Located within 6, 000 ha of pristine bushveld, Jock Safari Lodge is an exclusive private concession, perfectly positioned in the southern part of the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park. The wildlife within this region have survived undisturbed without negative impact from mankind, encouraged to thrive. Jock Safari Lodge emerges where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers flow as one – this natural unbroken landscape offers guests one of the best Big Five game viewing experiences in South Africa with its exclusive riverbed traversing rights. Steeped in history, Jock Safari Lodge was the first private concession granted within the Kruger National Park and is named after local legend, Jock of the Bushveld, the canine hero of Sir Percy FitzPatrick’s famous story of courage and loyalty that is set during South Africa’s first gold rush era. Relive one of South Africa’s cultural heritages through this wonderful story and view the original mementoes on display at the Main Lodge.
Two authentic lodges both offering the timeless style and elegance of a classic safari lodge, pay homage to its rich history and heritage but with the addition of modern comforts expected by today’s discerning traveller. Taking guests on a sensory journey that encapsulates history, flora, fauna, conservation, relaxation and fine South African food and wine, Main Jock Lodge comprises 12 individual thatched rooms, while nearby the private and intimate camp, Fitzpatrick’s at Jock caters for small parties and families with three suites. Fitzpatrick’s at Jock welcomes children of all ages which is complemented with our curated Kids on Safari programme.
In addition to the excellent Big Five game viewing, activities include daily game drives, wilderness walks, bird watching and nearby golf at Leopard Creek Golf Course, while the Relaxation Retreat will ensure guests truly unwind.
Main Jock Lodge ensures guests will experience a stay of seclusion and in pure harmony with the natural surroundings. Twelve secluded thatched suites, offering utter privacy, are veiled with lush trees and reed walls. Each leads on to a private deck with plunge pool and a Sala, an outdoor day bed, all with a spectacular view of the riverbed. Main Jock Lodge will help your soul capture the essence of finding your inner peace amidst the calls of the wild.
The intimate Fitzpatrick’s Lodge is stylishly appointed to offer the ultimate private villa experience, accommodating small groups and families on an exclusive-use basis. The villa comes complete with its own staff compliment and dedicated ranger with a private game viewing vehicle, offering guided game drives twice daily to explore the 6,000 hectare private concession, which is known for its exhilarating Big 5 sightings and other interesting game encounters.
Perched on the banks of the Mitomeni (Shangaan for ‘Jackalberry Tree’) riverbed, Fitzpatrick’s boasts spacious indoor and outdoor living and dining areas that make the most of the magnificent wilderness setting. It comes with a private boma and swimming pool with sun loungers overlooking the riverbed and the bush beyond, with frequent sightings of elephants and other animals passing by. Each of the three luxurious suites has a private deck, while two also come with small plunge pools. The en-suite bathrooms extend onto the private decks with outdoor showers and baths that offer unforgettable nocturnal soaks under the stars.
Fitzpatrick’s at Jock is child-friendly, and an exciting Kids on Safari programme is available. The camp is safely fenced and various educational and recreational wildlife activities are offered. The villa is equipped with a TV room, and childminding services are available.
Morning and evening drives are performed in covered 4×4 Land Cruisers conducted by highly experienced rangers. Traversing through the concession, the wildlife is sometimes staggering in its diversity. Enthralling sightings of elephants, prides of lions as well as a sea of buffalo horns rising from the grass as they lie resting in the growing heat, awaits one.
At dusk, a vantage point is chosen to overlook one of the many breath-taking views of the Kruger National Park. Sundowners are enjoyed while tales of the bush are told and a glimpse of what this unique wilderness has to offer is seen while being entranced by the ever-changing colours of the sky as the sun slips into the timeslot of tomorrow. En route back to the lodge, nocturnal animals such as leopard, hyena and lion are often seen.
Wilderness Walks are encouraged, after a hearty breakfast, moving through the veld enjoying vistas of unsurpassed beauty and discovering one’s place in the cycle of nature. The diversity of fauna and flora in this unique concession truly comes alive when viewed on foot. Qualified walking guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of approaching species on foot.
Walking Safaris are encouraged, after a hearty breakfast, moving through the veld enjoying vistas of unsurpassed beauty and discovering one’s place in the cycle of nature. The diversity of fauna and flora in this unique concession truly comes alive when viewed on foot. Qualified walking guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of approaching species on foot.
For the avid birdwatcher, abundant species of bird are regularly seen on the concession including raptors such as the Martial, Tawny and Fish Eagles as well as Steppe Buzzards. A wide variety of Bushveld Birds are spotted from the comfort of one’s room or whilst lying next to the Rock Pool. Most commonly seen are Hornbills, Starlings, Boubou’s, Shrikes and Woodpeckers to name but a few.
Late summer (January and February) is an excellent time for birding in Kruger. Kruger attracts a diversity of birds because it straddles so many eco-zones. The tranquil atmosphere at the Lodge allows for unique birding opportunities as man slows down, finding the rhythm of nature and begins to truly observe.
Complimentary transfers from Jock Safari Lodge to Leopard Creek Golf Club. Jock Safari Lodge offers all golfers free transfers to Leopard Creek Golf Club just outside the Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park. All transfers are done on a game viewing vehicle so your transfer is a game drive in itself!
Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the Leopard Creek golf course and living areas are naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and challenging golf strategies.
Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to the magnificent creatures after whom the river is named, crocodiles. In addition to the decorative water features seen throughout, guests can also look forward to the frequent crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and elephant sighting in the Kruger National Park which borders the course.
