Jock Safari Lodge
Nestled in the South-Western corner of the renowned Kruger National Park and overlooking the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers that flows as one; Jock Safari Lodge is the perfect place to experience breathtaking wildlife sightings including the notorious Big 5. With 14 826 acres of pristine wilderness and exclusive riverbed traversing rights, Jock Safari Lodge promises an exciting safari adventure in the heart of the African bush. It is also the perfect starting point for an itinerary that combines two iconic Southern Africa destinations - Kruger and Victoria Falls.
Jock Safari Lodge was brought to life by the descendants of the author Sir Percy Fitzpatrick who wrote the South African animal classic - Jock of the Bushveld. Named after the gutsy Staffordshire terrier, the lodge combines the romance and elegance of the colonial past, with elements of the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures, ensuring an authentic yet luxurious safari experience.
The twelve luxurious thatched Suites offer exclusive privacy by including verdant trees and reed walls in their design. These spacious suites boast an en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower and luxury amenities, air-conditioning, private minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, a private deck with plunge pool, and a private 'Sala' (outdoor daybed) overlooking the river and bushveld.
The facilities offered at the main lodge include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a gift boutique, a relaxation retreat with sauna and exercise room, a library with television and DVD player, a swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi in the main areas of the lodge.
Fitzpatrick’s at Jock is a three bedroom exclusive-use lodge that is ideal for families looking for a personalized service and an intimate atmosphere. Upon arrival, the host and/or ranger will discuss activity options for the family taking into consideration the children's ages and families interests. Childminding is available at an additional cost and each child will receive a gift pack containing small gifts, most of which they can use during their stay at Fitzpatrick’s at Jock.
Early morning and late afternoon open-vehicle game drives are conducted by highly experienced rangers. Other activities offered either at the lodge or nearby include wilderness walks, bird watching, and golfing at Leopard Creek.
The Kruger National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife including the Big Five, along with cheetah, hippo, wild dog and a large variety of antelope. Evening game drives offer sightings of the more rarely seen nocturnal creatures, such as porcupine, aardwolf, genet, serval, white-tailed mongoose, civet and brown hyena. Rock dassies, baboon, and klipspringer are often seen in the rocky landscape of the southern Kruger, while giraffe
Birdlife is prolific with over 350 species recorded. Raptor sightings include Martial, Tawny and Fish Eagles as well as Steppe Buzzards. Southern Ground Hornbills have nesting sites close to the lodge, and iridescently plumaged birds, such as the Lilac-breasted roller, Southern Carmine Bee-eaters, and Malachite kingfishers are often sighted.
Jock Safari Lodge is the ideal location for solo explorers, couples, and families looking for an authentic safari experience.
Important Information
The camp is situated half way between Skukuza and Malelane gates approximately 29 km in both directions with only 3 km of dirt road. Due to the rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park, nobody is allowed on any Kruger National Park roads during the period of gates being closed. Therefore, guests must be at their destination by the time the gates close.The Kruger National park prohibits the use of roads within the park once the gates are closed.
Guests, therefore, need to be at their destination by the time the gates close.
Rate Excludes
Transfers, beverages, gratuities, Kruger Park entrance fees, and all other items of a personal nature.
Child Policy
The main lodge at Jock's accommodate families with children from 6 years and older on the following bases:
- The applicable adult rate will apply to children of all ages.
- A minimum of three rooms must be booked per family in order to ensure that the family has sole use of a game viewing vehicle.
Luxury Room
From $ 656
- Single: $ 853
- Unit sleeps: 2
Includes : Accommodation, all meals, high tea, game drives, guided walks, tea, coffee, water, game drive beverages (all other beverages are excluded and can be settled upon departure).
Please note : A minimum of a two-night stay will be applied to all bookings over the festive period
| Dates | Rates PPS | SINGLE Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 01 May 2020 — 31 Jul 2020 | $ 656 | $ 853 |
| 01 Aug 2020 — 30 Nov 2020 | $ 738 | $ 959 |
| 01 Dec 2020 — 17 Dec 2020 | $ 806 | $ 1,048 |
| 18 Dec 2020 — 03 Jan 2021 | $ 841 | $ 1,094 |
| 04 Jan 2021 — 31 Mar 2021 | $ 806 | $ 1,048 |
| 01 Apr 2021 — 30 Apr 2021 | $ 738 | $ 959 |
| 01 May 2021 — 31 Jul 2021 | $ 688 | $ 895 |
| 01 Aug 2021 — 30 Nov 2021 | $ 775 | $ 1,007 |
| 01 Dec 2021 — 16 Dec 2021 | $ 846 | $ 1,100 |
| 17 Dec 2021 — 03 Jan 2022 | $ 883 | $ 1,148 |
| 04 Jan 2022 — 31 Mar 2022 | $ 846 | $ 1,100 |
| 01 Apr 2022 — 30 Apr 2022 | $ 775 | $ 1,007 |
Reviews
"More than expected. Great accomondationsThanks to Atte - a great ChefThanks to Patrick - always entertaining"
- Pat Masiero
"Excellent service and accommodation! The field guide was very professional and went out of his way to teach us about the wildlife. Truly a treat!"
