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Jock Safari Lodge Accommodation Kruger National Park SANParks

Jock Safari Lodge

The book Jock of the Bushveld tells the classic tale of Jock, a brave Staffordshire terrier, who accompanied his owner, Sir Percy FitzPatrick on journeys through the African wilderness, exploring the land in search of routes to be used by transport riders at the end of the 18th century. This legendary and well-loved pet has become world-famous and inspired many with stories of his courage and the love between a man and his best friend.

This 6 000 hectare area was the first of the private concessions allowed in Kruger National Park. To commemorate Jock and the brave explorers of old and celebrate the lavish luxury of the colonial era, Jock Safari Lodge offers exceptional accommodation in an intimate and exclusive setting on the tracks of history. With a choice between private suites at the Main Jock Lodge or the facilities for exclusive use by a group of friends or family at Fitzpatrick’s Lodge at Jock, an authentic safari awaits guests staying at Jock Safari Lodge.


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Jock Safari Lodge Camping and Room Prices

Rates are per night and exclude 1% community fund which will be added when booking.

Jock Safari Lodge Prices: 01 Jan 2024 - 31 Oct 2025

Accommodation Type Prices
Room Please Enquire


Accommodation Options

The Main Jock Lodge consists of twelve individual thatched suites, offering privacy to couples in en-suite facilities. Afternoon high tea and all meals are provided and two daily game drives as well as guided wilderness walks are included.

FitzPatrick’s at Jock is a stylish private villa, accommodating small groups of friends or family on an exclusive-use basis. A private chef, private guide and safari vehicle is provided to ensure guests enjoy a restful but exciting experience.

Main Jock Lodge Fitzpatrick’s at Jock

Main Jock Lodge

Twelve free standing, private and air-conditioned units provide accommodation for a maximum of 2 persons each. The en-suite bathroom of each unit has an outdoor shower and a hairdryer and toiletries are provided.

Each of the thatched units have a private deck and plunge pool as well as a day bed overlooking the river. A private minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, a ceiling fan and a careful selection of books add to the luxury and comfort of guests.

Main Jock Lodge Room Facilities

  • King-size bed accommodating 2 adults per room
  • Air-conditioning
  • En-suite bathroom with outdoor shower
  • Private minibar
  • Ceiling fan
  • Hairdryer
  • Personally selected books
  • Electronic safe
  • Tea/coffee making facilities
  • Private plunge pool and private deck
  • Outdoor day bed overlooking the river

Fitzpatrick’s at Jock

The luxurious villa, Fitzpatrick’s at Jock, is available for exclusive use by a small group of friends or family for an intimate experience in the bush. A private chef, game drive vehicle and dedicated, professional guide is at your service and all meals are prepared at the villa.

Three suites are available of which two can accommodate 2 adults with 2 children. The third suite provides accommodation to a maximum of 2 adults. En-suite bathrooms offer privacy and an outdoor shower.

Fitzpatrick at Jock Facilities

  • 3 Luxury suites accommodating either 2 adults with 2 children or 2 adults only
  • Air-conditioning
  • En-suite bathroom with outdoor shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Tea/coffee making facilities
  • Electronic safe
  • Ceiling fan
  • Private plunge pool
  • Private decks
  • Private minibar
  • Lounge with fireplace
  • Family friendly facilities
  • Television
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Private safari vehicle with professional, dedicated guide
  • Private chef to prepare all meals
  • Two game drives per day included
  • On-drive snacks and drinks provided
  • Guided wilderness walks included
  • All meals and afternoon high tea provided
  • A selection of house beverages
  • Full private staff compliment

Jock Safari Lodge Photos



Where guests staying at the Main Jock Lodge share some facilities with other guests, the group staying at Fitzpatrick’s at Jock enjoy exclusive use of the facilities at the private villa.

Swimming pools, indoor and outdoor dining facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi and a library with a television and DVD player add to the comfort of guests. A relaxation retreat with a sauna and exercise room as well as a gift boutique is available.

