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A sensory experience at Jock Safari Lodge

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge is so very much more than just a 5 star game lodge. When staying at Jock, guests are taken on a sensory journey, which encapsulates history, flora, fauna, conservation, relaxation and fine South African food and wine.

The Lodge is located in the south-western corner of the world famous Kruger National Park (KNP) at the confluence of the Mitomeni (Shangaan for ‘Jackelberry Tree’) and Biyamiti (Shangaan for ‘Place of many Trees’) rivers.

It was the very first privately owned and operated concession in the Kruger National Park, and now owned by the Caleo Foundation, a non-profit conservation organisation. The sole aim of the foundation is to preserve and protect nature and wilderness areas whilst providing guests with the opportunity to experience and appreciate nature in its purest form without leaving a negative impact.

Together with SANParks, the National conservation authorities, the Caleo Foundation and our own wildlife Ranger team, we strive to support the conservation of this precious land, ensuring it will be enjoyed for future generations. When staying with us and going out on game drives or wilderness walks, we strive to show each and every guest the importance of nurturing and protecting wildlife and flora.

Within the 6, 000 private hectares of the Jock Concession, we have exclusive traversing rights in what is regarded as the best Big Five game viewing area in the Kruger. While there are no guarantees in nature, we can assure you that your Ranger will strive to provide you with a truly memorable experience of the untamed Kruger.

Jock Safari Lodge is named after a local South African legend, Jock of the Bushveld, a true animal classic book written during South Africa’s first gold rush era. This canine hero of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s famous story of courage and loyalty has stirred adventurous souls for years.

Both our lodges, Jock and Fitzpatrick’s, have their own unique character and atmosphere and 2018 will see a significant refurbishment, yet retain their old world charm in décor choices, fixtures and fittings.

Aside from daily game drives, wilderness walks, spa treatment and the Kids on Safari initiative for our younger guests, stargazing is quite a special moment during your time with us. With the absence of surrounding artificial light, the stargazing opportunities at Jock Safari Lodge are spectacular, especially when viewed from the upstairs bar deck. How better to end a blissful day at Jock, than to sit and reflect under the star studded-canopy of the African sky?

We look forward to welcoming you to Jock Safari Lodge.

Discover our other blogs like this one

Step into our world by reading our safari blog from the Kruger National Park.

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The Ugly Five

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A Sensory Experience At Jock Safari Lodge

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A Four-legged Goose Flies Through The Danger Zone And Survives!

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Wow! Raves And Reviews For Jock Safari Lodge

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Gracious! It’s a G-NU!

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Torburnlea Guest House

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Giraffe

“Its apparent disproportions and colossal height had classed it with Unicorns, and Sphynxes, the Satyrs, and the …

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Trees – Glorious Trees!

The Jock Safari Lodge concession is located in the southwestern corner of the Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa. The concession is a mere 6 000ha slice of the vast 19

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Jock Safari Lodge and The Tsetse Fly

Recently celebrating more than 130 years in conservation, the region has been through many transitional changes and …

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The four-legged goose is on the mend

An update on Goose, the orphaned baby black rhino who showed us that courage comes in all shapes and sizes.
Thanks to its prime position within the Kruger National Park,

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Preserving and protecting a unique wilderness

As we find ourselves in a global lockdown, it really is a perfect opportunity to explore the world from the comfort of your sofa – and who knows

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World Snake Day at Jock Safari Lodge

The creatures that occur in a landscape do so for special reasons resulting from a combination of climate, geology, soils and vegetation.

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Wilderness is vital for Wellness

Our relaxation retreat takes its name from Pilgrim’s Rest, named after the historical mining town that featured so prominently in “Jock of the Bushveld”

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Running 50 Miles for Rhinos

Conservation of habitat and species at Jock Safari Lodge runs in the blood of all our staff. The JEMU team (Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit) are in the veld daily

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Think Jock, Think Leopard…

Early game hunters and explorers coined the phrase ‘big five’ during the early to mid-1800s. They were much wanted prizes and it was a considerable feat if a hunter was able bag one, or more,

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Group or family safari travel has never looked this good!

