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.

Jock Safari Lodge is situated in the southern area of the world famous Kruger National Park in South Africa, half way between Skukuza and Malelane gates.

Main Jock

Twelve individual thatched Suites, screened by lush trees & reed walls, offer Guests utmost luxurious privacy, creating a unique experience of gracious Old World Elegance surrounded by unspoilt Wilderness.

All 12 Rooms can sleep a maximum of 2 Adults per Room and can be made up as king or twin bedded rooms.

Room Features:

Air Conditioning
Private Minibar
Hairdryer
Tea & Coffee making Facilities
Private Plunge Pool
Ball & Claw bath on private deck
International Dial Telephone
Electronic Safe
Ceiling Fan
En-Suite Bathroom, with Outdoor Shower
Sala (Outdoor Day Bed) overlooking the River

LODGE FACILITIES
Relaxation Retreat with steam room and exercise room
Gift boutique
Indoor and outdoor dining facilities
Library with TV, DVD player and complimentary wi-fi
Heated pool with deck

Property Facilities

24-hour Security

Bar

Business Centre

Gym

Internet Access (Complimentary)

Kiddies Club

Library

Mobile Connectivity

Pool

Private Vehicle Available

Restaurant

Secure Parking

Spa

TV Room

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning

Balcony / Deck

Bath

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Dressing Gowns

En-Suite

Fan

Hair Dryer

Laundry Service (Available)

Lounge Area

Mini Bar

Mini Bar (Complimentary)

Mosquito Nets

Outside Shower

Plunge Pool

Private Pool / Jacuzzi

Safe

Sala

Shower

Tea / Coffee

Verandah

ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

Whether you’re looking for an exhilarating outdoor adventure or relaxing quality time with loved ones, Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park has something for you.

The lodge with 6 000 hectares of natural landscape offers guests one of the best Big 5 game viewing experiences in South Africa with its exclusive riverbed traversing rights.

Safari Activities Available

• Game drives and Wilderness Walks
• Pilgrims Rest Retreat
• Fauna & Flora
• Birdwatching
• Kids on Safari
• Golf at Leopard Creek

Programme of Events

The following times are only an indication and approximate as these may vary according to seasons and weather conditions.

Both lodges operate independently, each with a full staff compliment, chef and host. Dinner alternates between the in and outdoor facilities, weather permitting.

We suggest that guests arrive in time for lunch on their day of arrival as not to miss out on any game drives during their stay.

Please check with reception to reconfirm your transfers / flight departure times. Due to the rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park, nobody is allowed on any Kruger National Park (KNP) roads during the period of gates being closed. Therefore, guest must be at their destination by the time gates close.

Times vary slightly from season to season

• 04h30 / 05h30 Wake up call
• 05h00 / 06h00 Early morning refreshments served
• 05h15 / 06h15 Depart for morning game drive
• 09h00 A continental breakfast buffet and (plated)
• hot breakfast is served
• 11h00 Requested check-out time
• 12h00 Lunch is served until 14h30
• 13h00 / 14h00 Recommended arrival time
• 15h00 / 15h30 Afternoon tea
• 15h30 / 16h00 Depart for afternoon game drive
• 20h00 Pre dinner drinks
• 20h30 Set menu or Braai/Barbeque dinner is served – every alternate night

GETTING TO JOCK  SAFARI LODGE FROM JOHANNESBURG

BY ROAD

The lodge is approximately 458km (284.6 miles) from Johannesburg

From Johannesburg you take the N12 to Witbank. This becomes the N4

Follow the N4 through Nelspruit and Malelane until you see the Malelane Gate, Kruger Park sign, where you turn left

Once inside the park continue straight on the H3 road for 37km

Turn left at the “Jock Safari Lodge” sign onto a dirt road (3 km)

The camp is roughly halfway (29km) between Skukuza and Malelane gates. Nobody is allowed to drive on the roads between gate closure times, so please arrive before the gate closure times.

BY AIR

Jock Safari Lodge does not have an airfield

Daily flights are available to and from Nelspruit and Skukuza Airport

Road transfer to and from airport to Jock Safari Lodge can be arranged as per below details

AIRPORT PICK UPS

Jock Safari Lodge the main lodge to Fitzpatrick Lodge offers road transfers to and from Skukuza airport in open game drive vehicles, by a qualified ranger. Upon collection from the airport the adventure begins and refreshments will be served on the journey to the lodge.

Transfers can be booked directly with our Reservations department at a cost of ZAR 650.00 per person, per way. All transfers must be pre-arranged, and paid to Jock Safari Lodge.

PARK FEES

Guest are liable to pay the Daily Conservation Fees as per the tabulated details below on arrival in the park. (Jock will happily settle this fee on your behalf, and conveniently add it to your room account.)

