbavati
• See all the Big 5 plus wild dogs and possibly white lions
• Private vehicle guaranteed for families
• Children are welcome as the lodge is fenced
• Wi-Fi, swimming pool, pizza oven and spa treatments
• Up to two solo travellers are accommodated with no single supplement

Activities

• BUSH DINING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS
• SUNDOWNERS
• SPA TREATMENTS

I liked Rock Fig Lodge because of the luxury it offers, from the rooms to the dining options! The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable, and the game drives are fantastic. They can even traverse over thousands of hectares away from the lodge. Their bush dinners are a real treat and something different to a normal boma dinner. Great for couples and even families.

Rooms

Luxury Suite 1

There are only six suites at RockFig Safari Lodge, all of them shot through with the greens and purples of the African bush. Rooms are very comfortable and have air conditioning, fans, mosquito nets, Wi-Fi and mini-bars.

There are indoor and outdoor showers as well as large tubs for wallowing as the hippos do.

Rooms can be configured to accommodate two adults and one child; one adult and two children; or three children.

Facilities

Fly into RockFig’s private airstrip, which is a mere five minutes drive from the lodge. There is a communal swimming pool, Wi-Fi Internet access and spa treatments on request.

Dining

Dining is an important part of safari. Children will be thrilled by pizzas straight from the oven while adults might prefer romantic private dining. To stay as close to nature as possible, the RockFig staff can host breakfasts, picnics and suppers in the bush. If you prefer to be indoors, take a seat at the stunning 4-metre / 13-foot dining table under a beautiful chandelier.