Having undergone a transformation of notable proportions, family friendly Fitzpatrick’s safari lodge at Jock reopened on 1 November 2018.

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Head Chef Sam Mkhatshwa – Combining a passion for cooking and a passion for living in the wilderness.

Meet Sam, our sensational Head Chef at Jock Safari Lodge!  Sam is the master mind behind our delectable safari cuisine and

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A long walk to freedom for one lucky rhino!

If we take a journey back in time to the 12th November 2016 we recall the devastation of finding a 6 month old rhino calf wandering around the Jock Con

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The best golf and the best safari

If you have a dream of a luxury safari within the Kruger National Park and the option of playing a round of golf on a top ranked golf course or two, then we are delighted to make that your reality.

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Redesigned, Re-imaged – Perfect and Exclusive!

The child-friendly, private camp has been redesigned and developed by Luxury Frontiers as the perfect home-away-from home. Accommodating families with children of all ages, Fitzpatrick’s is

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Flying High With The Martial Eagles

As the largest eagle in Africa, with a wingspan of about 2.5m, these incredibly powerful hunters can often be seen on …

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6 reasons to head north

If you’re dreaming of a summer vacation in the African bushveld or just need a well-deserved time out, ‘go wild’ and …

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Food and Beverage Manager Swops Food For The Field

There was high excitement on the Jock concession last month as former Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, Ike Mkansi …

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Jock Safari Lodge offers two unique lodges to choose from, which is right for you?

Fitzpatrick’s at Jock is the perfect haven for small groups, families and individuals seeking to unwind amidst the natural beauty of the Kruger National Park.

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Savanna Vulture Project

Birdwatching on Safari in the Kruger National Park is an opportunity to see a staggering estimated 500 species of birds! …

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Honeymoon in Style at Jock Safari Lodge

At Jock Safari Lodge, we are fortunate to be in the midst of our own private concession, which offers absolute privacy, surrounded by Mother Nature

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Jock Safari Lodge Pays Tribute to World Elephant Day

August 12th 2017, officially marks World Elephant Day, which is dedicated to help conserve and protect elephants from the numerous threats they face.

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Fitzpatrick’s Lodge Stunning Refurbishment Almost Complete!

Private and exclusive and located in the heart of the bushveld, Fitzpatrick’s Lodge at Jock Safari Lodge will reopen on 1 November 2018 in the Kruger National Park.

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The Wonderful Wilderness where we live!

While traversing through the Jock Safari Lodge concession, the wildlife can be staggering in its diversity.  Our Rangers and staff photograph and video amazing sightings and lucky for us that they love sharing them with us.

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Jock Safari Lodge is showing off after refurbishment

The famous warm welcome and sense of coming home to Jock Safari Lodge has been enhanced by the latest refurbishment

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The Story of Jock Safari Lodge

The lure of gold brought men from all corners of the world to Southern Africa. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the animal classic book, Jock of the Bushveld, was one of these pioneers.

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Conservation at Jock Safari Lodge

Conservation is the cornerstone of our ethos here at Jock Safari Lodge. Both our lodges have been built and managed to the most stringent

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We’re going on a road trip!

A tour of Mandela’s old home at 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto. The street is also famous for being the only one in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize laureates – Madiba and Desmond Tutu. You can also do bike tours in

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A sensory experience at Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge is so very much more than just a 5 star game lodge. When staying at Jock, guests are taken on a sensory journey, which encapsulates

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Culinary Journeys in the Kruger at Jock Safari Lodge

Recently Jock Safari Lodge hosted Culinary Consultant Garth Stroebel and Chef Andre Viljoen and they imparted their vast knowledge to our team of “chefs of tomorrow.”

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Hyena VS Wild Dogs at Jock Safari Lodge

Early yesterday morning, the Jock Safari Lodge guides found a female hyena fending off wild dogs to protect her dead pup…we are unsure how it died, perhaps killed by lions or another hyena clan.