1 NOVERMBER 2020 to 31 OCTOBER 2021 PARK FEES

South African citizens and Residents (with ID) 

R105 per adult, per day

R52 per child, per day aged between 2-11 years

SADC Nationals (with passport)

R210 per adult, per day

R105 per child, per day aged between 2-11 years

Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors)      

R424 per adult, per day

R212 per child, per day aged between 2-11 years

1 NOVERMBER 2021 to 31 OCTOBER 2022 PARK FEES

South African citizens and Residents (with ID)

R110 per adult, per day R55 per child, per day aged between 2-11 years

SADC Nationals (with passport)

R220 per adult, per day

R110 per child, per day aged between 2-11 years

Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors)      

R440 per adult, per day

R220 per child, per day aged between 2-11 years

With the Skukuza Airport fully operational it will ensure less time travelling for guests as it is only a 1-hour road transfer from the airport to Jock Safari Lodge, whereas the KMIA is 2 hours. Not only it is a cost effective way to travel, but guests also experience the incredible game viewing from the time they land inside the Kruger National Park.

FLIGHT DETAILS

FLIGHTS CAN BE BOOKED THROUGH AIRLINK

Airlink operates daily direct convenient flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza as well as between Cape Town and Skukuza.

Cape Town (CPT)/ Skukuza(SZK)

               Flight #      From       To            Depart     Arrive      Mon   Tue    Wed   Thu     Fri     Sat     Sun                                         Operated

                SA8651    CPT         SZK        10h35      13h05      Daily flight                                                 

                SA8652    SZK         CPT         11h20      13h55      Daily flight                                                

                OPERATOR AIRLINK

Johannesburg (JNB)/ Skukuza (SZK)

               Flight #       From       To            Depart     Arrive   Mon    Tue    Wed    Thu    Fri      Sat   Sun                                           Operated

                SA8861    JNB          SZK          10h00      10h50      Daily flight             

                SA8865    JNB          SZK          13h20      14h10      Daily flight             

                SA8862    SZK          JNB          13h30      14h35      Daily flight             

                SA8866    SZK          JNB          14h50      15h35      Daily flight

                OPERATOR AIRLINK

Please note that the flights must be booked by guests or agents directly as Jock Safari Lodge is unable to book flights on their behalf.

Entering Kruger National Park

The camp is situated half way between Skukuza and Malelane gates approximately 29 km in both directions with only 3 km of dirt road. Due to the rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park, nobody is allowed on any Kruger National Park roads during the period of gates being closed. Therefore, guests must be at their destination by the time the gates close.

Kruger Park Entrance

Please note that all adults 18 years and older are required to produce a valid passport or South African Identity Document upon entry to the Kruger National Park. A once-off fee is payable in cash upon entering the Kruger National Park. Please ensure to have your accommodation confirmation at hand to ensure entry at the correct price. This fee is subject to change without prior notice and can therefore be obtained upon request from your Safari Expert.

Park times

WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK A PRIVATE CONCESSION WHEN VISITING KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Jock Safari Lodge is an exclusive private concession. With us, you can enjoy the following:

• Guests have exclusive access to 6,000 ha of rugged bushveld in a game intensive area.
• Without the rush or pressures from large volumes of vehicles, our guests can spend quality time at a sighting without being rushed off.
• Guided walking safaris through the Kruger veld with a specialist guide.
• An extensive road network allowing access into the far reaching corners that would otherwise not be available.
• Jock is the only concession permitted to traverse in the dry river beds, offering 23 kilometres of additional traversing terrain.

YOUR STAY AT THE LODGE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING :

( iNCLUED IN THE RATES )

• Two daily game drives

• Guided wilderness walks

• All meals and all non-alcoholic beverages

• Game drive beverages

• VAT and Tourism Levy

• Excludes SANParks Conservation Levy

BONUS EXTRAS 

• Unique sleep out option on private deck

• Alternative unique dining experiences

• Complimentary and unlimited WiFi

• In room dining options served to your deck

Jock Safari Lodge: The legend

Jock Safari Lodge offers a unique, fascinating history – and legend – that really sets it apart from all the other luxury safari lodges out there. Named for Jock of the Bushveld, a rather special dog with a firm grip on South Africans’ hearts and the country’s literary history, Jock Safari Lodge was started by the Niven family, descendants of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick – and owner of Jock.

Fitz was first lured to this place in 1884 by the promise of gold. On his way to Thula Mela, the gold trading centre of Southern Africa, he passed through some of Africa’s most scenic, untamed wilderness. And it was this place, where Jock Safari Lodge now stands, which kept him here.

Along the way, Fitz acquired his dog Jock, who would accompany him through life, and many an escapade, in a place where adventure lives around every corner. (You can read all about their adventures in the book authored by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, entitled ‘Jock of the Bushveld’. Original mementoes from Fitz and Jock’s many escapades are also on display at the Main Lodge.) Today, thanks to the Niven family, who used the trust funds Sir Fitzpatrick left to them to build a lodge in the area close to where Fitz and Jock lived their dreams, you can experience some of that adventure yourself.