Facilities

  • Relaxation Retreat with sauna and exercise room
  • Gift Boutique
  • Child minding services
  • Indoor and outdoor dining facilities
  • Library with television and DVD player
  • Swimming pool with deck
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

A variety of facilities are provided at all the Main Rest Camps while amenities at the satellite camps are more basic and limited.

List of facilities:

Banks:

  • Skukuza (open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning)

ATM’s:

  • Skukuza

Conference venues:

  • Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
  • Skukuza Rest Camp: Goldfields Auditorium
  • Skukuza Rest Camp: Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre

Fuel stations:

  • Petrol and diesel are available at all major camps
  • Fuel stations accept legitimate petrol/fuel/garage cards, any VISA/MasterCard cards or cash as a form of payment

Picnic sites:

  • Most main rest camps have an area set aside for picnics and day visitors
  • Toilets and barbecue facilities (Cadac-gas skottel braai) are provided at all sites, while some have a tuck shop where snacks, soft drinks and wood may be purchased
  • Gas skottel braais (mobile frying pans on stands) can be hired at most of the picnic sites
Location of picnic sites operated by SANParks
  • Marula Region (Between Crocodile and Sabie Rivers)
    • Skukuza - downstream from the main camp, there is a swimming pool and small shop.
    • Afsaal – located on H3 between Skukuza and Malelane – has a small shop.
    • Nkuhlu – located on H4-1 between Skukuza and Lower Sabie on the banks of the Sabie River – has a small shop.
    • Albasini Ruins – next to Phabeni Gate at the start of the S1 there is a rudimentary picnic site with no gas – toilet facilities are at the nearby gate – hosts a historic display.
  • Nkayeni Region (Between Sabie and Olifants Rivers)
    • Mlondozi – located off S29 overlooking Mlondozi Dam, approximately 15 km from Lower Sabie.
    • Tshokwane – on the H1-3 approximately midway between Skukuza and Satara and between Lower Sabie and Satara – has a small shop.
    • Nhlanguleni – on the S36 approximately midway between Skukuza and Orpen.
    • Muzandzeni – near the junction of the S36 and S126 about 30 km from Satara.
    • N’wanetsi – at the end of the H6 some 25 km from Satara – hosts a spectacular lookout point.
    • Timbavati – near the junction of the S40 and S127, on the banks of the Timbavati River – a large baobab tree is nearby, as is the Ratel Pan Hide.
Picnic sites operated by concessions
  • Tshokwane

    Ideally situated between Skukuza and Satara and offers food and refreshments. Gas Skottel Braai are available for hire and you can stock up on all the items that you forgot to bring.

  • Nkuhlu

    Located on the banks of the Sabie River. In the shop on site, you can eat, drink or shop for curios and skottel braais are available in addition to a delicious full snack menu.

Restaurants Per Camp

Restaurants are available at all the Main Rest Camps. Boma Braais and Bush Braais are offered by some of the restaurants. This is a traditional South African barbecue offering three meats and a selection of salads and freshly baked breads.

  • Berg-en-Dal
    • Tindlovu Restaurant
    • Operating times: 07:00 to 21:00
    • Boma Braai offered
    • Bush Braai offered
  • Lower Sabie
    • Mugg & Bean
    • Operating times: 07:00 to 21:00
    • Boma Braai offered
    • Bush Braai offered
  • Skukuza
    • Cattle Baron Grill & Bistro
    • Operating Times: Breakfast: 07:00 – 11:00 || Lunch & Dinner: 12:00 – 22:00
    • Boma Braai offered
    • Bush Braai offered

The Kruger Station

The Lifestyle Centre along the historical Selati Railway line at Skukuza Camp, is centred around the station’s past and pays homage to a significant piece of history. The following facilities are offered at the Kruger Station:

  • 3638 Restaurant – family friendly eatery
  • Round in 9 Bar – fully serviced bar
  • Departing Soon Café – for ice cream and coffee
  • En Route Grab ‘n Go – deli for quick bites on the run
  • Li’l Gricers – safe and semi-shaded play area for kids
  • Curiosity Cabinet - curio shop
  • Kruger 360 Degree Cinema – awe-inspiring circular cinema with hourly shows from 9:00 to 20:00
  • Events venue – exceptional events and group get-togethers