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Jock Supports Further Anti-Poaching Organisation in Africa

Three respected and passionate non-profit organisations (NPO’s) making strides to protect and safeguard our national wildlife heritage benefited from a

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Cooking with Style

Jock Safari Lodge’s own team of ‘chefs of tomorrow’ recently had the privilege of a visit from Culinary Consultant Garth Stroebel , a South African Chef and Judge for

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The Legend behind Jock Safari Lodge

It’s very humbling to be considered the best 5-star game lodge in the Kruger National Park by our guests. Guests which return year upon year to not

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Kids on Safari at Jock Safari Lodge

Contemplating your next family trip? Why not take a Big 5 safari adventure and join us at Jock Safari Lodge nestled in the heart of the Kruger National Park?

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Sleep Alfresco amidst the Big 5 at Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge has created a new and uniquely romantic experience to sleep alfresco for a true feeling of being at one with Mother Nature and the Big 5.

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JEMU the Rhino Update

With a new year comes good news on Jemu, our rescued rhino. Orphaned after her Mother was killed by poachers late last year, the Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU), at Jock Safari Lodge

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Update on our recently rescued baby rhino JEMU

Myself, my daughter Savanna & her friend Abi had the privilege of visiting Care For Wild Africa this week, the rehabilitation centre that specialises in the rescue,

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Baby Rhino given a Fighting Chance

This weekend, the Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU), at Jock Safari Lodge, located a 4-month old rhino calf wondering

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Lilizela Awards Celebration 2016

“Sunday 16 October, 2016 was a very proud moment for all the team here at Jock Safari Lodge, when we were awarded a National Lilizela Tourism Award under the category of 5 Star Game Lodge.”

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What is the Big Five?

This term Big Five was coined during the early to mid-1800s by hunters and explorers who came to Africa to colonise and settle and later to hunt for sport.

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Lion Dynamics

A lion prides takeover always causes turmoil among the prides and it takes a few months for them to settle down again. The Eastern Bank Males

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Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith

Jock Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the Kruger national park. It’s amazing location gives you a unique and real safari vibe. The lodge itself looks so amazing, stunning rooms, restaurant and relax areas. When you arrive at the lodge you will be welcomed by the amazing staff, that will tell you what the planning looks like. The planning is really amazing, you will get so much food and drinks, on top of that 2 amazing safaris with the best rangers! The safaris are really something else, private routes and amazing storys. The staff and everyone is really amazing at the lodge, this is a must do experience!

-Teuni D

The lodge is advertised as 5 star but I’d happily give it 6. Everything was perfect for the 3 night stay myself and my wife had, The room was spacious, clean and had everything you could want. The double shower cubicle was huge.There was an outside shower and bath, sunbeds, plunge pool, patio table with chairs and even a meshed tented area on the end of the platform overlooking the river bed with a made up double bed in case you wanted to sleep under the stars. The lodge staff were amazing, friendly and nothing was too much for them, Evening meals were fantastic, two of which were Brais (BBQ’s) on the river bed. The game drives were brilliant and our guide (not Driver!!) David, was really friendly and knowledgeable. We got the big 5 twice over. Will definitely be returning for a stay in the winter. Have done previous lodges in Kruger, Zimbabwe and Kenya but this tops them all.

-R. Davie

We spent several days here in early March — simply, the best! Very comfortable room and excellent food, with a warm staff. Highlights are the twice a day game drives. This definitely is not “pre-packaged” stuff — your guide (ours was Jacob) has a keen sense of where to find the animals, and drives over river beds and down back trails to find them -in a respectful way. We eagerly anticipated this part of our trip, and it exceeded expectations. You must go to have this experience.

-Robert D

I visited Kruger and Jock Lodge in 2017 and all I wanted to do is come back. That happened in Jan 2022 and once again it was wonderful in every way. The location is on a normally dry river bed so you can see wildlife from your window or terrace. The staff is so gracious and helpful. The wildlife guides are the most knowledgable and enthusiastic I have ever met. I come for the beauty and the animals and Jock Lodge delivers every time.

-Eva Fellner

Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith