Overview

The Kruger National Park is known for excellent Big 5 game viewing. Operating in a private concession of the Kruger Park, Jock Safari Lodge offers its guests exclusive sightings and a romantic escape in one of two luxurious lodges.

Indulge in relaxation, excitement, and discovery as you create unforgettable memories with loved ones.

Things to Do at Jock Safari Lodge

With its exclusive riverbed traversing rights, the 6,000-hectare natural landscape provides visitors with one of the best Big 5 game viewing experiences in South Africa.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for hot days and layering options for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes for bush walks and exploring the lodge grounds.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection during game drives.
• Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for capturing wildlife sightings.
• Personal toiletries and medications, as well as any necessary travel documents.

Game Drives

Drove by seasoned rangers, covered 4×4 Land Cruisers undertake morning and evening game drives.

As you make your way through the concession, you may be astounded by the variety of wildlife you see. Elephants, pride of lions, and a sea of buffalo horns emerging from the grass as they rest in the rising heat are all captivating sights to behold.

A breathtaking view of Kruger National Park is selected at dusk from atop a strategically placed vantage point. While sipping sundowners, one can listen to bush tales, see the sights, and be enchanted by the sky’s ever-changing colour palette as the sun sets. Night-time wildlife, including lions, hyenas, and leopards, is frequently spotted on the way back to the lodge.

Etiquette During Game Drives

During game drives, it’s essential to observe proper etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all guests:

• Listen to your guide’s instructions and follow their lead regarding wildlife viewing and behaviour.
• Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the animals and fellow guests.
• Refrain from standing up or leaning out of the vehicle while it is in motion.
• Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the wildlife.
• Always maintain a safe distance from the animals and never attempt to approach them for a closer look or photo opportunity.
• Remember to respect the natural environment and leave only footprints behind.

Wilderness Walk

When viewed on foot, the diverse fauna and flora of this unique concession come to life.

Walking safaris are encouraged after a hearty breakfast, moving through the veld, enjoying the views, and discovering one’s place in the natural cycle.

Qualified walking guides allow guests to experience the excitement of approaching species on foot.

Activities for children

• Junior ranger training while on kiddies’ drive
• Night walk within the camp
• Arts, Crafts, and Games
• Play-dough session
• Mini Chef’s
• Arts and crafts
• Puzzles of varying sizes and difficulties covering a broad
• A selection of entertaining and educational children’s books
• A selection of fun board games

Flora & Fauna

The park contains 404 tree species. Because the Kruger National Park is so large, it naturally has a high level of botanical diversity. The Kruger National Park can be divided into 16 macroecozones. The northern half of the park, north of the Olifants River, is predominantly mopane veld, whereas the ecozones south of the Olifants are thornveld.

Bird Watching

For the avid birdwatcher, the concession is home to a diverse range of bird species, including raptors like Martial, Tawny, and Fish Eagles, as well as Steppe Buzzards.

The Lodge’s tranquil atmosphere allows avid birdwatchers to observe the diverse bird population that visits the area.

A wide variety of Bushveld Birds can be spotted from the comfort of one’s room or while lying next to the Rock Pool. Hornbills, Starlings, Boubou’s, Shrikes, and Woodpeckers are among the most common birds seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can guests enjoy at Jock Safari Lodge?

Guests can enjoy guided Big Five game drives, walking safaris, river walks, birdwatching, and relaxing spa experiences, all led by expert rangers and trackers.

Are activities at Jock Safari Lodge suitable for first-time safari guests?

Yes, activities are designed for all experience levels, with informative guides ensuring a safe, educational, and unforgettable safari experience for first-time and seasoned travelers alike.

Accommodation at Jock Safari Lodge

Choose from private thatched suites on the riverbed at the Main Jock Lodge or opt for the exclusive-use Fitzpatrick’s Lodge at Jock, ideal for family holidays or adventures with friends. For a truly immersive experience, spend a night under the stars in an outdoor sala, lulled to sleep by the symphony of the African night.

