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Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

The Kruger National Park is full of feel good stories and none more so than that of a little black rhino named Goose. Despite poaching attempts to end her life, she clearly has what it takes to survive.

The black rhino was once widespread in Africa, with up to a million animals found across the continent. During the second half of the 20th century, 97% of the population was lost, and relentless poaching continues to threaten what remains. Rhino poaching is still rife in the Kruger National Park as rhino horn carries an extremely high value on the black market. It is typically illegally exported to the far East for its alleged medicinal properties. In reality however, rhino horn is only composed of keratin (the same components as the human fingernail).

Goose was found having been shot several times in the foot by self-seeking poachers and left to die. Bones were protruding through her skin and her hoof had been further damaged by continued walking. Typically, if an animal is found wandering around the veld severely emaciated, malnourished and on the point of death, one would probably euthanise it, but in the case of Goose, due to her Critically Endangered status, a vast team of skilled experts and organisations sprang into action to do everything they could to save her. She captured the hearts of the team at Jock Safari Lodge who with the go ahead from the non-profit CALEO Foundation, readily sponsored the initial antibiotics and supportive treatment vital for her survival.

There is no blueprint for this type of work on big game animals, so specialist vets created an innovative protection method using tough elephant pelt to bind Goose’s hoof. This is then covered in layers of bandage and ultimately coated in fibreglass for added protection, creating a bespoke cast which is changed every few weeks.

Saving Goose has not come cheap, yet many who have been involved from the start have generously given their expertise and precious time for free believing that her potential for breeding and the survival of her species far outweighs the cost of her treatment.

Sky news spent some time with the team taking care of Goose and you can read more about the treatment and care involved here.

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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