- Susara Johanna Susanna Bithrey
"We loved Jock Safari Lodge. The facilities were great and the service and food were first class. The thought in grouping guests so that similar ages traveled together on safari was an unexpected benefit. The actual safari and animal hunting was informative, and fascinating, Ben our allocated guide had a wicked sense of humor and his knowledge of the land and all of the animals, from smallest to largest was astounding. We would not hesitate to recommend Jock Safari Lodge!"
- Steve and Narelle Saladine
"We had a wonderful 3-day safari experience at Jock Safari! A big thank you to all staff who made our trip so memorable. The accommodation in the middle of wilderness is remarkable, the food is very nice and sumptuous and the most important, the rangers who take you on safari are extremely knowledgeable and patient. I would highly recommend this place in Kruger."
- Kalindi
"This is a very special place to stay in Kruger. The staff is impecable and the rangers very knowlegeable and fun. Of course this can be found in other top notch lodges, but there is something else special in Jock: the food is marvellous! REally well made, fine cuisine. They should publish a recipe book."
- Denise
"Jock Safari Lodge has a well deserved reputation for being really fantastic, their food, friendly service and attention to detail is awesome. But what I enjoyed most is that you have the best of both worlds. You can either relax and enjoy game drive with an experienced guide or take your own vehicle and go on your own safari."
- DEBBIE THWAITES
"We found the overall experience pleasant. The accommodation is wonderful. The food could be better with a bit more variety, all tasted the same. The game drives were brilliant and we were treated to amazing sites. Unfortunately it felt like we were on strict time line. We were not allowed to enjoy our meals on our own, you are forced to sit with your rangers and other guests. We were told we could have 'free time' after the game drive in the morning and before the afternoon drive, which felt more like a business conference than a holiday."
- Michelle Summers
"Jock Safari Lodge was a great experience. We loved our accommodation and the setting. The food was not exceptional, we had better at other lodges but the overall atmosphere and facilities at Jock were above average.The staff were all very attentive.Pity it rained a lot during our staff so our game viewing was not that great but that just means I will have to return."
- Rose McGaw
"Jock's was a wonderful home base while at Kruger. The staff was professional,friendly accomodating and courteous. All our needs were seen to at once with a smile. Our room was large, nice and clean with a wonderful AC. The food was excellent and the chef accomodated a special diet with enthusiasm and a desire to please. The game drives were exceptional. Our guide knew where and when to find the animals we wanted to see. We got the "Big 5" in one day. A big thanks to Lou and his wonderful staff. We will be back."
- Phillip Reed
"Our stay at Jock Safari Lodge was amazing. The staff are all very friendly. The F&B Manager was very friendly and engaging. The food was great. Our ranger, Lazarus, was phenomenal - he spotted a leopard in the grass at night, which enabled us to see all of the Big 5. I would have preferred a shower inside. The decor is quite dated compared to other 5 star lodges in SA so value for money is average. Rangers should also ask guests what they prefer for drinks on the drives, that way you not disappointed. Again for the money you paying there should not be a shortage of anything. Also think the mini bar should be included in the price, as per other higher rated establishments. Overall very good."
- Yolande Rose
"My entire family had a totally GREAT time at Fitzpatrick/Jocks Safari Lodge. The service was great, the staff was great, the accommodations were great, the Ranger was GREAT. We had a GREAT time there!!"
- Nathan Moser
"An excellent stay. Attentive staff, luxury accommodation, good food and a fantastic location."
- Brian & Colleen Snelling
"It can look a little tired but look through that. Great people and very attentive. Very relaxing."
- Roger Case
"We had a wonderful time. Fitzpatrick is completely separate from Jocks and very private. The concession area is beautiful and you also use the Kruger roads so gameviewing is very good. Accommodation is tasteful and comforable without being too over the top. Staff are VERY friendly."
- stephanie smith
"Jocks was an absolutely fantastic place and the staff were brilliant, they went out of their way to make us feel very welcome and help us get the most out of our safari experience - will definitely stay again on a return visit to Kruger! Thanks guys!"
- elly
"We stayed three nights at Jocks Safari lodge in Kruger national park and from the minute we arrived we began seeing wildlife. Our rooms were comfortable and were well kept. The cleaning staff were thorough and did their work without being seen. Our guide, Pete was excellent and as well as finding the big five for us we were educated on many of the things other rangers haven't mentioned to us. We learned about owls, spiders,scorpions and much much more. Would definitely recommend this lodge."