Shopping

  • Retail facilities offering curios and basic provisions are available in all the park’s main rest camps
  • The larger camps have a better selection of stock
  • The bushveld and satellite camps have no restaurant or shop facilities

Skukuza Indigenous Plant Nursery

  • Collection of trees, shrubs and succulents that occurs within the Kruger National Park and surrounds
  • The nursery only uses locally collected seeds and plant material for both nursery stock and research purposes
  • Visitors are welcome to browse through the nursery and see the variety of indigenous and mainly endemic plants to the Kruger National Park and surrounds
  • With the exception of cycads, all seed is collected in the Park and sent to the nursery for drying and cultivation
  • Satellite nurseries in Pretoriuskop, Malelane Gate and Letaba

Morning and evening game drives, conducted by experienced and knowledgeable guides, are included in the luxuries offered at Jock Safari Lodge. Wilderness walks can be undertaken to learn about the diversity of fauna and flora in this unique concession area. The Leopard Creek Golf Course is situated just outside the Malelane Gate of the Kruger Park and is close enough for guests at Jock to be able to enjoy a round of golf at this world-famous golf course.

List of Activities

  • Pilgrims Rest Retreat

    Offers an escape to enjoy some pampering and rejuvenate body, mind, and soul.

  • Eco-Explorer Activities (offered by the host and/or ranger):
    • Complimentary child minding
    • Children ages 5 years and younger are restricted to drives within the Jock concession.
    • Children aged 6 years and older are permitted on regular game drives.
  • Outdoor Activities
    • Visit the Stevenson Hamilton Museum in Skukuza
    • On route to and from Skukuza, guests will enjoy a game drive (in a closed vehicle) with stops at all lookout points to enjoy refreshments.
    • Junior ranger training during kiddies’ drives
    • Night walk within the camp
  • Arts, Crafts and Games
    • Play dough session
    • Mini Chef’s activities
    • Arts and crafts
    • Puzzles of varying sizes and difficulties
    • A selection of entertaining and educational children’s books
    • A variety of fun board games

Special Notes

  • All swimming activities must be supervised by parents at all times.
  • Additional child minding is provided by lodge staff and can be arranged with reservations prior to arrival at an additional cost.
  • Please ensure all children bring good walking shoes, a large hat, sunscreen, and any necessary medication for allergies.

Children Staying at Jock

Main Jock accommodates families with children from 6 years and older on the following basis:

  • Applicable adult rate(s) will apply to children of all ages.
  • A private vehicle must be reserved for the sole use of the family, with a daily surcharge applicable for private vehicle use.

List of Activities offered in close proximity to Jock Safari Lodge

4x4 Trails

The guided 4×4 trails allow visitors to get off the beaten track and explore territories of the park that are rarely seen. It is essential to travel with a 4×4 vehicle to minimise environmental damage and some of the trails have dongas or riverbeds that would make normal vehicles unfit for these trails, especially during the wet season. These trails serve as the gateway to a real wilderness experience in the park.

  • Knowledgeable and professional trail guide will lead the trail and provide the necessary interpretation en route
  • Please always take great care, especially when alighting from vehicles, and be aware of potential dangers
  • The trails are self-drive in own 4×4 vehicles and undertaken at one’s own risk
  • Only 4×4 vehicles with proper 4×4 trailers or caravans are allowed
  • The routes may be closed completely after heavy rains
  • Participants should note that there are no or very limited facilities along the routes
  • Participants are requested to take a GPS along
  • The Kruger National Park is a malaria area and participants must take the necessary precautions
  • Self-catering – visitors must be self-sufficient regarding food provisions, tents and camping gear, sufficient supply of water, firewood and food
  • Only 5 vehicles plus the guide vehicle are allowed on the trail at any one time
  • A maximum of 4 persons are allowed per vehicle
  • No children under 12 years unless arranged prior to departure

Mananga 4x4 Adventure Trail

  • 48 kilometres
  • One day trail
  • Maximum of six (6) vehicles per day

4x4 Eco Trails

  • Operational during the dry season from 1 March to 30 November
  • Overnight sites have a fireplace, enviro-friendly toilets and a shower for which water is heated on a fire
Lebombo 4x4 Eco Trail
  • 500 kilometres
  • Four days and three nights
  • Departs from Crocodile Bridge every Sunday and ends at Pafuri every Thursday

AM Spa Kruger

The world-class spa facility is situated in the heart of the Kruger National Park at Skukuza and captures the stillness of the bush, punctuated by birdsong and the rustle of leaves.

  • Indoor and outdoor treatment areas
  • Steam room
  • Massages
  • Skin care
  • Body treatments
  • Grooming
  • Waxing
  • Hand and feet treatments
  • Specialised treatments for children aged between 2 and 12

Guided Walks

Most of the rest camps in Kruger offer guests the opportunity to take part in daily early morning and afternoon guided walks. Professional, experienced and armed field guides take groups of up to eight persons out of the camp’s boundaries to explore the surrounding wilderness areas on foot.

Ensuring the safety of the guests, these guides share their knowledge of the fauna and flora and to explain natural wonders, enriching their knowledge of the African bush and wildlife.

The walks are informative and relaxed and don’t take longer than a few hours, focussing on the things not easily seen from a vehicle. Being out on foot, an area is covered more intensely and guests are able to experience nature using all their senses. Large game in the area offers the possibility of encounters and the exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.

  • Two armed, professional and knowledgeable field guides per group
  • Maximum 8 persons per group
  • No children under 12 years of age allowed
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Wear clothing in natural colours which are applicable to the prevailing weather conditions
  • Bring along cameras and binoculars

Backpacking Trails

Several guided backpacking trails are conducted in the large wilderness areas, giving guests access to experience the park without constraints of a prescribed route. Stretching over a few days and nights the trails have no facilities and guests must carry their own equipment, food and water with them.

  • The trail leader to decide when and where to camp and how far and which route to follow
  • 4 days and 3 nights
  • Depart every Wednesday and finish on Sunday
  • From 1 February to 30 November
  • Two experienced Trails Rangers lead the group
  • Minimum 4 persons, maximum of 8 persons
  • No overnight huts or facilities available
  • Provide and carry own camping equipment, food and water and/or chlorine purification tablets
  • Participants must bring tents and sleep in them every night
  • Participants responsible for setting up their own tents and for cooking their own food
  • Participants advised to bring gas stoves for cooking
  • Fires lit for social and safety reasons – not for cooking of meals
  • No rubbish bins or toilets are provided
  • Trail operates on strictly “take it in, take it out” basis
  • Strictly adheres to a “no trace camping” ethic
  • Use only biodegradable soaps and detergents
  • 10 to 15 kilometres are travelled each day, carrying a heavy backpack
  • Reasonable amount of fitness required
  • Medical certificate required to proof fitness and health
  • Bring own first aid supplies and general/prescription medicine

Great Limpopo Park Transfrontier Trails

The combination of the Parque Nacional do Limpopo, Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park forms the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, covering a total of 3.7 million hectares.

This is one of the largest wilderness conservation areas in the world and provides the perfect opportunity for an adventure without boundaries which can be explored on a wilderness experience.

This exciting adventure destination is accessed from South Africa through border posts in Kruger located at Giriyondo, north of Letaba, or Pafuri in the north-east at Crook’s Corner. Access from Moçambique is via the Massingir dam in the south or Mapai in the east.

Birding

More than 500 different bird species have a home in Kruger National Park, some of them not to be found anywhere else in South Africa.

Numerous water points make for excellent birdwatching, while there are eleven bird/game-viewing hides in some of the camps and picnic sites in the park. Several more are earmarked for construction when sufficient funds become available.

Most species breed in summer when rains sustain most vegetation and food, but the larger birds of prey conversely breed during the dry winter, when their prey is most exposed.

Out of the 507 species of birds found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 are nomads.

Some of the larger birds require large territories or are sensitive to habitat degradation. Six of these birds, which are basically restricted to Kruger and other extensive conservation areas, have been assigned to a fanciful grouping called the "Big Six Birds".

