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Torburnlea Guest House

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

If you live in South Africa and are thinking of a bush breakaway to the Kruger National Park, turn it into a road trip and stay a night or two at Torburnlea guest house before reaching your favourite game lodge in the park – Jock Safari Lodge.

Located in Nelspruit in the area known as Mataffin Macadamia Village, Torburnlea has a long history with Jock Safari lodge, the Kruger National Park and its colourful characters.  ‘The homestead is situated on the well-known farming estate of HL Hall & Sons, in the village that was once occupied by the first-generation Hall family and farming employees. It was named Torburnlea by Grace Hall in 1923 as a reminder of the countryside in Scotland where she spent her childhood. Steeped in history, Torburnlea was once host to the eminent President Jan Smuts, Sir Percy FitzPatrick, author of the classic children’s book “Jock of the Bushveld” and Harry Wolhuter, one of the first game rangers of the Kruger Park, who survived a lion attack while patrolling the reserve on horseback.’

Restoration

In 2012, fourth generation family Andrew and Kim Hall began painstakingly restoring the original 100-year old family farmhouse. With a keen interest in environmental sustainability, they have installed water and energy saving fixtures and used locally sourced or recycled materials where possible. The result is an elegant space offering modern luxuries, yet still paying homage to a vibrant history.

While enjoying their genuine hospitality, ask Andrew to share his stories and interesting facts about the homestead and the eclectic array of people who graced their home. From Sir Percy mentioned above, to King George VI, Queen Elizabeth I [the Queen Mother] and their two daughters, Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.

Close Ties to Jock Safari Lodge

Andrew himself has a close relationship with Jock Safari Lodge thanks to his great grandfather’s friendship with Sir Percy FitzPatrick. And five generations later, their children are still close friends. There is also a photograph up near the dining area at Jock, of Andrew’s great grandfather – HL Hall – on horseback crossing the Crocodile River. Sir Percy has HL by the scruff of his neck and is pulling him across so be sure to look out for it on your way to one of the wonderful meals served at the lodge.

Accommodation

All six beautifully appointed rooms at Torburnlea are surrounded by lush gardens and include free Wifi, complimentary tea and coffee and a delicious country style cooked breakfast each morning.  Each room also has a free-standing desk making it a great choice for business travel too.

 

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Business Travel

Torburnlea’s central location will suit businessmen and women looking to skip the hotel hustle and bustle and rather enjoy the comfort of a home-away-from-home. The homestead is a 5-minute drive from Nelspruit’s town centre and offers easy access from the N4 highway. It is a 25-minute drive from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and transportation can be arranged on request. The homestead is also available for small corporate groups, and special dinners and day trips to the Kruger National Park and other iconic attractions can be weaved into your executive getaway.

To Book

WEBSITE:  www.torburnlea.co.za  |  EMAIL: [email protected] | TELEPHONE: +27 (0) 13 007 0241 or +27 (0) 72 884 8872  | Online Bookings here

You are also welcome to contact Andrew directly on +27 (0) 82 221 4177 or Kim on +27 (0) 72 782 6282.

 

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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