- Jane Caffrey
"There is no doubt that if I have a chance I will re-visit the Jock Safari Lodge. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, the facilities exceptional without being out of character for a bushveld camp and there were just too few hours in the day to explore all the options offered. Our guide made the trip incredibly interesting, tailoring as far as possible all outings to suit the interests of the clients. Well done to all at the Lodge."
- daphne gernetzky
"Jock's is a lovely lodge, with terrific service and friendly staff. It is a peaceful place. Each room is a private bungalow, with a large patio and pergola outside. The pergola has a double day-bed, with a private view of the park. A shower is outside, and a bath inside.The lodge is set in a private concession area within the park, which means that only their vehicles can roam in that area. And unlike the NP proper, you can drive in the concession area after dark, allowing you to stay out longer on a game drive. We had a fantastic 3 days there, the highlight was being able to see a pack of African wild dogs, who were denning in Jock's concession area. We watched the dogs for 3 hours, having the dogs come right up to the car, and with no other vehicles around.The beds have mosquito netting, and as the are monkeys in the park, you should close the doors to your bungalow when you leave.Jan Kriel was our guide, and he was fantastic. Knowledgable, friendly, and very personable.The food is very, very good, although a little too heavy for our tastes. In fact our only criticism of the lodge is that the meals were too formal for us, and we didn't need to be asked five times if everything is okay with the meal. But this was a small point, and we very much enjoyed the lodge."
- Anonymous
"We are regular visitors to the Kruger Park. However, this was our first stay at Jock Safari Lodge. What a great experience! Stunning Lodge, Friendly staff, excellent service from everyone. We were so spoilt through out our stay. We had wonderful game drives everyday with a great ranger. I will highly recommend to anyone. Definitely worth it!"
- Sone de Bruyn
"I cannot speak highly enough of Jock! From the warm welcome we received right down to the warm towels handed to you after each game drive, our every need and want was tended to with a broad smile! The game viewing was outstanding as well, but what amazing service and value for money... We can't wait to go back!"
- Chris Quayle
"A true 5 star lodge in every way. Lovely rooms with the largest selection of “Coffee/Tea/juice/minibar/biscuit” selection I’ve ever seen in a lodge or hotel room (10 out of 10 for this aspect!). Loved the “dog bone” theme which was incorporated in various ways with the decor, very nice touch! Large comfy beds protected by lace mozzie nets, large indoor bath + spacious outdoor shower area. We enjoyed our small plunge pool & Sala (covered wooden deck with very comfy day bed) overlooking the bushveld. Meals were exceptional & of a very high standard. Jacob, our game driver was outstanding! He ensured we saw the Big 5, the Small 5 & the Ugly 5! Very special visit, and would return without hesitation."
- Joanne
"We went to Jock's as part of my lifelong dream trip. We were not disappointed. It is a wonderful place and oh so friendly. We were greeted at the door with refreshing towels and a cold drink. Everyone was so friendly and made us so welcome. The food was plentiful and tasty with a variety of food on offer. We found our little lodge really quaint and very clean. There were fresh towels every day and most days twice a day. On the deck there was a little desk and chair. Whilst sitting there one day I heard a rustling and when I looked down there were over 20 elephants just a few feet away, WOW. Now to the game drives, and how we enjoyed every one of them. Michah our ranger was brilliant and spotted so much to show us before we even saw them. We were extremely lucky and saw all of the big 5 more than once. We saw two leopards and a rare cheetah. Many lions and rhino's and of course the elephants. The rangers were in touch which each other and if something was spotted we were quickly on the trail. What a simply magical place. If anyone finds fault with this lovely place then I cant see why. We would recommend and if possible would love to go back some day."
- Jasper
"We only stayed at Jock's for one night as we had stayed at another lodge for 2 nights, but we wish we could have stayed here the whole time. It was a little more expensive than other lodges but definitely worth it. Our room was nice and spacious and the food was better than the other lodge we stayed in. More importantly the game drives were much better and saw a lot more wildlife which I think was due to the lodge's location in the park. Our ranger was David, who did an awesome job on the game drive and really made sure that you enjoyed yourself the whole time. Overall a awesome experience and we would definitely go back!"
- Derek
"We stayed for 5 nights at the wonderful Jock Safari Lodge, and everything about it was fabulous. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, and the food is fantastic - you certainly won't go hungry! Our ranger, David, was incredible - so knowledgeable and passionate. We were leaving early for every drive, morning and afternoon, to make as much of the time as possible, so thank you to him for allowing us to do that! We saw some really unforgettable things, and David made every drive fun and exciting! It was such a great experience, and really hope we can return one day."
- Tamsin