Birding Hides

Bird hides are wooden shelters that overlook a natural dam or river. A fenced walkway with a door leads visitors from the parking area to the hide.

The structure is almost entirely enclosed, allowing a viewing gap with seats running along the opening from where the scene outside can be enjoyed. Identification posters and information on birds found in the area are displayed on the walls.

Some of these hides are in camps, and some are situated in an area where wildlife roams free. Keep this in mind when exiting a vehicle to enter the bird hide.

This list excludes in-camp hides that are in selected camps such as at Bateleur, Punda Maria, Sirheni, Talamati, Tamboti and private hides at Letaba for residents of Fish Eagle Guest House and at Shingwedzi for Rentmeester Guest House.

  • Nthandanyathi - Located on the S28 southeast of Lower Sabie just north of the junction with the S137
  • Gardenia - Located on the S25, S119 junction near Malelane
  • Lake Panic - Located on the S42 near Skukuza on the road to the Nursery

Game Drives

Kruger’s game drives are for guests who want to get closer to the wild side of nature and experience the Park’s animals up close.

Game Drives are offered at most of the rest camps and information is available and reservations can be made at reception at the camp.

Guests are transported in open vehicles and an experienced guide interprets the natural bush and offers insight into the ways of the Kruger Park. The duration of the Game Drives are approximately 3 hours.

  • Morning Drives

    Morning drives leave half an hour before official gate opening times, which vary according to the time of year, which means you will be the only guests driving around at that time. On the morning drive you will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the Kruger National Park and watch the sunrise over unspoilt bush.

  • Sunset Drives

    These drives leave the camp before dusk and return after sunset. Look out for grazers in the cool afternoon and predators starting their nightly hunts. Sunset is a time when night animals emerge and a drive during this period is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of the bush as it changes from day to night. Learn about fauna and flora from our expert guides and return to camp with a spot-lit night drive.

  • Night Drives

    The only way to see nocturnal animals is by joining a night drive, which departs at either 19:30 or 20:00, depending on the time of year. These outings last for around two hours. Experienced and knowledgeable guides enlighten guests on these creatures of the night and their secretive activities. It is also a wonderful opportunity to view the star-filled Southern sky away from city lights.

  • All-Day Drives

    Depending on availability, guests may book a game drive vehicle and driver for the entire day. Trained officials take visitors to sections of the park that are usually inaccessible to tourists.

Bush Braais & Breakfasts

A Bush Braai is an unforgettable experience not to be missed. A game drive leads you to an open area where burning lanterns and fires provide guests with the opportunity to listen to the sounds of the bushveld and the distant animals calling, while the food is grilled on open fires. A variety of game meat and sausages is on offer, accompanied by delicious vegetables and a variety of salads. Freshly prepared desserts and coffee or tea complete the delightful meal. A cash bar facility is available.

Two types of bush braais (barbecues) are offered:

  • Standard Bush Braai
    • Departs in the afternoon with an hour-long game drive to the site
    • Arrive at the site where the meal is in the process of preparation, not exceeding 2 hours
    • Guests are briefed on safety, toilet routine and how to conduct themselves
    • During the whole event at the site, the guide will host and be in control of guests while leading discussions and answering questions
    • Return game drive of about 30 minutes combined with night game viewing
  • Ad-hoc Bush Braai
    • This option is provided on request
    • Additional resources need to be obtained, e.g. guides, vehicles and rifles
    • Booking is for one group who negotiate terms (price and programme)
    • The costing and pricing would need to be well planned and in consultation with the manager
    • Elements included will be transport costs and hiring of additional staff
    • The price quoted will include the drive to the venue

Golf Course at Leopard Creek

Free transfers are offered to Leopard Creek Golf Course, which is located outside Kruger Park at the Malelane Entrance Gate.

Golf Course at Skukuza

Skukuza, the main rest camp of the Kruger National Park, has the wildest golf course in the world!

  • 9-hole (18-tee) course
  • Par 72
  • 5950m (6450 yards) for men
  • 5059m (5480 yards) for women
  • Course is not fenced-in
  • Uninvited spectators are a common sight
  • Offers the pleasure of challenge and adventure
  • Water at #2, Par 3 on the left and to the back of the green
  • Hole #9, Par 3 of about 150m is played across Lake Panic
  • Harmonious close-to-nature golfing experience

Wilderness Trails

Staying in a rustic, primitive camp and experiencing the African bush on foot is an experience unparalleled by any other, bringing guests closer to the ultimate wilderness and wildlife destinations on the African continent.

Driving around in an open game drive vehicle and staying in a luxury lodge is not necessarily an authentic experience. Wildness, remoteness, tranquillity, peace and to top it all: no other people, is offered to the more adventurous tourist!

  • 4 huts, accommodating 2 people each
  • On site ablutions
  • Maximum of 8 hikers per group
  • Limited accommodation available
  • Guests to share accommodation if groups share the booking
  • Bushmans
    • Nearest rest camp: Berg-en-Dal
    • Nearest entrance gate: Malelane
    • Situated in the southwestern corner of KNP
    • Bushman paintings are a big attraction
    • Other cultural and historical sites
    • Trialists are educated on San (Bushman) culture and their art
  • Wolhuter
    • Nearest rest camp: Berg-en-Dal
    • Nearest entrance gate: Malelane
    • The first of all the wilderness trails
    • Situated between Berg-en-Dal, Ship Mountain and Afsaal picnic site
    • Named after one of the first rangers in the Sabie Game Reserve which was established in 1902
    • Spectacularly scenic wilderness area
    • Far removed from the boundaries of the Kruger National Park
    • Evidence of Bushmen and stone and iron age people can be found
    • Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld frequently travelled in this area

Well over 255 recorded archaeological sites - ranging from early Stone Age, roughly 1 million years ago, to various Iron Age settlements and recent historical buildings - hold cultural and spiritual importance, while others reveal an exciting and romantic history of the area.

List Of Things To See

Cultural sites that are currently open to the public are:

  • Albasini Ruins

    The 19th century trading post of the famous Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini is found at the new Phabeni Gate, 10 km from Hazyview.

There are 336 tree species in the park of which 17 are protected trees.

Wildlife

With an estimated 1 500 lions, 17 000 elephants, 48 000 buffalo, 1 000 leopards and just over 2 000 rhinos inhabiting the Kruger National Park, sighting the “Big Five” is very possible when doing game drives.

Even though it should not be a prerequisite on a safari and sightings of specific animals absolutely happen on the luck of the draw, these animals are a huge attraction to visitors.

Kruger is one of the premier game-watching destinations in the world. Approximately 147 mammal species occur in the park. It is possible to see all the classical African big game, including elephant, black and white rhino, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species. Large carnivores include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena. There are also many smaller mammals which are equally enticing.

Something else that became an attraction to wildlife viewing, is a group of insects known as the “Small Five”. This group includes the Elephant Shrew, Ant Lion, Rhinoceros Beetle, Buffalo Weaver and Leopard Tortoise.

Kruger National Park also supports packs of the endangered African wild dog, of which there are thought to be only about 400 left in the whole of South Africa.

Birds

More than 500 different bird species have a home in Kruger National Park, some of them not to be found anywhere else in South Africa. Numerous water points make for excellent birdwatching, while there are eleven bird/game-viewing hides in some of the camps and picnic sites in the park.

Other vertebrates

The Kruger Park is inhabited by 114 species of reptiles, including black mambas, African rock pythons, and 3,000 Nile crocodiles 34 species of amphibians are found in the park, as well as 49 fish species. A Zambezi shark, Carcharhinus leucas, also known as the bull shark, was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in July 1950. Zambezi sharks tolerate fresh water and can travel far up rivers like the Limpopo.

Invertebrates

219 species of butterfly and skipper are native to the park. The fastest and most robust of these belong to the genus Charaxes, of which 12 species have been recorded. Genera Papilio and Acraea are also well-represented, with about 10 and 15 species respectively. The total number of Lepidoptera species in the park is unknown but could be in the order of 7,000, many of which range widely in African savanna.


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