Perched on a wooden platform, Jock Safari Lodge is protected by lush vegetation and still offers sweeping views of the surrounding bushveld. The dining and lounge areas take advantage of the view, allowing you to savour this pristine environment even while you relax between game drives. 3 meals a day are included in the lodge’s package.

A swimming pool on the viewing deck is the ideal venue to relax and escape the midday heat. The Pilgrim’s Rest Spa offers pampering and relaxation for all guests who want to refuel and rejuvenate.

Main Jock Lodge

At Main Jock Lodge, seclusion meets serenity in the heart of the African wilderness. Nestled amidst lush trees and reed walls, the twelve secluded thatched suites offer the ultimate retreat, ensuring utter privacy and tranquillity for guests.

The main lodge offers 12 free-standing thatched rooms that subtly blend into the environment. All rooms can sleep two guests and offer the following facilities:

• Air conditioning
• Private minibar
• Hairdryer
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Private plunge pool
• International dial telephone
• Electronic safe
• Ceiling fan
• En-suite bathroom, with outdoor shower
• Sala (outdoor day bed) overlooking the river

Fitzpatrick’s At Jock

Fitzpatrick’s At Jock is your exclusive haven in the heart of the African bushveld. Stylishly appointed and impeccably designed, this intimate villa offers the ultimate private villa experience, perfect for small groups and families seeking luxury and seclusion.

Fitzpatrick’s at Jock is an exclusive lodge with only 3 rooms. With its intimate atmosphere and personal service, this lodge is ideal for small groups and families. The rooms offer the following amenities:

• Air conditioning
• Private minibar
• Hairdryer
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• International dial telephone
• Electronic safe
• Ceiling fan
• En-suite bathroom, with outdoor shower

Jock Safari Lodge is located in a private concession in the south of the famous Kruger National Park. While the entire area is famous for Big 5 game viewing, Jock Safari Lodge uses its concession exclusively. With no other vehicles in the region, the game viewing at Jock is that much more rewarding.

At the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers, Jock has access to an unusual wealth of amphibians, allowing for frogging safaris.

Jock Safari Lodge is a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg.  Airports in the vicinity are Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport and Nelspruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of accommodation are available at Jock Safari Lodge?

Jock Safari Lodge offers luxurious thatched suites and exclusive private villas, each featuring elegant décor, spacious living areas, and private decks overlooking the river or bush.

What in-room amenities can guests expect at Jock Safari Lodge?

Accommodation includes air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pools, premium furnishings, and serene views for a truly immersive safari stay.

Facilities

• Facilities at Jock Safari Lodge
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Large deck with swimming pool
• Spa with sauna and exercise room
• A gift boutique
• Indoor and outdoor dining facilities
• A small library with a television and DVD player

Travel and Booking Information

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jock Safari Lodge is during the dry season, which typically falls between May and September. During this time, vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easier to spot as they gather around water sources. Additionally, cooler temperatures make for more comfortable game drives and outdoor activities.

Child Policy and Rates

Many of the accommodation establishments that Kruger Safari Co books for tours have a strict child policy. It is your responsibility to disclose the age of each child in the travelling group to the Kruger Safari Company agent and confirm that he/she is the appropriate age for tour accommodation. Kruger Safari Co cannot be held liable for an accommodation establishment refusing entry to an underage child where a child policy is strictly enforced.

Kruger Safari Co reserves the right to request a copy of a birth certificate for any child in the tour group who is confirmed to be 12 years or younger.

A children’s rate is available on request. Not all accommodation establishments offer a reduced rate for children, but where applicable, Kruger Safari Co will confirm in writing at what rate a child 12 years and younger will be charged.

Jock Safari Lodge accommodates families with children aged 6 and older. A private vehicle will need to be reserved for the sole use of the family for game drives.

Tips for Bringing Children on Safari

Ensure you pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing suitable for both warm days and cooler evenings.

Before embarking on your safari, educate your children about the animals they may encounter, their behaviours, and the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats.

Be flexible and understanding if they need breaks or become restless during game drives. Consider shorter, child-friendly drives or scheduling downtime at the lodge between activities.

Encourage your children to ask questions, observe wildlife, and engage with their surroundings. Allow them to use binoculars and cameras to capture their own safari memories.

Remind children to stay seated and quiet during game drives to avoid startling wildlife. Respect the guidance of your experienced safari guide and adhere to any safety instructions provided.

Booking Procedure

Confirmation of a booking is made in writing via email once it is agreed upon by the client and the Kruger Safari Co. agent. A 100% non-refundable deposit is required within 48 hours of written confirmation of a booking. Where applicable, the balance of payment of a booking is required 40 days before departure. All travellers will be required to complete our online booking form in order to ensure that Kruger Safari Co, the reserved establishment, and all service providers have the correct information required.

No quotation issued by Kruger Safari Co and accepted by the client (provisional or final), or booking made (provisional or final), shall be binding until such time as a final invoice has been issued and full payment received by Kruger Safari Co.

Included in the Rate You Pay

✅If you stay at Fitzpatricks At Jock:

• Two daily game drives
• Guided wilderness walks
• All meals and afternoon high tea
• A selection of house beverages
• On-drive snacks and drinks
• Private Guide and vehicle
• Full private staff complement
• Eco-Explorers programme
• VAT and Tourism Levy

❌Excluded from the Rate You Pay:

• Kruger National Park conservation levy
• Premium beverages
• Discretionary gratuities
• All items of a personal nature.

Getting to Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge is situated halfway between Skukuza and Malelane gates, approximately 35 km in both directions, with only 3 km of dirt road to reach the lodge.

The GPS coordinates for Main Jock Lodge are 25° 12’ 59” S 31° 33’ 51” E, and those for Fitzpatrick’s At Jock are25° 12’ 59” S 31° 33’ 51” E.

✈️By Air

Jock Safari Lodge provides road transfers (at additional cost) to and from Skukuza airport in open game drive vehicles accompanied by a qualified ranger. The adventure begins when you are picked up from the airport, and refreshments are served on the way to the lodge.

Upon arrival in the park, guests must pay the Daily Conservation Fees.

With the Skukuza Airport fully operational, guests will spend less time travelling because it is only a 1-hour road transfer from the airport to Jock Safari Lodge, compared to the KMIA, which takes 2 hours. Not only is it a low-cost way to travel, but guests can also enjoy incredible game viewing from the moment they arrive in Kruger National Park.

Flights can be booked through Airlink. Airlink provides daily direct and convenient flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza, as well as Cape Town and Skukuza.

🚗By Road

Jock Safari Lodge is about an hour from the Malelane Gate.

Road transfers are performed by an accredited company that carries the necessary liability and insurance coverage.

Self-drive and road transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (KMIA/MQP) are dependent on Kruger National Park gate times. The Kruger National Park prohibits the use of roads within the park after the gates are closed; thus, guests and transfer companies must be outside the park by the time the gates close.

Itinerary

Arrival Day

Arrive at the Jock Safari Lodge mid-day, in time for a light lunch. Freshen up and relax before it’s time to depart on a late-afternoon game drive in the reserve.

Overnight in a luxury suite at Jock Safari Lodge.

Days on safari

Wake up early for hot beverages and rusks before departing for a 3-hour sunrise game drive in the Kruger National Park. Return to your lodge for a late breakfast and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the pool or treating yourself to an afternoon nap. Depart late afternoon after High Tea for a 3-hour sunset game drive in the private reserve.

Departure day

Head out as the sun is rising to enjoy your last game drive in Kruger National Park. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing mid-morning to your next destination.

✅What's Included:

• Accommodation at the Jock Safari Lodge
• 3-hour game drives in Kruger National Park
• 3- Meals a day
• Local beverages

❌What's Excluded:

• Scheduled flights and transfers to the lodge
• All purchases of a personal nature
• Beverages not stated
• Kruger Park  conservation levy (charged per person per night)
• Gratuities
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Any activity not specified in the itinerary
• Visa fees if required

Payment Policy

All Kruger Safari Co require a 100% non-refundable deposit to the value of 50% of the total tour price. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking of a tour. Full payment of the non-refundable deposit is required on written confirmation of the booking.

Terms and Conditions

Please feel free to view all of our terms and conditions.